I am first to admit I am a n00b when it comes to cars... but I am having problems getting a good reading on my atf fluid level. I do what it says in the lil haynes book, start up engine while parking break is on, while the vehicle is on level ground, wait until the engine warms up (750rpm rather than the 1500rpm), then pull the stick out wipe off reinsert, then pull out again for reading...
well i dont get a good line of the actual fluid level, i get a thin amount of fluid all the way to 2" past the F line. (You know like when ya check the oil there is a good solid line to indicate the level, this is just a really thin uneven amount on the stick)
Any help with this?

 

look at both sides of the stick sometimes the bottom side will drag the top side of the stick is the one you want to look at

 

I did. I think its just really low or something, but I dont wanna put more in and then mess up my tranny (if thats not it), not like an auto is that cool, but thats just another expense i dont want right now :p

 

Drain it and put new fluid in...? I have no clue if it's as easy as it is on a 5speed, but if it is...

 

Changing ATF is a pain in the A**. I did it on my AT when I had to replace the drive shaft. You either have to suck pump it out through the filler/check tube, or drain it by removing the pan. If it dosn't look burnt, and hasn't been in there too many miles, don't bother.

As for the level reading; if you're just seeing a small stripe clinging to the edge of the stick, that's just pulled off of the filler tube. you need to add ATF. Pour a little at a time (1/4 to 1/2 Quart) and re-check often. You can do this with the engine off, but the level will drop once you start the engine, and you'll need to add more. The AT on the FC takes alot of fluid, but if your's is still shifting OK, you probably won't need much. From empty, I think it takes 2 gal!

Hope that helps,

James Bong

 

cool thanks