'89 Camry V-6 Transmission (4 sp. wOD) Dipstick Confusion ? Thanks For Advice!

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Hello Again,

My question is, is it safe and trustworthy to fill the transmission of an '89 Camry LE (4 sp. Automatic) by using the "Cold" marks?

I can't seem to get an accurate reading when the transmission is warm and the car is running.

Why is the vehicle showing a proper reading when cold, in relation to the "cold" marks on the dipstick, yet showing harldly any level at all on the dipstick when the transmission is warmed by a short drive?

Toyota owners must be able to share some type of experience, whether different, or having also encountered the same frustration I am dealing with regarding this maintainence matter.

Thanks for relies!

--Glen Sarkis--

I believe in changing the transmission fluid regularly, so with practice, have learned to get the level just right. First, according to my manual, the "cold" mark is only for reference when making the initial fill. The correct level is determined by using the "hot" marks. In other words, if the "hot" level is correct, you never need to look at the "cold" marking again - I never have, it's only to be used when you first add fluid to a cold engine/ transmission prior to starting the car, it is not a reliable indicator as to having the proper fluid level for driving. So you need to set the level "hot." Common advice is that the transmission level is usually over filled. This is because often the transmission is not allowed to warm fully prior to checking. You need to drive at least ten miles to get the transmission to "normal" operating temperature. If you drove more, that is OK. Once fully heated, the transmission should stabilize at operating temperature. The only caution is that the transmission should not be over heated. That is, prolonged stop and go city driving at high ambient temperatures where it doesn't get a chance to cool as in normal driving. Or extended driving at excessively high speed. You're looking for normal operating temperature. If you just drive the car for 10 -12 miles, you should be fine. If you're really not sure. Then fill to the mid point and check again the following day after the car has been driven further. If you haven't over filled, and are between the low and high marks on the hot scale, you're fine. When you return from your first 10 mile ride, leave the engine idling and shift slowly through the gears, then back to park. Now open the hood, get a clean rag, pull out the transmission dip stick and try to read the level. Usually, I can never read the level on the first try. The fluid seems to cling to the inside of the dip stick tube and coat the length of the dip stick so just wipe it off, insert it fully, pull it back out and try again. By now, with the engine idling on level ground after having driven 10 miles, it should be fully warm. Often, I hear the automatic fan on the radiator clicking on periodically. Usually I don't get an accurate reading on the second try either, but may get a clue. So clean the dip stick, re insert, and re check. Usually on the third try the reading is clear. Usually I have slightly under filled so I can bring the level up to the correct mark. It is easier to add fluid than remove it. So now add a small amount of fluid, leave the engine running, go back in the car and slowly shift through the gears back to park, and then repeat the process checking the level on the dip stick. On mine, there is a curved cut out at the top of the level when hot. I like to have the fluid right at the bottom of the top mark to allow slightly for more expansion, and at that point the level is safely over the minimum hot mark. There ya go. Perfect. No worries. Now that you've learned how, change it regularly to maximize transmission life.

Dan,

Thanks for your detailed reply!

I'll give it another shot, and check after a short drive of 10 miles, as you've suggested.

Regards,

Glen Sarkis