Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lets talk AUTO trans fluid levels....

[dclassens]

TRANS BUILDERS AND EXPERTS PLEASE WEIGH IN!! Truck is a 97 3500 4x4.

Long story shorter... . trans fluid and filter change via pan drop. Refill and check fluid in park, all okay. Truck had a weeks worth of strange trans shifting issue. Pulled out the owners manual and did exactly what owners manual said. I think it was drive a hand full of miles, let sit for a minute then run trans through gears and RECHECK IN NEUTRAL. The fluid level was barely on stick. Refilled to correct according to owners manual and everything is MUCH better. Nice firm shifts, no trans lag and no momentary neutral issues. Here is the big question. .



- What is happening inside trans circuits in neutral that is different than park. for example lube circuits or different solenoids energized.

Any feedback would be great.



PS~ Rechecked a dodge durango using the Ram 3500 technique. Fluid was low and it also fixed some overdrive firmness shifts.

 

[Mhannink]

im not an expert but i have heard on some of the older trans which our trans is based on. in park the fluid doesnt flow in park like it does in neutral i dont know the exact reason for it but thats what i was told. ive always left transmissions idleing in neutral if im out of the truck cause i do think its better for it the above info aside. i do think this info is true being a mech working on trucks and heavy equipment almost everything with an auto trans on or off highway says to check fluid level with engine running and in neutral.

 

[fox]

Stock auto trans does NOT charge--or pump fluid thru the trans in park- most perf. rebuilders change this. trans must be--stock condition-- in neutral to cool the fluid.

 

[SSage]

Yep, you check it in neutral and while its "hot". Its also a good idea to adjust the bands when you do a pan drop when the trans has some miles on it.