No idea how much ATF I'm starting with

[f22beaver]

Hey there everyone. First time Jeep owner here looking for advice. I've got an 04 Sport 4.0 w/ auto trans. Got a good deal because serious frame repair is needed but before that I need to fix a trans leak.

So the story is that the guy said he came out one morning and there was lots of ATF under the Jeep. So I'm working under the assumption he lost a lot, but how do I go about knowing how much to add? I know it needs to be hot to properly check level, but won't I cause damage if I heat it up without a proper level? But I also know I don't want to overfill. So I'm in a chicken/egg situation it seems.

Basically I need to get fluid in so I can see where it's leaking! It kills me to be so wasteful!!

And last question! Seems like ATF+4 is the fluid I need. Any disputes on that?

 

[Kid Mechanic]

If you can put it in gear and it moves, there is enough to get it to operating temp for a proper check. A little drip can look like a lot.

If it has leaked out so much it can’t move when in gear, then you need to fix the flood before pouring more in.

 

[f22beaver]

If you can put it in gear and it moves, there is enough to get it to operating temp for a proper check. A little drip can look like a lot.

If it has leaked out so much it can’t move when in gear, then you need to fix the flood before pouring more in.

Thx for this. It leaked long enough ago that *everything* just looks wet now. So I'll plan to clean it up, start it, hope it moves, then look for the leak. If it won't move I'll probably start with a half a quart and go up from there until I find something.

Sounds like even if it's "too low" right now I won't ruin anything running it a few minutes?

 

[f22beaver]

Slight update. It'll easily go and move in reverse but not fwd drive. I'm going to get it warm and properly check fluid.