Checking Trans Fluid?

[gotsubarus]

What is the correct way to check the trans fluid when cold? and when it is Hot?

Because of the different marks on the Dipstick......


Also any fluid recomendations as far as Brand?

[mattski]

Start the car and run through all the gears. Finally set it in Neutral and continue at idle. Check the oil level. I usually let it warm up to operating temperature.

Any Dextron IV should be fine. Or you can switch to Synthetic to take advantage of the improved heat handling abilities. Mobil 1 seems to be compatible with non-synthetics. Drain out what you can which is ~ 6 quarts. Replace with new fluid. Repeat at desired intervals, 5, 10 or 15k miles.

More importantly, get an auxilary cooler if you do not already have one.

Matt

[gotsubarus]

that is the way i have always done it warm....... So how about the cold file lines on the dipstick?

[driverdave]

those are just there for the impatient folks that don't have the time to let it warm up.

They are different because of the expansion of the fluid as it becomes warm.

[benebob]

FYI it takes my SVX about 20 minutes of driving for the tranny to reach normal op. temp. 140-170 degrees from a 1st start for the day. Its not when the eng temp gauge reaches n.o.t.