97 Protege Transmission Fluid Check

[ProtegeLx97]

Hi everyone, I have Mazda protege 97 LX 1.8L, and I want to check the transmission fluid level. Can anyone please tell me how to properly check ATF. I tried to check the ATF while the engine running (in park). When I check the fluid level while engine is running I am not getting accurate reading which is below 20C. However, when the engine is off I get reading about 65C. Before checking the fluid I drove the car for about 10-15 minutes. Also, did the gear cycle from Park-1 and then Park again. Thanks

 

[kevinmcc]

Maybe you are low? I know for my Generation (I have a 2003 Protege) you warm the car up and drive around a bit, no extended highway driving before hand, if you do so let it settle for like 30 min.

ANYWAY, when the engine is to operating temperature, I park on a level surface, let the car idle for 2 min, cycle through the gears slowly and then pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, and recheck it.

I do not know if your generation is the same way. Just make sure before adding any, overfilling is just as bad as running it low on atf! and use the correct fluid!