mis3

My indie did 2 pan flushes for me and both times, he put it only 3.5L of ATF.

He showed me from the oil deposit that only 3.5L was drained out. Then he asked me to drive around and measured the ATF level afterward.

Stuka Bomber

I'll be pulling more out tonight then I suppose. Why are there so many discrepancies between pan capacities? Grrrrr

For future searchers, car parked on a decline (*** up), fluid warm, and using fish tank air line I use a medical 30ml flushing syringe to draw the fluid out 30ml at a time.

Stuka Bomber

Well I pulled another 700ml out of the trans and the dipstick is now showing half full when the outside of the pan is 25C. Problem is, I have no idea if the fluid is 60C and the outside of the metal pan is only showing 25C because it's so damn cold out. I literally have no idea what's going on with my trans level.

So I now have a total of about 3300ml in it, outside of pan is 25C but the line is halfway between 25 and 80. I'm not pulling anymore fluid. There no way it's over filled anymore.

Dealer wants 2 hours pay just to check the fluid level. Fml.

EDIT: I just pushed my wife's 73 super beetle outside, threw a tarp on it, and moved my mercedes in. Surrounded the Marc in space heaters and I'll try it again after work tomorrow with the garage all toasty.

jkowtko

So is the tranny still functioning properly (i.e. not slipping) with the amount of fluid that's in it now?

Stuka Bomber

I didn't notice any slipping with the 700ml in and none pulling it into the garage. Leaving it in the garage overnight heated. We'll see what happens tomorrow I guess

jkowtko

FYI, as I remember when I refilled my transmission I stayed 1/2 quart low on purpose until I was all done just to make sure I didn't overfill. So maybe you are at the right place now.

I get the feeling the shops overfill fluid levels at times ... Since it's not their personal car it doesn't always get that level of personal attention ... Kinda loses my confidence in them a bit . But another reason to DIY.

mis3

It's so unreasonable that your dealeship would charge 2 hours to check the ATF level. When your car arrives to the dealership, it's good chance that the car is already fully warmed up. So, it would take 2 minutes to check the oil. It will be another 10 seconds if you want to replace the lock pin. I am sure here in Toronto, they will check it for free.

I agree that they should make it easier to measure ATF level. Since the transmission is such an important component of your car, they should find a way to monitor ATF level.

On the other hand, I think that just like engine oil, a little low like 200-300ml should be fine. The capacty inside the transmission is 8-9L.

Stuka Bomber

Well for future searchers, with my car in my subterranean garage with a heater the trans pan was 50F while off. I let the car idle and with the pan heated up to 21C the trans fluid level was right at the bottom of the 25C mark.

I figure that's safe enough to get her to the dealer tomorrow morning. While I had the car in the heat I took it upon myself to install an LED interior light kit I had laying around. That was a huge PITA.