check trans fluid on rodeo 2004 with dipstick

With a dipstick AISIN tran on a rodeo 2004, do you have to have the engine running while checking or let it sit cold?

I tried both and while at cold, the fluid level is way up passed H.

And, while engine running, the fluid level is between C and H.

This is confusing cuz I thought at cold the level should be at a lower mark.

Should I fill it some more to get to H while engine running or between C and H is fine?

I think between the C and H is fine. You shouldn't need to add any fluid. If you do it is leaking somewhere.

You are supposed to check it while the vehicle is in neutral. If you haven't had it out yet and have just started the engine, it should be towards the C mark. If your just getting back from a drive and everything is warmed up, it should be towards the H mark.

:wink: Mine has 2 sets of H and L marks, one for when the fluid is cold and one when its hot. It was explaned to me the the Cold H and L marks should be a little after the engine is started and the Hot H and L marks after it is drive and reached its normal operating temp. Both are check while the engine is at a normal idel and in PARK. Andie:)