Transmission Fluid - When to Check

[InfamousCruiser]

Hello....just looking for a little help on a question as I continue to take care of my wife's 07 Cruiser... when is the best time to check the transmission fluid - I have read articles (general articles, not specific to this model/make car) about checking when the engine is off, when it's on, or when it's been running but is off when you check. When is the best time to check the level? When it's off, on, or has been running? I know the dipstick has cold/hot levels, but even with those to go by, is there a general consensus? Thank you for any help anyone can or would be willing to provide.

[rckstein]

This is a very good question, because when I've checked my PT when cold, it shows that it may be a little overfilled. But then when I check it after it has reached operating temp, with the engine running (per the owner's manual) the level shows fine, within the correct marks. The only issue it may have when cold, because of where I park, it may not be level, and that could be the difference.

[JonN]

I've always been told by many to check when the engine is warm, so that's what I do. There is a marking on the dipstick called "hot" and the level should lie there.

[VsandFords]

[IMG][/IMG]

Straight from my 2001 owners manual.

[VsandFords]

[IMG][/IMG]

Following page.

[InfamousCruiser]

Wow, thanks for all the replies - of course, I should've looked it up in the manual, but for me, that means a pdf downloaded from the internet, as I don't actually have the book any longer for the car...so thanks very much for the screen shot of the pages. No doubt that will be a huge help.....

[InfamousCruiser]

Again, thanks.... I was able to get a much more accurate read than I was getting before. This explains why when I've checked it in the past, it seemed one way, and when I took it to our mechanic, he told me he got a completely different read, though at the time, I should've just asked then why that was... I was flat out doing it wrong. The more you know. Thanks again.