Trani Dipstick is very Sensitive

[puppychop3]

I just did a complete trani flush with Mobil 1 exchanging the exact same amount as I took out (I even used a large measuring cup) anyway, the dipstick when hot went over the high mark by a quarter of an inch. I drained 20 oz (slightly over half a quart out) to get it exactly on the line and retested the dipstick, now it was slightly above the highest cold mark (when hot). OK, OK then I put 8 oz back in drove it for 23 miles and retested and now its at the lowest hot mark. So now I'm going to put in another 6 oz. to get it right on the money which means only 6 oz. separated being "overfilled" by a quarter inch from being right on the money. And only 1/2 quart (out of a total of 15 quarts or so) will make a big difference on the reading on the dipstick.

[jack mccarthy]

I'm experiencing the same sensitivity problem too!

I recently did a regular tranny fluid change and thought I had the correct amount (4 quarts), but on a recent hot day, I was over by 1/4 inch on the hot mark. I then decided to drain a 1/2 a quart, thinking this would fix the problem.

The next day after driving 35 miles to work, I checked the level immediately after parking with my engine running, and was now half way in between the hot and cold marks. I got the same reading after driving home.

The next morning, I put 1/4 quart back in and the reading didn't even change after getting to work again! I drove it back home at the end of the day, read it, no change.

Finally, the following morning, I put another 1/4 quart in and now am at the same place I started wiht the fluid level and the readings. I am at the top of the hot mark on a cool day and over 1/4 mark on a hot day.

Optimally, I'd like to be at the lowest mark on the hot on a cool day, but I can't seem to get there!

I'd like to know if anyone can explain this sensitivity problem as well.

[Yellbird]

The repair manual says,
Check fluid at normal driving temperature 70-80 C
Wait 30 minutes until engine cools down after extended driving at high speeds,heavy traffic, or pulling a trailer.

Check that the fluid is in the hot range.

It says nothing about cold range.

Hope this helps.

[jack mccarthy]

Thanks, I'll try that out. Is that the OEM manual or Chilton's?

Does anyone know if the level dropping over an inch on the tranny dipstick is tpyical when draining 1/2 quart?

[Yellbird]

Thats the OEM manual.

[JeffD]

Mine shows above the high hot mark normally, but after driving on the highway for a while, If I stop and check it at a gas station - there will be no visible oil on the dipstick.

[sequoiasoon]

OK maybe it's me, I just checked the tranny fluid on my 2003 Sequoia. I had a REAL hard time getting the stick back in to check it. I know it has a twist in it which I tried at all different angles and it finally went in but still not very easily. Any ideas? Something like on my Corolla oil stick would have been nice, it's like an aircraft cable much more flexible for the sharp turn in the tube.

[jack mccarthy]

Originally posted by sequoiasoon
OK maybe it's me, I just checked the tranny fluid on my 2003 Sequoia. I had a REAL hard time getting the stick back in to check it. I know it has a twist in it which I tried at all different angles and it finally went in but still not very easily. Any ideas? Something like on my Corolla oil stick would have been nice, it's like an aircraft cable much more flexible for the sharp turn in the tube.

I think everyone's tundra/sequoia tranny stick is like that. Mine was like that, but after pushing/pulling it in/out about 20 times, it loosened up quite a bit. Still have to get it in at the right angle though.

[taipan]

Mine's like that, also. Push, twist, etc. And STILL not really comfortable if I'm getting the correct level reading or not. Maybe one more thing Toy should correct.

TaiPan