Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission Fluid Changed

[CBlack]

Changed the transmission fluid today.



The service manual says approximately 4 quarts. Per the instructions I put 1. 5, ran through the gears, added another . 5 and then drove it for for a bit. The dip stick seemed to be about half between min and max. I then added another quart and seemed to fill it up to max.



I just drove it around a bit more (after sitting for a few hours) and it shifts like new but there are bubbles on the dipstick.



Is this normal? The manual says it is most likely filled too much if bubbles show. But no shifting issues are present.

 

[LRutigliano]

Changed the transmission fluid today.



The service manual says approximately 4 quarts. Per the instructions I put 1. 5, ran through the gears, added another . 5 and then drove it for for a bit. The dip stick seemed to be about half between min and max. I then added another quart and seemed to fill it up to max.



I just drove it around a bit more (after sitting for a few hours) and it shifts like new but there are bubbles on the dipstick.



Is this normal? The manual says it is most likely filled too much if bubbles show. But no shifting issues are present.

Its normal. You should double check the amount on the dipstick, because it should take approx 5-6 qts with a filter change.



Drive it gently for a few miles, then stop and shift it thru the gears including reverse, then leave it in N and check.

 

[hsmith]

X's 2 on making sure you check it in neutral.

 

[CBlack]

That's what I've done. It's having front end work done, so I should have it back tomorrow around noon, then I'll check it out again.

Thanks for the input.

 

[CBlack]

Resolved.

Turns out I didn't drive it enough. After picking it up and driving it around for about 20+ minutes, the fluid level showed it being low. I added a quart, ran it through the gears again and added another quart. Now it shows just over the min line. I'll pick up another quart today and be good to go.

Thanks for the input!

 

[WilsonF]

I don't know about other people but I have a hell of a time checking trans fluid. I must run that stick down the tube 10 times and still not sure if I have it right.


Floyd

 

[fest3er]

I don't know about other people but I have a hell of a time checking trans fluid. I must run that stick down the tube 10 times and still not sure if I have it right.



Floyd

Yeah, I've had that problem a few times in my life, too.

 

[CBlack]

I don't know about other people but I have a hell of a time checking trans fluid. I must run that stick down the tube 10 times and still not sure if I have it right.





Floyd

I think that's what took so long as it wasn't solid on the stick.



It's all good now though.

 

[JMcCoy]

You have to check the side of the dip stick with the least amount of oil. There is alway one side covered too high in oil. When you pull the dip stick out, it drags oil up into the tube. When you put your wiped clean dipstick in the bent tube, it scrapes the oil off the tube. Luck would have it, this usually happens to the side with the fluid level marks. It can be a pain sometimes, especially with clean transmission fluid.

 

[RMidgett]

This is why some have recommended inserting the dip stick upside down, or reading the back side of the dip stick.

 

[LandShark]

When I change my trans fluid, I'm able to drain 9 1/2 quarts by loosening the valve body bolts and letting it sit for an hour. Also I always measure what comes out and always start with putting that much back in.

 

[RMidgett]

That's not surprising. I changed the filter, drained the stock coolers & changed the steel cooler lines out for hydraulic hose, but didn't tamper with the valve body. I put 5 quarts in initially, drove it home with good response. I let it sit for 3 days, drove it & noticed sluggish transmission, then had to add 1. 5 quarts, will probably need to add another quart to fill it completely.

 

[rjrkihap]

So to add a bit more confusion to the topic, how long do you drive the truck to let the fluid warm-up before you check the level?

Ron

 

[RMidgett]

How long to drive it & check transmission fluid. . good question, wish I had a good answer other than check it every time for the few days after the change. Yes, it needs to be solid on the stick. . a drool down one half of the stick with the other side dry isn't indicative of where the fluid level is in the pan. I like to look at both sides (front & rear) of the stick to see how deep the stick went into the fluid in the pan. The stick has to be wet up to the same point on both sides. Transmission oil is thinner than motor oil, so it's harder to see the level as compared to black engine oil.

Floyd. . sorry it's you too, glad it's not just me. .

 

[cerberusiam]

So to add a bit more confusion to the topic, how long do you drive the truck to let the fluid warm-up before you check the level?

Until the engine is up to operating temp. At that point the trans fluid is at its normal operating temp and you can fill it to full or even 1 quart over for extra fluid.

 

[rjrkihap]

Cerberusiam, I've always been told to only fill the transmission up to the full line and no more. Is there any harm to overfilling the transmission? I know you don't want to overfill the oil as that will cause issues with splashing the crank, however since there are no moving parts in the bottom of the transmission, maybe a bit extra will not cause any harm?

Thanks

Ron

Ron

 

[cerberusiam]

Over filling too much will aerate the fluid which could cause harm to the internal components. Not as likely as in an engine but the potential is there if it is done long term. Plus it makes a mess when it pukes out the over flow.



That said, the fill lines are generally well below any problem point where the fluid would start getting whipped up by the drums qand drive shells. Over full by a controlled amount is not a bad thing.



I can over fill any 47/48 RH/RE I have by at least 1 quart with no issues. Usually 2 quarts if I am not out wheeling where the truck is not level all the time or out of lockup frequently. On severe inclines it can get into the drive train and foam a little. Never had more than a trace come out under extreme conditions. If it is not in lockup the fluid will expand more and if its too full will get a little over flow with 2 quarts.



Every truck can be different and every dip stick and tube could be a little different so its a test and see thing. Start at one quart over full when the fluid is hot, not just warm, and see if it is good with your driving style and use. If you start seeing spots under the trans after a hard run you have added too much. Don't worry too much about once or twice getting it foamed, constantly for 10's of thousands of miles may have an impact but otherwise no.



This info is offered with no warranty implied or otherwise, use as you see fit at your own discretion and risk. Cuz' somebody is going to take exception to challenging the markings on a dip stick or what they read\heard from the internet or a book\publication, or a friend or a friend, or a cousins uncles brother that talked to somebody that claimed it will kill it, infinitum ad nausem. :-laf



I have no proof it hurts, I have no proof it helps. I do it because my experience tells me its a positive thing.