I have a 16 year old GBM with a 480LE transmission. When I check the dip stick after MH is sitting for a while (cold) the dip stick reads 1/2 in above the full hot line. When I checked it at full operating temps the reading is slightly below the hot line. In the past when I checked it cold it was in the cold cross hatched pattern. I change the fluid every 30k miles(twice so far) and am due for another change in 3k miles. Does anyone know why I would see this high reading when cold? Other wise the MH runs and shifts well. The fluid is still pink and looks good. The trans has 95k on it.

Was the engine running both times?Lou05 Travel Supreme Envoy

No,the eng was off when checking it cold and running when checking it hot.

With the engine NOT running, fluid probably drained out of the torque converter, which made the fluid level go up on your dipstick. With the engine running, the fluid is circulating throughout the entire transmission and cooling radiator.

Torque converter has partially drained down into the pan, makes cold dipstick reading appear overfull. You can check this by starting it up and letting it run a couple minutes, shift into drive and then back to park, shut down and go check it. Tranny fluid should still be cold and in the proper spot on the dipstick.

As identified by the others the reading will be high with the engine off. As long as you are in the range on level ground with the engine running hot, you are good-to-go.Lou05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Strange dip stick reading | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

MotorPro
Explorer
Sep 05, 2013
If you check the level not running and it isn't high you have a problem. Never check an automatic trans level not running.
barnaclebill
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
Some vehicles need to be checked "running in neutral" Check for directions embossed on the dipstick or check the owners manual.
SpinRite
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
I don't believe I have ever heard of checking transmission fluid without having the engine running.
Gjac
Explorer III
Sep 03, 2013
I guess I rarely have payed attention to the reading in the past. So everyone is saying this torque converter drain is normal? I just went out and started as Red suggested and the reading dropped. Thanks for the explanation.
Born_To_Travel
Explorer
Sep 03, 2013
Totally normal.. When engine is running, centrifugal force holds fluid in the torque converter.. With engine off it drains back to pan..
pkunk
Explorer
Sep 03, 2013
Always check tranny fluid with engine running & in park.
sailor_lou
Explorer
Sep 03, 2013
As identified by the others the reading will be high with the engine off. As long as you are in the range on level ground with the engine running hot, you are good-to-go.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
redsb3
Explorer
Sep 03, 2013
Torque converter has partially drained down into the pan, makes cold dipstick reading appear overfull. You can check this by starting it up and letting it run a couple minutes, shift into drive and then back to park, shut down and go check it. Tranny fluid should still be cold and in the proper spot on the dipstick.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Sep 03, 2013
With the engine NOT running, fluid probably drained out of the torque converter, which made the fluid level go up on your dipstick. With the engine running, the fluid is circulating throughout the entire transmission and cooling radiator.
Gjac
Explorer III
Sep 03, 2013
No,the eng was off when checking it cold and running when checking it hot.

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Strange dip stick reading

11 Replies

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