ATF dipsteck level TOO HIGH

[AltaBrig]

Hi Folks

Hoping to get PlainOM and some other gear/drivetrain experts to weigh in. I have 35K miles and just bought some Subaru ATF and the crush washer to do a drain and fill. Stupidly, I have not checked the ATF level until now. I have had it in a dealership 4-5 times for AC warranty and recall issues and each time they checked the ATF box as good.

Well, last night I checked the level hot - way up above the top hash hole. Eight hours later this morning with the fluid cold, the level is still above the HOT top hash hole. It is an awkward dipstick pull, but I checked it probably 5 times hot and 3 cold. I cannot imagine the dip tube having that much residual fluid eight hours later. Is there something I am missing or some trick I need to know? I have changed AT pans, AT filters, and fluid more than once on other vehicles and this high level is a first.

Not happy considering the miles driven and my use of the gears. Fluid doesn't look or smell burnt or dirty.

Not sure if I should take it in to a Dealer or just drain it and start with 2 or 3 quarts on the refill and checking it hot and cold to make sure that it is expanding and contracting within the proper hash holes. I believe that I read that the drain and fill only takes care of 4 of the 10.8 quarts in the AT.

Any advice would be appreciated. I know I should have been on the ATF since day one to set a baseline. Not sure anything can be done except the drain and measured re-fill in steps. Obviously my concern is that the increased pressure may decrease the operation of the tranny and life of the seals.

Been changing my oil since day one and checking its level religiously.

Also bought the proper gasket for the front diff and ready to change the fluid. The 1.5 quart gear oil in the front is at the proper level and appear pristine. Almost, seems a waste of money. The rear is probably in good shape too, but I will change that 75w-90 too. My thinking is an ounce of prevention beats the pound of cure despite my failure to check my AT dip.

Thanks in advance.

[Novablue]

Well I'm not the god PlainOm is but I'll say something anyway. (why not pm him )

I'm going to assume for the moment you know how to check the fluid (level surface, engine hot, select all gears, then check the stick with the engine still running) but from you post it looks like you are saying you just checked the Trans fluid for the first time after 35k miles and it is above the top fill line.

How high above the line is it? If it's like an inch, it might be a problem. If it's only slightly high, it's most likely normal.

[plain OM]

Well, last night I checked the level hot - way up above the top hash hole. Eight hours later this morning with the fluid cold, the level is still above the HOT top hash hole.

It sure shouldn't be above the top mark, at least not by much when fully warmed up.

This is being done with the car on a level surface and the engine running, right?

I have the 4-speed whereas I believe your 3.6 has the 5-speed AT, so there might be some differences. In any event, I found that the most reliable, and repeatable, readings are after the dipstick is pulled out for a short while before inserting it for a measurement. (Remove the dipstick, wipe it down, wait about 30 seconds or more, insert and then remove. There should be a fairly clear demarcation between the ATF and the dry stick. The wait allows fluid in the dipstick tube to run down, thereby avoiding a "smudging" of ATF on the stick that obscures the actual level.)

[plain OM]

A bit of tag-team going on. Hopefully, together we can help.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Once, I gave myself a scare right before a road trip by 'checking' the AT fluid without starting the car. I had about 2 minutes of panic before....DOH! head slap! lol!

I usually move the gear shift through each gear for a few seconds too - then just let it idle..

but that dipstick is terrible at times to get a good reading.

[Novablue]

Originally Posted by plain OM

It sure shouldn't be above the top mark, at least not by much when fully warmed up.

This is being done with the car on a level surface and the engine running, right?

I have the 4-speed whereas I believe your 3.6 has the 5-speed AT, so there might be some differences. In any event, I found that the most reliable, and repeatable, readings are after the dipstick is pulled out for a short while before inserting it for a measurement. (Remove the dipstick, wipe it down, wait about 30 seconds or more, insert and then remove. There should be a fairly clear demarcation between the ATF and the dry stick. The wait allows fluid in the dipstick tube to run down, thereby avoiding a "smudging" of ATF on the stick that obscures the actual level.)

Still way better explanation than mine and a good tip about waiting, I forgot about that. I guess not having a Tanny dipstick is making me rusty!

[tdelker]

Yes, make sure you move through the gears and then return to park and engine running before checking.

A trick I've seen others mention because of the difficulty with checking the actual level of the ATF - Measure the amount of fluid you take out and put exactly that much back in. Assume it was the right amount from the factory and you don't have any leaks.

And don't use your wife's good measuring cups

Tom

[wilsonhp]

Originally Posted by tdelker

And don't use your wife's good measuring cups

Tom

Why not? Is there something I need to know here?

[AltaBrig]

Originally Posted by Novablue

Well I'm not the god PlainOm is but I'll say something anyway. (why not pm him )

I'm going to assume for the moment you know how to check the fluid (level surface, engine hot, select all gears, then check the stick with the engine still running) but from you post it looks like you are saying you just checked the Trans fluid for the first time after 35k miles and it is above the top fill line.

How high above the line is it? If it's like an inch, it might be a problem. If it's only slightly high, it's most likely normal.

About half an inch high. Yes, hot, level, running, check.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Wasn't off color and smelled like fresh AT sauce.

[AltaBrig]

Originally Posted by plain OM

It sure shouldn't be above the top mark, at least not by much when fully warmed up.

This is being done with the car on a level surface and the engine running, right?

I have the 4-speed whereas I believe your 3.6 has the 5-speed AT, so there might be some differences. In any event, I found that the most reliable, and repeatable, readings are after the dipstick is pulled out for a short while before inserting it for a measurement. (Remove the dipstick, wipe it down, wait about 30 seconds or more, insert and then remove. There should be a fairly clear demarcation between the ATF and the dry stick. The wait allows fluid in the dipstick tube to run down, thereby avoiding a "smudging" of ATF on the stick that obscures the actual level.)

On the third or fourth reading I left the stick out for about 3-4 mins. I'll just go ahead and do my drain and fill after work to ease my mind.