Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid
04-01-2008 | 08:05 PM
#12
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,665
Likes: 3
From: Hammond Louisiana
Personally I'd go with the neutral reading. I have on every automatic I've owned over the years and no probs yet. Go to a reputable mechanics shop in your area and ask a mechanic there, bet you'll get the same answer. You definately don't want to overfill your tranny, I'd rather run a quart low on tranny fluid than try to run a quart over
But I bet your not running low.
But I bet your not running low.
04-05-2008 | 01:07 PM
#15
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,882
Likes: 172
From: Maine
This is from the factory service manual, 2008 Jeep Wrangler:
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a dipstick to check oil similar to most automatic transmissions. It is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. Place the selector lever in PARK to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. At normal operating temperature (approximately 82° C or 180° F), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid level should be in COLD region at 21° C (70° F) fluid temperature. Adjust fluid level as necessary. Use only MoparŽ ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a dipstick to check oil similar to most automatic transmissions. It is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. Place the selector lever in PARK to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. At normal operating temperature (approximately 82° C or 180° F), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid level should be in COLD region at 21° C (70° F) fluid temperature. Adjust fluid level as necessary. Use only MoparŽ ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
04-06-2008 | 06:55 AM
#16
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
This is from the factory service manual, 2008 Jeep Wrangler:
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a dipstick to check oil similar to most automatic transmissions. It is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. Place the selector lever in PARK to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. At normal operating temperature (approximately 82° C or 180° F), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid level should be in COLD region at 21° C (70° F) fluid temperature. Adjust fluid level as necessary. Use only MoparŽ ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a dipstick to check oil similar to most automatic transmissions. It is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. Place the selector lever in PARK to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. At normal operating temperature (approximately 82° C or 180° F), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid level should be in COLD region at 21° C (70° F) fluid temperature. Adjust fluid level as necessary. Use only MoparŽ ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
04-06-2008 | 07:05 AM
#17
JK Jedi
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
That's not the same language that's in the 07 manual. Nothing in the 07 manual talks about the TC filling in both PARK and Neutral. The 07 manual specifically says to cycle through all gears ending in PARK. Problem is the hardware (dipstick) says right on it to check with the vehicle in NEUTRAL. Another example of Chrysler quality control.
I had a similar issue with my TJ, the recommended fluid on the dipstick was different than what was in the manual. I would go with whatever the owners manual says, since it's likely more vehicle specific than something like a dipstick which may be used on other vehicles or a hold-over from another tranny. Guess next time I check it on the JK I'll have to review the owners manual procedure.