Dipstick making a dipstick out of me!

[Quickbrownfox]

So this is me.viewtopic.php?t=78950&sid=86cd33ffe28ac ... 9c89324593

Autobox issues

Likely a fluid issue.

I have a 2.5 petrol v6. The dipstick is almost horizontal and when I bring it out., clean it with a paper towel, put it back in and pull it out again I can't tell where the fluid is on the stick. I repeat this many times and just can't tell. It's clear I have fluid. The fluid runs left and right and I can't tell where it ends.

Due to my issues I'm really hope that it's low but I can't tell. It looks fine.

I've decided to drop the fluid and refill but that got me thinking I'm not going to be able to tell accurately when it's full again

I wondered if the fluid had lost its viscosity and that was why it was so runny on the stick? (That might not be a thing)

Colour is reddish brown, no obvious smell

Is there another way to accurately test the fluid level in the autobox

Cheers in advance.

[g8dhe]

I've always found I need to dip it multiple times before being able to get a good reading, and yes it does flow if your not quick at yanking it out and looking.
Bear in mind its not like engine oil that gets burnt up and ejected with the exhaust, the gearbox is sealed and unless you have a leak the level is unlikely to change. Normally if the colour and smell are OK then its not a problem unless you find that there is a leak. There are only two pipes to the cooler at the front which might be locations for leaks.

[Quickbrownfox]

Thanks for the reply. No evidence of leaks on the car at all. Dry as a bone.

I've ordered the fluid now so I'll likely go ahead with the change but I do need to be able to get an accurate level reading before I bother.

I've literally stood there and tried and tried and I can't tell

The dipstick is hard to get in and out so far down the pipe. It had a reading for 20 degrees and then one further up for 60 odd degrees which is the one I'm using. Car up to temp, shift through gears, put back in park. Read the dipstick and cannae tell. I might post a pic see if I'm being a wally

[rita]

Thanks for the reply. No evidence of leaks on the car at all. Dry as a bone.

I've ordered the fluid now so I'll likely go ahead with the change but I do need to be able to get an accurate level reading before I bother.

I've literally stood there and tried and tried and I can't tell

The dipstick is hard to get in and out so far down the pipe. It had a reading for 20 degrees and then one further up for 60 odd degrees which is the one I'm using. Car up to temp, shift through gears, put back in park. Read the dipstick and cannae tell. I might post a pic see if I'm being a wally

Start the engine run through the gears in "Park" remove dip stick dry off , sprinkle some talc on the stick and recheck level.When you remove the stick hold it horizontally .

[Quickbrownfox]

Didn't have talc used cornflour instead. Still can't work it out. It's wet way above full every time. Maybe it's just over full