a/t fluid half way up dipstick

[billy goat]

can anyone tell me what can cause this.i noticed it about a month ago so changed fluid and filter but same results.thanks 2000 sierra 3500 7.4l a/t

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. This was done engine running in neutral I assume? How many quarts did you put in?

[billy goat]

yes.warmed up and in park. i put in 6 quarts thanks

[envoyxuv]

Couple questions- is it 4WD? Have you noticed any discoloration of your trans fluid (looks like strawberry milk)? Have you had any issues with coolant loss?

[billy goat]

the fluid looks normal.I did notice the radiator was about 4 inches lower than normal. non 4x4 dully. thanks

[envoyxuv]

This may sound redundant, but did you notice any coolant/water in the transmission fluid when you changed it previously?

[sector95]

Originally Posted by billy goat

can anyone tell me what can cause this.i noticed it about a month ago so changed fluid and filter but same results.thanks 2000 sierra 3500 7.4l a/t

Only thing I can think that would cause this is too much fluid in the tranny....and this is *not* a good condition to ignore. Get the *transmission* to normal operating temp. To get the tranny hot run the truck for about 30-45 minutes in local or stop and go traffic...no high speed blasts on the freeway...and you won't get it properly warm just by idling it in the driveway. Go to your local FLAPS (freindly local auto parts store) and get a suction gun along with about 2-3 feet of hose of a diameter to fit the end of the suction gun. Use the gun by slipping the hose down the filler tube 'til it bottoms. Draw down the excessive fluid level using the suction gun with the tranny hot and the engine idling in park. The goal is to get the fluid level into the "normal" range on the stick. Once the level is normal, then keep an eye on it for the next few days...if all is well then you just over filled it...which is easy to do.

Over filling a tranny is just a bad as not eough fluid....overfilled, the fluid will foam causing incorrect internal operating pressures...not good for the tranny.


Good luck....

Mike
98Sierra

[Z15]

Originally Posted by billy goat

can anyone tell me what can cause this.i noticed it about a month ago so changed fluid and filter but same results.thanks 2000 sierra 3500 7.4l a/t

When you changed the ATF, did you measure how much you drained from the pan? How did you determine how much to put back in?

2000 GMC TRUCKS C3500 2WD PICKUP 7.4L 8-cyl Engine Code J
CAPACITIES
Engine, SHT Filterwith filter..........6.7 quarts[1]
Engine, LNG Filterwith filter..........7.0 quarts[1]
Cooling System, with AC Initial Fill..........28.0 quarts

Cooling System, W/O AC Initial Fill..........25.0 quarts

Automatic Transmission, 4L80E Initial Fill..........7.7 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, 4L60, 60E Initial Fill..........5.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
4 speed 4L60, 60E..........11.0 quarts
4 speed 4L80E..........14.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, NV3500..........4.2 pints[3]
Manual Transmission, NV4500 (TOPC)..........8.0 pints[3]
Differential, with 10.5 ring gear EX Dana Rear..........6.3 pints
Differential, with 11 ring gear Dana Rear..........8.4 pints
Differential, with 10.5 ring gear Dana Rear..........6.3 pints
Differential, with 12 ring gear Rockwell Rear..........14.0 pints
Differential, with 8.5, 8.6 ring gear Rear..........4.2 pints
Differential, with 9.5 ring gear Rear..........5.5 pints
Differential, with 9.75 ring gear Rear..........5.5 pints

1. After refill check oil level.
2. With the ENG at operating TEMP, shift TRANS
through all gears. Let ENG slow idle in PARK for at
least 3 minutes. Check fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Do not overfill.
3. Approximate, fill to level of fill plug.


If you have to much fluid, easy way is to disconect (turn off motor first) top cooler line at radiator, start engine and let it fill a qt bottle or more. Then top of as needed.

Lots of owners run into problems servicing the ATF and filter because they are not aware of the capacities or how to check the fluid cold to get a ball park amount back in. You should always measure what comes out as a baseline.