Transmission fluid level check after change

[ComputernerdBD]

Hey everyone. I just changed the trans fluid on my truck via the drain plug on the aftermarket Dorman pan I had installed last year. Bit of an issue really from the fiber gasket ripping into pieces to the proper torque spec (I did 14 lb ft and I found out it was 13...) on the plug to the fluid fill.

I only filled it 4 qts and already it was within the hot range with the engine running. After driving it, it was just at the low end of the hot range so I added about 1/3-1/2 a quart and now it appears that it is slightly overfilled at times even on level ground, engine running in park. I have the stepped pan, which should be 5-6 qts. Am I even reading this dipstick right? Is there a trick? The pan was totally empty when I put the plug back in and added fluid and I almost find it hard to believe that just over 4 qts filled it back up. I understand that several quarts are going to be left in the torque converter and a quart or more in the lines, radiator cooler and external cooler, but just does not make sense.

Also the fluid was still in fair condition when I changed it but why does it seem that shift quality has changed with the fluid? Seems a bit smoother one minute, the same weird shifting between (but no slip) 1-2 and 2-3 the next kind of like my 98 Jimmy with new fluid. I change the trans fluid on average every year on both trucks and the filter every other to every third fluid change depending on how bad the winter was, but never has there been an issue found with the filter so maybe I can go longer....

Thanks

 

[AWD V8]

If you check the level soon after pouring fluid down the tube the reading will be higher on the stick than it really is. I usually pour in 4 qts. and then let it idle for about 10 minutes to let the inside of the tube dry out a bit. I shoot for just above the low mark when warm. I like to leave expansion room for the hot fluid.

 

[Tiggerr]

Also hold your brake and run it through all the gears.. Low, drive, rev...etc then check it

 

[djthumper]

If you only drained the pan 4 qts sounds fairly close. But I normally run through the gears.

 

[ComputernerdBD]

If you check the level soon after pouring fluid down the tube the reading will be higher on the stick than it really is. I usually pour in 4 qts. and then let it idle for about 10 minutes to let the inside of the tube dry out a bit. I shoot for just above the low mark when warm. I like to leave expansion room for the hot fluid.

Yea it did in my case, fluid seems to like to hang in the tube for a long time.

Also hold your brake and run it through all the gears.. Low, drive, rev...etc then check it

If you only drained the pan 4 qts sounds fairly close. But I normally run through the gears.

Ok thanks, Yes I only drained what was in the pan without removing it. I did put in 4 and then take it through all the gears to circulate the fluid and it was within hot range. After the drive it was at the low end of the hot range, so I added a bit more and from that point it kept showing a bit overfilled.

I guess I will check it a few more times just to be sure and recheck my drain plug for leaks.... Any other suggestions? Thanks again.

 

[Robbabob]

I've always checked trans fluid in N, not P. Not sure what the difference is.

Good luck!