I have a 1991 Camry 4cyl Auto, 97Km. So far I always had the shop change the transmission fluid. When ever I checked the level it was always a little above the max. The mechanic said that this is the way it suppose to be. From reading the posts on this NG I realized that the increased pressure can damage the transmission. I have never seen the ATF level below the HOT region when the engine was cold, although the hot level was close to the MAX mark (and not way above it) when the transmission was hot. I would be thankful if someone could give me some tips to avoid overfilling. Since it is much easier to add than remove, is it safe to add fluid up to the COLD region, drive the car and then check if more fluid should be added?
Another important issue that I learned in this NG, is the need to change the differential fluid. When I confronted my mechanic about it, he said that there is no reason to replace it. When it was drained it was black and thick. During the last 5 years I changed the ATF every 15K or less, because it always appeared a little dark - is it possible that the dark differential fluid got mixed with the trans fluid? For 5 years, everytime I change my ATF, the mechanic says that my trans about to die, although it never gave me any problem.