Question about checking transmission fluid...

[Subix]

I know this has been discussed a dozen times before (sorry) and I realize the car needs to be warmed up and gears changed several times before checking the fluid but for the life of me I cannot seem to get an accurate reading. *IF* I check it and expect a cold reading... does that mean cold as in not running/started or does it definitely need to be running? as in literally just started and checked within a few minutes of starting?

I apologize in advance for my ignorance lol

[svxfiles]

With a stock SVX it takes about five minutes of running, or a two plus mile drive to get up toward operating temperature.
Fully warmed up is usually after about fifteen miles of driving.
And yes, it needs to be running.

[Subix]

Specifically I mean to check it cold. or how should it read not started/running?

[Huskymaniac]

Originally Posted by Subix

Specifically I mean to check it cold. or how should it read not started/running?

Cold is immediately after starting and cycling through the gears. Use the lower two indicators. I found that pulling the stick, wiping, inserting, pulling out just far enough to rotate 180 degrees, inserting again and pulling out fully gives me the only hope of getting a decent reading.

[davew833]

This is a good question that I have been wondering about this week too. So if I understand correctly, a cold reading is taken immediately after starting the car, shifting through the gears, and then leaving the car running while checking. Correct?

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by davew833

This is a good question that I have been wondering about this week too. So if I understand correctly, a cold reading is taken immediately after starting the car, shifting through the gears, and then leaving the car running while checking. Correct?

CORRECT!

[Subix]

Awesome - thanks