Auto trans question

[JStemann]

I checked my trans fluid today after a 40 mi. drive. The fluid was full of air bubbles and overfull. Then I remembered to check in "N". When I checked in neutral the level was ok but still a lot of bubbles.



I know on all my auto trannies up till now(all chevy), any air bubbles was a bad thing. Is this normal on the Dodge auto?



Thanks in advance,

jeff

 

[CumminsAholic]

When I put the Valve Body in my truck the transmission fluid foamed. It did that because it was so low, once I added more (a few quarts) it stoped foaming. BUT I knew I had to add more, I think I was supposed to put in 11, I had like 8 in and I knew I had to add more. Yours shouldn't be that low unless you have a pretty noticable leak. I don't recall ever seeing any bubbles on the dipstick when I check my fluid though. You have a new truck, ya wouldn't think it'd be low from Dodge. Did you let it "catch" reverse, then go to drive,2,1, then back to neutral? I think that's how you're supposed to do it. Hopefully someone else will chime in and let ya know for sure.

Corey

 

[Pit Bull]

Mine has 35,000 miles on it, shifts perfectly and I just had the transmission serviced a couple of weeks ago. Fluid looked good before the service and looks good now. I also get bubbles (when I check it after a 20 mile run, with the engine running and the transmission in neutral, did not run through all of the gears before checking though ) and wonder if that is a bad thing to have some bubbles? I'll be interested to know?

 

[inarush76]

fluid check

I have noted that these trucks can be hard to get an accurate check on the atf, you might try shutting the truck off for 10-15 minutes (hot) and restart in neutral (parking brake on )and check fluid. This gives fluid chance to drain out of tube and for bubbles to subside. Bubbles can add to volume and thus contribute to a bad reading. During an install I typically fill till it shows full then shut off for few minutes then restart and recheck before I road test for this same reason. Hope this helps.



James Northum

DTT dealer/installer/Bill K. approved builder

 

[BigFun]

From the 2001 service manual section on 47RE Effects of Incorrect Fluid Levels:



"A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause the fluid pressures to be low and develop slower than normal. If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing the same conditions occuring with a low level. In either case, air bubbles cause fluid overhetaing, oxidation and varnish buildup which interferes with valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful. "



With that being said, it doesn't seem normal on the Dodge auto.



Service manual procedures to check the fluid at normal operating temp are to run the engine at idle and shift momentarily into all gear ranges then back to neutral. Then check. With the fluid at normal optemp, it should be between the min and max marks on the stick. It also says wait 2 min to recheck after adding fluid.



There's another procedure to check fluid cold, but it's way to involved for this venue. There's charts and junk to view.



Sorry for the long post, but hope the data helps.



BF