Summers22

iTrader: (2)

I had it at perfectly level, in neutral, warmed up on level ground, and the hard downshifts and clunk started. I slightly overfilled, according to the dipstick anyway, and all that went away. I guess my question is, do I trust the dipstick and the level it shows and live with the hard downshifts and clunk, or slightly overfill (according to the dipstick) and drive with a smooth shifting transmission? I think I know which one I will pick, lol.

sdmartin65

Hate to rag the point but Ford/GM trans are checked in park, fluid flows in park and will drop the level down. Fluid also flows in gear but that's not a safe way to check it. When checking in nuetral no fluid is flowing and the level rises. I'd bet if you re check your trans in park fluid level will be good or even a little low. Chrysler uses neutral trans check.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

^^^Appreciated, I did post (#19) that according to my manual, it says to check in Park, which I will from now on. I just fell into the old routine of checking in Neutral.

vintageman

Once you figure out when the fluid is correct, may scratch or cut a little mark that will be a good reference on the dipstick, that will definitely help out in the future and also the next owner if you ever sell the truck. Glad you are figuring this out, I will remember this thread when I do my trans fluid change.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

So I drove home from work tonight and checked my fluid level. Temp was 148 degrees and I cycled it through all the gears and checked it in Park. My fluid level was barely to the full mark so I added about 1/4 quart and it is maybe 1/16th of an inch above full. Took it for a drive and it still shifted perfect and smooth. Came back home and it was dang near perfect (in Park), but just for fun, I checked it in Neutral, and it was almost 1" over full. Moral of the story: Check it in Park as the manual states. My mind is now at ease.

vintageman

Good job and good to know. Thanks

tcruz0004

Thanks to all of the information provided by everyone on this thread so far. I am in a similar circumstance and seeking advice.

I have a 2006 SCREW with a 5.4L 4X4. Transmission model is 4R75E. My fluid level shows approx 1/2 inch above the full line after driving 20 miles, stopping, cycling gears slowly, and then checking in park. I think I did see some bubbles on my dipstick last time I checked, but I'm not positive.. My first question is what everyone's level reads when cold. I know it's not a good way to check but its a lot easier than driving 20 miles first.

My transmission works fine - no slips - but was overfilled when I bought the truck. After I did a pan drop and filter change I added 5 quarts and it still reads over full. There was a ton of shavings and the yellow plug in the pan. So, I would like my fluid to be at the correct level. I may open up the pan and let some out because I haven't installed a drain plug yet. I'm planning on buying a ODBII scanner so I can monitor the temp when I tow, and that may provide some more peace of mind while on the road.