Checking the transmission level on a 97 F-150 V-6 I see nothing on the stick. Truck is cold and it does not have plates so I can't drive it to warm up fluid. I do not want to overfill the tranny so how much should I put in to start and how high on the stick should it be cold? To the hash marks? There is a filiter up by the cooler that does no look stock that has a small leak. This truck has not been driven since before Christmas. I know this is a loaded question, just not sure whether the graduations are similar to an oil dip stick.

 

Move truck to level ground and now I can see fluid at the very tip of the stick.

 

Most marks I've seen represent 1 pint between the add and full marks. When the fluid is warm, it will expand, resulting in a higher reading than cold. Perhaps fill until just at the Add mark while cold, then be sure to check and correct when you get a chance to get it fully warmed up. Be sure to use the correct fluid for your tranny.