Checking the ATF level

[AJCIOW]

Ok so this may be a bit lame, but I can't find any directions on how to check the ATF level in my 96 SGL5. I am reasonably competent at home mechanics, so a bit embarrassed I have not been able to work it out.

I understand that it needs to be warm and preferable do 5 - 10 miles in it. Get it on level ground and put it in P. (some say D, but a bit risky if you ask me).

Then you check it with the dip stick, but this is where I am confused.

The dip stick has a rubber bung at the top, do I push this all the way back into the tube, or do I push the stick in until the bung hits the top of the tube.

When I check mine, if I push it all the way in, the level is about an inch above the top mark. If I stop when it hits the top of the tube it is just below.

Which means I have just the right amount or much to much. As it has not gone pop yet due to too much pressure, I think it is the former, but would like to be sure.

Cheers

PS. Is the Isle of Wight the BONGO capital of the world? They are everywhere, more than VW’s.

[wonkanoby]

when in drive i think you will find the level drops as thats the right way to check it

you push it all the way in

i would guess the levels about right

[AJCIOW]

I have put in in drive before (scary) and noticed a drop in level as compared to when in P but only a small amount and still within the marks (stopping when the bung hits the tube). But my issue is how far do I put the dipstick in?

[AJCIOW]

Sorry read it properly now!!!!

So I push the bung all the way into the tube!

Well I must have much too much oil in then. I would have expected problems by now probably been running it like this for a couple of thousand miles.

I have seen people mention using a pump to take the oil out, can you not just take the pan off?

[mikeWalsall]

After a run with the engine running .. and the hand brake hard on move the gear lever from 'L' to 'P' several times .. with the engine still running leave the gear lever in 'P' .. remove the dip stick and check the ATF level .. you may have to clean and check several times to get an accurate reading .. be sure to push the dip stick fully home at each attempt ..

You top / fill up down the dip stick hole with Dexon2 (or three) auto transmission fluid ..

[wonkanoby]

you can drop the pan but its a very messy job as oils above the joint

a pela pumps well worth the investment

if you have never dropped and cleaned the pan and filter its a good idea to

as the crud in there will amaze you

[AJCIOW]

Cheers,

will have a go at what Mikewalsall says, did not do it that way.

If it is still high may have to try the pump out.

The pan has been off. When i bought it the pan had a leak, so was taken off and fixed so the oil is only 18 month old.

See how it goes and will post the result.

Ta.

[mikeWalsall]

With the engine running ATF gets pumped into the toque converter .. as the toque converter holds a substantial amount of fluid you may get a 'to high' fluid reading with the engine stopped ..

Several auto boxes used to have a sump drain plug ..and .. a toque converter drain plug as well .. shame that they where 'done away' with ..!!

[AJCIOW]

Well,

Did what mikewalsall said, nice and hot, engine running and in P & D, no difference. The fluid was way up the stick as before about an inch above the F?

It changes fine, in fact is better now since i changed the throttle position sensor. It played up a week ago and the code pointed to the TPS. Only after changing it did i realise it was not changing properly before.

anyway it was because of this problem i checked the level in the first place.

I had the pan fixed at a garage when i had other work done in Autumn 2010. I will go back to them and see if they can shed any light on it.

Will update.

cheers.

[jaylee]

After a run with the engine running .. and the hand brake hard on move the gear lever from 'L' to 'P' several times .. with the engine still running leave the gear lever in 'P' .. remove the dip stick and check the ATF level .. you may have to clean and check several times to get an accurate reading .. be sure to push the dip stick fully home at each attempt ..

You top / fill up down the dip stick hole with Dexon2 (or three) auto transmission fluid ..

I normally balance on one leg with my foot on the brake too while doing this.. My three years dance training came in handy..!

[Northern Bongolow]

dexron 111 is the min oil grade for the auto box. deffo not dexron 11, this is a lower grade.

[Ian]

It changes fine, in fact is better now since i changed the throttle position sensor. It played up a week ago and the code pointed to the TPS.

Where did you obtain the TPS? Mazda can't get hold of one, and Autolink are out of stock

[bandario]

To put your mind at ease - my van had all the fluid dropped + replaced by a very experienced garage about 12 months ago.

If I check the level when stationery it is well and truly over full...I think this dipstick is a bit dipsy wipsy.