Checking the ATF level

[M5GT4ME]

Read the manual but want to make sure I'm doing it right. We have an 09 with 18k miles. I start the car and warm it up for a couple of minutes. I check the level and its at the 1st tick of the dipstick. Do I need to let it warm up a little longer or should the level read between the 1st and 2nd tick from the get go? Thanks.

R

 

[OilGuy]

ATF volume expands as it warms up. Best to check it when you are done driving a bit; warming the engine up does not replicate "using" the ATF like driving does.

 

[Silentnoise713]

ATF volume expands as it warms up. Best to check it when you are done driving a bit; warming the engine up does not replicate "using" the ATF like driving does.

Amen to that. Common perception is letting the car idle will warm up the whole car when really only the motor oil is at opt temp (hand).

 

[flcruising]

As long as the ATF fluid is within range on the dipstick, don't worry about 'topping it off'. The transmission holds much more fluid than an engine does oil, so keeping the fluid in check is much less critical.

As stated, I don't even think about checking the ATF fluid until after a good (15+ minute) drive cycle.

 

[mazdadude]

On my dipstick it is stamped with the temp to check at in degrees C.

 

[flcruising]

What is Celsius? (wink)