Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

HI everyone!

Is it better to check your transmission fluid when the engine is warm or when it's cold?

Thank you!

Eric

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

I was under the impression that tranny fluid should be checked with the engine warm. But that may be old school thinking.

Anyone else?

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

Check it when it is warm would be correct Taz.

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

oh Yea, It might also say it right on the Dipstick as well.

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

Yep, the general rule is to check the fluid with the car running in park at operating temperature.

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

Thank you all for the responses. I checked my level this evening and it seemed very low. Would that be a possible explanation as to why I have a loss of power (aka "little accelleration") while trying to pass at highway speeds or go up steep hills? I added a quart this evening since the level seemed quite low and took it for a light spin around the block (25 mph speed limit) but I suppose I'll see how it reacts tomorrow on the highway on my way into work.

It's a 2001 Monte Carlo SS with the 3.8 liter engine with 58,000 miles. Should I be thinking of having the transmission fluid and filter replaced?

Thank you,

Eric

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

If it still has the original fluid and filter, I would get it replaced.

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

Mrl390, I think you're exactly right. All I've ever done to the car is get its oil changed on a regular basis and the car has purred along nicely until now. Everything else in the car is all the original equipment. I'll take it in before the end of the week.

Eric

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

Dont let them talk you into a transmission flush. You dont need it and it can harm your transmission.

RE: Check trans fluid when warm or cold?
 

Though I've not changed fluid in my new monte, I flipped through my Haynes manual, and it looks to be the same procedure for the older Turbo Hydramatic transmissions as well. If you have any mechanical inclinations, I think you could do it yourself. The two biggest things is to make sure your gasket surfaces are super-clean (use sovent on a rag to clean and dry them), and make sure you don't overfill it. Just FYI...