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PLL
Dodge Dakota
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7/29/2006
17:35:11
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 Subject: How to properly fill transmission
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Message:
Sorry if this is a "basic" question, but I don't want to screw it up. This is the first time I've replaced the transmission fluid on my 2004 Dakota. I'm not sure if I'm filling it to the proper level. After filling the transmission with a little less than I drained, I started the car and put it in drive and reverse for a few seconds like the manual says. The level read just above the top cold mark (there is a small cold range and another hot range an inch and a half or so higher on the dipstick). I thought I was good, but after driving for about five miles, some of it high speed, I checked it again figuring I should be in the hot region. It was hardly any higher on the stick than before. The transmission was very hot by the way - could barely touch the pan really fast. I added enough fluid (about 1.5 quarts) to get it into the hot range (just barely). I ended up putting in probably a quart more than I drained. After letting the car cool for 3-4 hours, I checked it again while idling and its just a little bit below the hot range. Nowhere near the cold range. I wanted to make sure I added enough, but I definitely don't want to overfill it, either. It just doesn't seem like the fluid is moving up and down as much as is expected. Any thoughts or advice?
Thanks very much, I really don't want to screw my transmission up.
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SteveJ
Dodge Dakota
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7/29/2006
20:29:04
|  RE: How to properly fill transmission
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Message:
The transmission cooler is not in the circuit when the transmission is cold. Once it warmed up enough, the cooler cut in. This caused the air in the cooler loop, which got there when you replaced the little spin-on filter, to be replaced with fluid, and now the fluid hardly registers on the dipstick.
The best and most accurate way to check fluid level is with the transmission at operating temperature, and the engine running with the gear selector in Neutral or preferably in Park, on a level surface.
Anywhere between the two hot range markers is OK, but if you're more comfortable with it at the upper marker, just add fluid in small increments until it's where you want it.
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zzark
*GenII*
7/29/2006
21:03:01
| RE: How to properly fill transmission
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Message:
One note...
Some vehicles specify to check in Park.
Others must be checked in Neutral.
It does make a difference.
zzark
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Mr. Bill
Dodge Dakota
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7/29/2006
23:47:22
| RE: How to properly fill transmission
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Message:
545RFE was the only auto trans offered for 2004. It can be checked in either position.
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PLL
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/30/2006
11:13:20
| RE: How to properly fill transmission
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Message:
Thanks for the info guys. It is the 545RFE and I did check it in park. After checking cold this morning, it still isn't down in the cold range on the dipstick....maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the way up between the cold and hot ranges. I guess I'll just make sure it's in the hot range at operating temperature and leave it at that.
Thanks,
Jim
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