Automatic Transmission Flush

[lrp374]

I've done the drain and replace fluid a few times to gradually clean up the fluid as many have suggested. I have noticed through the summer that the level seems to fluctuate a lot. I typically check the level after a drive of 10 to 20 km when I would consider it hot. With this as the "operating level" I can get levels over the full mark after longer drives in hot weather. This bothers me as I don't like overfull levels. This morning I decided to check to see what the cold level would be. I started the van ran the tranny through all the gears and in neutral ( all my checks were done in neutral with the engine running ) I had no oil on the dip stick.

What level should be used to be sure you have the correct level??

[mararmeisto]

The transmission dip stick should have two sets of marks for high and low, for hot and cold. Always check with the engine running, in Park. Hot engine is when warmed up to operating temperature.

Anyway, same as your oil: it should be between the marks.

[lrp374]

What I tried to say was I checked it 'hot' last night and the level was almost @ the top of the 'hot' range. This morning the oil was below the end of the dip stick- obviously below the 'cold' level. I checked both levels with the engine running in neutral. Do you think in Park would make a difference. Every other automatic I've had always said to check it in neutral. I don't want to put more oil in to satisfy the 'cold' levels as the 'hot' level will be to high.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Is your wagon level when you check the tranny oil? Have you checked the transmission manuals in L300 Delica Downloads?

Falco.

[lrp374]

Thanks for the memory jog Falco. I didn't find any good info in the Delica Downloads but it reminded me I have a Russek manual. It had a detailed method of measuring the level in Park or Neutral. First time I got any good info from this book.

[TardisDeli]

I asked Butch at CVI, he says always test with engine fully warm and actually driven with various shifting, tested while in neutral, for accuracy. To check the L300 dipstick, after driving to warm up, stop with wheel wedged (against curb) so car can't roll away, pull on parking brake firmly, leave shifter in NEUTRAL (yes NEUTRAL). Leave engine running. Now check the dipstick. For accuracy, maybe do it at the same location, ie your flat parking spot either at home or at work, so the angle of the delica is the same. Regards, Christine.