transmission fluid level

I had to replace the transmission pan on a 98 Cav. 2.2/4 speed automatic. I am unable to get a definitive answer as to how to check fliud level. I know where to fill and where to check level. Question is after the ATF is warm, do I leave the car idling or do I turn it off. When I leave the car idling fluid comes blowing out of the fluid level port. When I cut the engine, I am seemingly unable to fill the trans. I intially put 4 qt. after replacing the pan. About 3/4 qt. blew out and then put another 3 qt. back in. The car drives better after the 3 qt. were added than before, but I am afraid of overfilling.

if it has the check port of the side, let it idle and take the bolt out. If it has the proper level fluid should drip out. Which tranny is is. My 4T40E took about 7.5 quarts