I have an '05 Dodge 2500 with the 48RE transmission. When I try to check my transmission fluid I get a different reading on each side of the dipstick.On one side the fluid level is halfway between the "fill" and "max" level. One the other side the fluid is 1/2" below the fill line.The side that shows low does seem to be a nice clean level line. Am I dragging the other side across a bend in the fill tube and getting a bunch of residue from the tube??

Yeah...its a common problem with todays new vehicles especially with the thin narrow sticks. Some times I wait for the fluid to drain out of the tube then stick it.

My 2019 Silverado doesn't have a transmission dipstick.

The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.

I check mine when the oil is warm

ShinerBock wrote:The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.Sure about that?

reading transmission fluid dipstick | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 03, 2019
ShinerBock wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
ShinerBock wrote:
The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.

Sure about that?

Yep, I am sure.

Please explain why? I showed what Chrysler said in the owners manual.
bguy
Explorer
Aug 03, 2019
Read the dipstick. It should say check at idle in neutral.
wilber1
Explorer
Aug 03, 2019
kellem wrote:
I can't say I've ever experienced that issue before.....and I own the same truck. Lol

I always used neutral with my 47 RE and older transmissions but the manual for the 68 RFE specifies park.
drmopar
Explorer
Aug 03, 2019
Actually the checking of Trans fluid levels is done in 2 steps. First step, check level with Engine off and Trans cold. With pressure bleed down this level will be max. Should be close or slightly over full. Smell the fluid and check color, should not smell burnt and show a cherry color. 2nd step, warm up Engine/Trans, run through all gears to bleed any air bubbles out, shift to neutral with parking brake on. This will be your operating level. After a few times you will be able to check Trans level hot or cold. Some Trans bleed pressure down back into the pan, some hold in servos, valve body and galleys.
kellem
Explorer
Aug 03, 2019
I can't say I've ever experienced that issue before.....and I own the same truck. Lol
dryfly
Explorer
Aug 02, 2019
ShinerBock wrote:
The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.

I was able to talk to a former Dodge technician today and he said the same thing. I've changed the fluid several times and did not remember this being an issue before.

I know the tip end of the dipstick goes straight down into the pan but there has to be a bend to get it up into engine compartment. It's got to be dragging across a bend.

Full operating temps must be reached if you intend to get a measurement to the "full" mark. I think it is possible to warm the engine up and get a basic reading but I would not want to rely on that measurement.

I personally use neutral to measure based on my Dodge manual and various articles I've read.
ShinerBock
Explorer
Aug 02, 2019
Cummins12V98 wrote:
ShinerBock wrote:
The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.

Sure about that?

Yep, I am sure.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 02, 2019
ShinerBock wrote:
The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.

Sure about that?
Gulfcoast
Explorer
Aug 02, 2019
I check mine when the oil is warm
ShinerBock
Explorer
Aug 02, 2019
The lowest reading is always the correct one. If the fluid was higher, then it would read higher on both sides, not just one side. The higher side is generally due to scrapping across the bend. Be sure to check the fluid at operating temp with the truck running while in park.