Trans Fluid Level Check

[RickMan]

I have a 99' Silverado, 4.8L V-8 with Automatic Trans.

I had the trans serviced by the dealer a little over a year ago and had to add tranny fluid as soon as I got home because I don't think they were aware of the trans cooler. Not sure, anyways.

Question: What is the proper procedure for checking the trans fluid level?

On my old 79 Chevy 350., I put it in gear and applied the emergency brake and checked the level while it was running.

According to the service manager, on the 99', turn the motor off and check the level just like you would the engine oil. The manual does not state whether the engine should be running or not.

Any experts out there?

Thanks In Advance.

Rickman

[2000CAYukon]

Well, I own, a 90 K1500 and a 2000 Yukon. Both of them I check the fluid with engine warmed up, tranny in park and engine idling.

I have never heard of checking a tranny without the engine running.

//2000CAYukon

[BlenderWizard]

I second that

[chuck16]

On my 90' Blazer I use to check it hot with ebrake engaged and Tranny in Neutral. I've checked my 99' Silverado the same way and it seems to be at an ok level.
Just my worth.

[Bungee]

Besides checking tranny fluid with the engine running, don't you also want to first engage each of the gear selections for a few seconds to allow fluid to be distributed throughout the tranny?

I've done it this way forever. But I've forgotten if it was only necessary to do this right after changing the fluid. Then again, maybe I've just been following another urban myth.

[kenny-1907]

Most trans dip sticks have the instructions stamped right into them on how to check the level. Pull the dip stick out and have a look down the lenght of it on one sode or the other and it should be stamped there , i am almost certain and if i was not feeling so lazy right now i would go out and check

[v10_viper]

Originally Posted by Bungee

Besides checking tranny fluid with the engine running, don't you also want to first engage each of the gear selections for a few seconds to allow fluid to be distributed throughout the tranny?

I've done it this way forever. But I've forgotten if it was only necessary to do this right after changing the fluid. Then again, maybe I've just been following another urban myth.

I think that's the way, for my 92 that's what it says in the manual.