42RLE transmission fluid capacity

[al07]

Hi all,

Probably a stupid question, but wanted to make sure I'm not overfilling.
I just changed (not flushed) the transmission fluid on my 04 auto, and replaced the filter. I then refilled 4qt of ATF+4 as per service manual, but that didn't even show on the dipstick (engine running, at temp, in neutral).
I added another 2qt and then it started finally showing on the dipstick, but not at the full mark yet.
I guess I should have checked it, but I don't know what was the level before servicing...I just went ahead and changed the fluid because I didn't know when it was changed by the previous owner (probably never).

Now I assume that if I had to refill more than 4qt, the transmission was running low on fluid for quite some time. Shifting gears was pretty smooth I would say. The question is if it's possible that a transmission still works properly with 2+qt of fluid missing (and I'd say probably at least 1qt more than that). Or am I just reading the level wrong perhaps?

I thought I would ask before I add even more fluid.

 

[Rcroane]

Hi all,

Probably a stupid question, but wanted to make sure I'm not overfilling.
I just changed (not flushed) the transmission fluid on my 04 auto, and replaced the filter. I then refilled 4qt of ATF+4 as per service manual, but that didn't even show on the dipstick (engine running, at temp, in neutral).
I added another 6qt and then it started finally showing on the dipstick, but not at the full mark yet.
I guess I should have checked it, but I don't know what was the level before servicing...I just went ahead and changed the fluid because I didn't know when it was changed by the previous owner (probably never).

Now I assume that if I had to refill more than 4qt, the transmission was running low on fluid for quite some time. Shifting gears was pretty smooth I would say. The question is if it's possible that a transmission still works properly with 2+qt of fluid missing (and I'd say probably at least 1qt more than that). Or am I just reading the level wrong perhaps?

I thought I would ask before I add even more fluid.

Just to be clear....you only removed the fluid from the pan? The pan capacity is 4 quarts, but the capacity of the entire system is almost 9 quarts. Did you measure how much fluid you drained from the pan? If you only drained the pan and you've put back 10 quarts, it should be reading full (and maybe much more than full depending on what you started with) and you should not add any more fluid. Are you reading the level at the hot mark on the dipstick? And are you parked on level ground?

 

[al07]

Just to be clear....you only removed the fluid from the pan? The pan capacity is 4 quarts, but the capacity of the entire system is almost 9 quarts. Did you measure how much fluid you drained from the pan? If you only drained the pan and you've put back 10 quarts, it should be reading full (and maybe much more than full depending on what you started with) and you should not add any more fluid. Are you reading the level at the hot mark on the dipstick? And are you parked on level ground?

Yeah, only removed the fluid from the pan and what was inside the filter. Then replaced the filter and added 6qt so far, but still not at hot/full mark.
I didn't measure how much I removed unfortunately, since the fluid went into a drain pan that wasn't empty.
Reading on the hot mark and parked on level ground.

 

[Rcroane]

You said you added 4 quarts and then another 6 quarts, so I'm confused. Have you added a total of 6 quarts or 10 quarts? If just 6 total, then I would add until dipstick reads full at the hot mark at operating temp and engine running. Shift through all the gears and then put it in Park or Neutral before measuring. I fill mine to the top hole on the dipstick.

 

[al07]

You said you added 4 quarts and then another 6 quarts, so I'm confused. Have you added a total of 6 quarts or 10 quarts? If just 6 total, then I would add until dipstick reads full at the hot mark at operating temp and engine running. Shift through all the gears and then put it in Park or Neutral before measuring. I fill mine to the top hole on the dipstick.

Sorry, my bad! I had a typo in my first message. 4qt + 2qt (just edited my first message also).
So 50% more than what the service manual states is still considered normal?

 

[Rcroane]

Sorry, my bad! I had a typo in my first message. 4qt + 2qt (just edited my first message also).
So 50% more than what the service manual states is still considered normal?

If you're following the proper procedure to measure it, and it sounds like you are, then you must have been low on fluid before you drained the pan. Do you have a trans temp gauge so you can be sure the trans fluid is at operating temp before measuring? I know my Jeep gets to coolant operating temp before the transmission gauge even moves.

 

[al07]

If you're following the proper procedure to measure it, and it sounds like you are, then you must have been low on fluid before you drained the pan. Do you have a trans temp gauge so you can be sure the trans fluid is at operating temp before measuring? I know my Jeep gets to coolant operating temp before the transmission gauge even moves.

No, I do not. But I measured after driving around for a few minutes and idling for quite a bit also. Engine was at temp for quite some time before checking the dipstick.

Thanks for your messages!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Trust the dipstick. 'tis far better for an automatic transmission to be slightly overfilled than slightly underfilled.

 

[Johnnyboy]

I have the same query. I stained the pan, filter, and had to drop the valve body to replace the shift sensor. Filling as per instructions etc. I’ve got 6 qts atf-4 in it and still have difficulty reading the level on the stick. One fills thru the dipstick tube so I’m always getting a smeared reading. Should I see a very definitive oil line on the stick? There’s 2 holes at Cold, 2 holes at Hot. Just where should I see a valid level. FYI engine was Hot.