Transmission Fluid Questions!

[LightmanE300]

1. What's the proper way to check fluid level? Do you just pull and read the dipstick on level ground like the oil, or are there certain special conditions or procedures to get an accurate trans fluid level reading?



2. Whats the best/least messy way to fill the trans with new fluid?



3. How important is the proper fluid level, if it is high or low what are the consequences?



4. Were anyone's overfilled from the factory?



5. What is the factory trans fluid, and how have people liked the switch to Amsoil ATF, or other synthetic +4 ATF's?



Thanks!

 

[BarryG]

Lightman:

Now I have an 01 so it is possible that it is different with the 48re but to check the fluid have fluid warm, start truck, run through all the gears for a second then put in neutral with truck running, then check dipstick (make sure parking brake is on). Should say in the owners manual how to check it also.



Only way to add fluid is through the dipstick tube. I use a funnel and pour in slowly. The first time I did transmission service on this truck I dropped the pan (loosened all the bolts, picked one side, pulled those bolts and slowly loosened the rest so that the pan tilted, when it quit draining, loosen the remaining bolts more until you have all that can get out out, repeat). Pan still has a fair amount of fluid in it so be careful when removing the last couple bolts not to tip it. Then I loosen the valve body bolts a few turns let drain for 20-30 minutes(then retoque them to 18ft lbs). Got about 10- 12 quarts total out. There will still be fluid in the torque converter though. Some will loosen a cooler line and let the truck run (which should get a lot of fluid out of the torque converter) until they get out most of the fluid but I have not used that method myself surely someone will chime in about it. One of the main reasons I put an aftermarket pan on was for the drain plug and added capacity of course. Makes life so much easier when I service the trans.



Not positive on how high fluid will hurt the trans but from what I have heard is that too much is almost as bad as too low. Too low not enough fluid to provide the pressure you need to engage some of the circuits and high heat and probably some other things.



When I got mine it was not overfilled.



I do not know who makes their +4 fluid. I switched to amsoil after about 5k and been running it ever since(now have 88k). Been very happy with it and will continue to use. Can't speak about any of the other syns as it is the only only one I have used on this truck. I have had an ez on for 75k and added 275's about 15k ago and my trans is still doing good. Can't say it is the fluid or if I just lucked out and got a good trans. I drive it with the trans in mind but many people complain that that combo is just too much for the stock transmission. Only other mod I have done to the trans is a maghytec deep pan.

 

[Wiredawg]

Answers Below

1. What's the proper way to check fluid level? Do you just pull and read the dipstick on level ground like the oil, or are there certain special conditions or procedures to get an accurate trans fluid level reading?



Ans: Drive the truck at least for 15 minutes at 55 MPH to get up to operating temp. Stop truck on level ground, set parking brake, hold down brake pedal, shift trans though each gear (P, R, N, D, 2, 1) and place in neutral. Check fluid.



2. Whats the best/least messy way to fill the trans with new fluid?



Ans: Buy a transmission fill funnel (narrow flexible end ) and fill through transmission dip stick tube



3. How important is the proper fluid level, if it is high or low what are the consequences?



Ans: Not real sure: too much too high pressure and blow seals; too low and low pressure and heat dissapation



4. Were anyone's overfilled from the factory?



Ans: Not mine.



5. What is the factory trans fluid, and how have people liked the switch to Amsoil ATF, or other synthetic +4 ATF's?



Ans: Factory fluid is Mopar ATF+4. I just bought two quarts to keep w/ truck and cost $6/qrt at Dodge. I plan on using only the Mopar stuff in mine for near future.



Hope this helps,



Wiredawg

 

[LightmanE300]

Thanks much guys. I guess I need to find one of those funnels.



Also, what is the capacity of the stock 48RE, so I can approximate how much fluid I'll need to dump in before I start up and check level?

 

[DPKetchum]

Hot and in neutral. Tells you on the stick. If under 60k have a shop use a FLUSH machine. Replaces ALL the fluid. No messing with pan(leaks)no danger of improper torquing etc of valve body. Valve body's are SENSITIVE. Suggest Amsoil syn fluid. Instant drop in ATF temps,long life fluid. I love flush machines!To me greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

[AndyMan]

Originally posted by LightmanE300

Thanks much guys. I guess I need to find one of those funnels.



Also, what is the capacity of the stock 48RE, so I can approximate how much fluid I'll need to dump in before I start up and check level?

The capacity of the 48RE +TC never got answered, so I wanted to revive this thread.



I'm getting ready to have mine flushed and refilled with a new filter and AMSoil sythetic. How much do I need to buy? Andy where can I find a shop that will do the flush with the AMSoil Synthetic?



I know the factory service manual says 6qts for a flush. . that just doesn't seem like enough to me?



Any suggestions are appreciated!!

Thanks,

Andy

 

[DPKetchum]

With a flush its more like 16qts I think. On my 46re in my 1998 1500 slt 318 I think it was like 13/14 and after a test drive it needed another one or two. It showed more or less full in the shop and after going around the block(about 1. 5 miles)it needed another one or two. It will take almost the same amount as a overhaul when a flush machine is used. Flushing and the Amsoil atf was a noticeable differance in shift quality and lockup etc.

 

[ThomasLawrence]

The capacity of the 48RE +TC never got answered, so I wanted to revive this thread.

My ATS 48RE took right around 16 qts. - 1 qt. in the TC prior to install, 7 qts. on initial fill, then another 8 qts. to bring the level up into the OK range.



-Tom

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Check the service manual,big chart on differant levels according to temp and what a range.

Mark T.

 

[DPKetchum]

What I do on all my autos if I'm going to synthic fliuds is I buy or order 18 qts. I always keep some extra on hand. Currently running Amsoil atf in a 85 Caprice Classic with the 4 spd auto and a 1998 Dodge 1500 slt. Was also using it in my 1993 W250 but I sold that truck. All of them held around 16qts with standard pans. I think the 1993 W250 might have been 17 with trans cooler.