ATF - yes, again...

[I-S]

I promise I'll change it soon and be done! Just moving house at the moment so I haven't got time to do it and I'll put the heavy loads on the old fluid...

However, checked it today. First of it's definately a brownish colour. Second, and the point of this question, is that I'm not sure I'm making sense of the dipstick properly. With the fluid hot, it seems that the dipstick is always covered... I'm starting to think that the box might be slightly overfilled. Other than putting pressure on seals, what will this do?

[Kenneth]

When I had my Galant VRG, the ATF was well over filled when I got it.

Because it was behaving badly, I checked the ATF and found this problem. I initially didnt do anything about it, but then I looked around on the net for documentation on automatic trasmissions and over filling.

All references I came across said: "DO NOT OVER FILL" (some were a bit more severe that that) I cant remember if any said why, but none said it didn't matter. So IMO, "DO NOT OVER FILL"

As soon as I found this, I took out ATF fluid. I reckon I took out 3L before it was at the correct level!

[Legnum Boy]

I took out ATF fluid. I reckon I took out 3L before it was at the correct level!

Did this have an affect on the behaviour of the box?

[psbarham]

sounds daft but you did have the engine running when you checked the level coz if not it will look over full as its not pumped the oil out of the gear box sump and into the torque convertor . the best way to check the level is when having the engine running and the oil good and hot (10-15 mile drive ) apply the hand brake and go through the gears in sequence -p-r-n-d-3-2-1-2-3-d-n-r-p pausing on each gear for about 5 secs this will ensure all the gallerys are full , hope this helps

[I-S]

No I did not, that might explain it.

Think the poor shifting is down to knackered fluid then...

[Kenneth]

Did this have an affect on the behaviour of the box?

Nothing really major, but it shifted smoother, especially down shifting. I always got the feeling there was drag somewhere, slowing the car down... that reduced a bit also.

maybe it was just too underpowered (1.8L)

[strangebat]

if it's any use just found this site
performance oils

[Sulli]

I checked my ATf level today. Cold, without engine running, it's just over the full level.
I then started the engine, and shifted through the gears when stationery, and just moved it a bit, as it was on my drive - so didn't get it hot with a good drive. Checked level with engine still running, and it was at the level marked cold.
The fluid is a clearish brown.
Is this OK?

[aaron68nz]

The fluid is a clearish brown.
Is this OK?

It's supposed to be a clear light red colour isn't it? Well I guess whatever it looks like when fresh. If it used to be clear red then brown would mean the oil is burnt. I had a '89 ZR4 auto and killed the auto box and the oil was a "burnt" (as mentionned on the mechanics bill) brown colour.

[nicktooley]

I had some auto problems with the engine "surging" in between upshifts, took it to a highly reputable auto specialist and he said that the reason for the fluid turning brownish was more likely due to one of the many clutches beginning to go wrong. This might not show up as a problem for ages (or it could go bust anytime, this really encouraged me withan estimated £1200 bill ).

He did say that changing the fluid wouldn't really work as it doesn't lose it's properties. Although this does contradict earlier reports from members.

[Smokinmasta2]

sounds daft but you did have the engine running when you checked the level coz if not it will look over full as its not pumped the oil out of the gear box sump and into the torque convertor . the best way to check the level is when having the engine running and the oil good and hot (10-15 mile drive ) apply the hand brake and go through the gears in sequence -p-r-n-d-3-2-1-2-3-d-n-r-p pausing on each gear for about 5 secs this will ensure all the gallerys are full , hope this helps

Can't remember, did you say mine could with changing??

Smokin..........

[psbarham]

Can't remember, did you say mine could with changing??

Smokin..........

come on you know what my memorys like , but i reckon we said yours could do with a full service , i can get dextron III for £45 for 20 l so i'll get a barrel and we can do the both of them at the same time

[Smokinmasta2]

come on you know what my memorys like , but i reckon we said yours could do with a full service , i can get dextron III for £45 for 20 l so i'll get a barrel and we can do the both of them at the same time

Coolio matey.
Did you find that Sony cable thingy BTW? sorry for hijack


Smokin............

[psbarham]

Coolio matey.
Did you find that Sony cable thingy BTW? sorry for hijack


Smokin............

i have turned the house upside down twice looking for that and still no luck which is annoying as i have two of the bl00dy things