Anyone know how much the high/low cross hatch range represents in terms of fluid?
On my 96 it looks like the previous owner filled it about a half to 3/4 inch above the MAX level. I will probably siphon some out through the dipstick tube with a siphon bulb/hand pump

 

A lot of people buy oil by the gallon. They just throw 3 gallons in instead of 11 quarts. It takes it over the top of the cross hatch. I have done it at times. Don't know how far it went over, it was not much though.

 

I am thinking just a filter change and band adjustment was done which would have only required approximately 7 quarts. However, depending upon the amount that 3/4 inch on the dipstick represents, it could be a lot of fluid or not much. Don't know.

 

I run my trans a little over-the-full-line, but not that much over. I run mine about 1/8th inch over the full mark. That's warmed completely up, parked on level ground and then with emergency brake set, shift through P-R-N-D-2-1 and back up to P and then down to N. Then I get out and check it.

 

Man, am I dumb! I thought engine oil right away. I never run my tranny over the mark. Was told not to by a trusted mechanic that makes his living on transmissions. Said it could start foaming and loose some lube properties in the process. I am not a tranny guy and rely on good advice.

 

The difference between bottom and top hatches isn't very much, a quart at most.
I always measure how much drains and try to put back in the same amount.
I also drill a small hole in both ends of the hatch marks on the tranny and engine dipsticks.
Makes them easier to read especially with clean oils.

 

That is exactly what I discovered. I siphoned out fluid through the dipstick tube. Ended up being about 1 1/2 quart over full beyond the MAX line.
Definately not the easiest to read stick design especially if fluids are clean and the lighting is a bit less than ideal. Those holes in the dipstick are a great idea. Much better visual target area to see.

 

Wasn't my idea, all my tractor dipsticks have holes.
A couple of the engine oil dipsticks have two sets of holes, one set for engine running and one for stopped.

 

in all my years of trans repair i have never seen a trans come apart because of too much fluid. they will blow fluid out the vent and make a mess until it reaches a level it will live with. they will come apart if too low though

 

Yeah, I just figured I would get it right. Back in July when I took a 2,100 mile trip from WA to NV I got off the freeway once after doing about 75 MPH and noticed there were a few drops of fluid on the ground. Has not happened since but thought it may have been due to being overfull