Checking dipsticks...

Topic: Checking dipsticks... (Read 819 times) previous topic - next topic

Checking dipsticks...

March 29, 2006, 08:47:47 PM

I feel stupid asking this sort of question but dipsticks are kind of mysterious. My major question right now is just how reliable is it to use the punched holes in the dipstick as an indicator? After I fixed a fluid leak I filled it up until the top hole retained fluid when I pulled out the dipstick. But even though it took this much fluid to keep that hole filled, there is fluid quite a bit farther up the stick. How much of that do you think can I attribute to splatter?

Checking dipsticks...

Reply #1 – March 29, 2006, 09:13:39 PM

I, too, have found transmission dipsticks just as frustrating. It's difficult to gauge anything from them.
I assume you're checking it in park with the engine running, correct? My only worthwhile technique has been to check it 4 or 5 times in one period. Then I take the average reading on the dipstick. It seems to be more reliable than just checking once.

Checking dipsticks...

Reply #2 – March 29, 2006, 10:04:20 PM

Correct, I always check it in park and running, usually after I come home from work so it's nice and warm. I'll try your technique tomorrow, luckily I already have a rig put together to syphon fluid up through the dipstick tube using one of the engine's vacuum hoses.

Checking dipsticks...

Reply #3 – March 29, 2006, 10:06:50 PM

you should check it w/ the engine at operating temp (or hot),and after adding fluid go in the car with foot on brake, car runing and shift it in all gears a few times to pull the tranny fluid into it.
BUT STILL THEY CAN BE FUNNY