Poll Have you checked your transmission fluid?

[Avoidin Deer]

There have been discussions regarding the transmission fluid being under-filled from the factory/dealer.

I thought maybe we could try to quantify this a little.

This assumes that the proper process was followed: car is on level ground, proper transmission fluid temperature was verified, engine was running, etc.

Point of clarification: the ATF level needs to be in “central marker area” of the dipstick, not just between “L” and “H” marks, per this pic:

 

[ruthrj]

Underfilled. Checked at about 5 years old, 50k miles on the odometer (checked properly).

 

[murky]

You should also ask if they verified the correct temperature when measuring.

 

[Avoidin Deer]

You should also ask if they verified the correct temperature when measuring.

Done.

 

[yrwei52]

You should also ask if they verified the correct temperature when measuring.

And engine is running ⋯

 

[Avoidin Deer]

And engine is running ⋯

I added it, but seriously...that's standard S.O.P. since there were automatics. I think.

 

[yrwei52]

I added it, but seriously...that's standard S.O.P. since there were automatics. I think.

I’ll just repost official Mazda document of ATF adjustment here:

 

[yrwei52]

Since there’s only one member in this poll who has checked ATF level (and found it was low from factory BTW), I’ll post another two here who found the ATF lever was low from factory. Kedis82ZE8’s original post does have a picture showing the ATF level was below the “L” mark (lower line) from factory. But the picture was gone after the server update. And the ATF level needs to be in “central marker area” of the dipstick, not just between “L” and “H” marks.

Mine was just shy of this lower mark at 122F

If that red mark was where yours is, that was the same as mine.

I drained 3.5 qts from factory fill, after some experimentation, a refill of 3.7 qts got my level in the marker.

 

[murky]

I added it, but seriously...that's standard S.O.P. since there were automatics. I think.

My Acura doesn't specify engine running for measuring transmission fluid level.

 

[Avoidin Deer]

My 2005 GMC Canyon manual says to leave the engine running, and to cycle through the gears before checking.

 

[yrwei52]

My Acura doesn't specify engine running for measuring transmission fluid level.

The same on my 1998 Honda CR-V.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Most vehicles I have had experience with AT level checks have required vehicle to be running. Aside from temperature variations the fluid level in pan between a vehicle running and not can be significant.