88 camry transmission fluid check

Weird (I think) problem: For about the past year, whenever I've tried to check my transmission fluid, the fluid on the dipstick has always gone way past the "max" level. I don't think I ever overfilled it, especially not as much as the dipstick would indicate. And the level indicated hasn't changed over the past year. Now my car's starting to act like it might need some fluid, but I have no way to gauge how much is in there. Anyone know anything about this problem?

(Side query: My "LIGHTS" indicator is on (usually ... sometimes it turns off temporarily) on the dashboard. I've checked [I think] every light on the car and they all seem to be working. Anyone had THIS problem? Or does anyone know exactly which lights this applies to? I wonder if maybe there's some light on the dashboard or something that I'm missing ... though I wouldn't think this would illuminate if one of those was out.)

Thanks for any help.

Are you checking the trans fluid level with the engine warm (not hot) and running - car on a level surface - after having just shifted the trans through all the gears? All of those can affect the level you will see on the dipstick. My 91 is VERY particular about the fluid level it likes to be right at full - not above - not below. Secondarily when was the last time you change fluid/filter? Possibly your filter is partially clogged and restricting flow....

Are you checking the trans fluid level with the engine warm (not hot) and running - car on a level surface - after having just shifted the trans through all the gears? All of those can affect the level you will see on the dipstick. My 91 is VERY particular about the fluid level it likes to be right at full - not above - not below. Secondarily when was the last time you change fluid/filter? Possibly your filter is partially clogged and restricting flow....

yep, I've been careful when checking it re: hot, level surface, runing through gears. The filter was changed a few months back when I had the oil changed ... theoretically. Maybe they didn't actually change it. It was a quickie shop. I'll look into that one and let you know what I find out. Thanks.

"(Side query: My "LIGHTS" indicator is on (usually ... sometimes it turns off temporarily) on the dashboard. I've checked [I think] every light on the car and they all seem to be working. Anyone had THIS problem? Or does anyone know exactly which lights this applies to? I wonder if maybe there's some light on the dashboard or something that I'm missing ... though I wouldn't think this would illuminate if one of those was out.)"

The light indicator will show whether it's one of the front lights or the rear lights by showing whether the light coming from the indicator appears to be the front or the back of the car. Don't forget you have several double filament bulbs. Turn all the lights on including the turn signals and go check one by one. Also, don't forget to check the high mounted brake light (the one in the rear window). You will need a second person to hold their foot on the brake pedal to check all the brake lights.

Mike

Ha, I used to have this issue with my 88 also. The fluid level showed incredibley high. Yes, it was very annoying since I don't know how much fluid was actually in there. Then I found out what it takes to measure it correctly. Now if I remember right (since I sold mine 2 years ago)

1. Car needs to be level.
2. Warm up.
3. Shift from P to 1 then back, slowly.
4. Wait for about 30 seconds. Retrive the stick, wipe it clean. (engine still running)
5. Insert it back all the way down and retrieve it immediately.

That was what it takes for me to see a clean and clear measure. Good luck.

Warmed up should mean driven at least 10 miles (from the manual) and not idled 5 minutes in the driveway. You could always remove the plug and drain and refill it. Put two quarts in and check it. Add a little more and check it and so on. Would give you a pretty good idea then.

Add this to Mikes suggetion. Tap (carefully) on the light assemblies as you check them. Filaments do brake and reconnect giving you an intermittent problem.

Now my car's starting to act like it might need some fluid, but I have no way to gauge how much is in there.

what exactly is the doing that makes you think the car needs fluid?

You also said the filter was changed at a quickie garage shop so I assume they changed the transmission fluid as well. maybe they filled the transmission to the incorrect level and this is the reason the car is acting up.

Check the transmission fluid like proman suggested...........

1. Car needs to be level.
2. Warm up.
3. Shift from P to 1 then back, slowly.
4. Wait for about 30 seconds. Retrive the stick, wipe it clean. (engine still running)
5. Insert it back all the way down and retrieve it immediately.

Good advice from RIP........................

Warmed up should mean driven at least 10 miles (from the manual) and not idled 5 minutes in the driveway.

Good advice from idmetro....................

Are you checking the trans fluid level with the engine warm (not hot) and running - car on a level surface - after having just shifted the trans through all the gears? All of those can affect the level you will see on the dipstick. My 91 is VERY particular about the fluid level it likes to be right at full - not above - not below.




if there's not enough transmission fluid according to the dipstick add more until it is at the correct level.

if there is too much transmission fluid according to the dipstick unscrew the transmission drain plug and let out enough fluid to bring it down to the correct level.:2cents:

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

As far as checking bulbs goes; I never seem to have that second person around when I need them so what I do is find a storefront with a large glass window this allows me to operate the lights (after dark) and verify they are all working by looking at the reflection. I can check turn signals, brake lights, back up lights and the like without a helper.