Autobox Refill

[jims-terrano]

A friend of mine has been this morning and replaced my water pump on the 2.7. Being an automatic it has small oil pipes going into the bottom of the radiator so as a result probably lost about a cup full of ATF.

Can anyone tell me how to top up and check levels of ATF please. Also what type of ATF to use if it’s anything specific.

Cheers

 

[elty001]

I use dextron III
Best to take the level when the atf is warm.

 

[jims-terrano]

Any ideas how to fill it please too

 

[elty001]

You have to fill it through the dipstick tube.
I bought a small funnel with a 300mm flexi neck on it which is perfect:thumb2

 

[jims-terrano]

Oh dear, that doesn’t sound like much fun. Sounds like ATF everywhere to me

 

[Blocky10]

Oh dear, that doesn’t sound like much fun. Sounds like ATF everywhere to me

I use an Elty set up ish. I use the flexi nozzle from a 1ltr oil bottle to extend the dipstick tube and a piece of flexi pipe with a small funnel in the top.

Bit of a ballache but it works.

Check the level when it's warm. :thumbs

 

[elty001]

Oh dear, that doesn’t sound like much fun. Sounds like ATF everywhere to me

Never spilt a drop yet Jim.
Slow and steady on the filling :thumb2

 

[macabethiel]

ATF fluid check.

As has been said check when the engine / transmission is warm I prefer a minimum of a 20 mile drive.

Then with the engine running and the shifter in Park check the level.

TBH with a small loss you will probably not need to add any depending on where the level was before there is some latitude between Max & Min. If you overfill it causes problems with "flaired" gear changes that feels like a slipping clutch and you will have to drain some off.

Any ATF rated Dexron 3 or better is fine the below link is a good site for information on ATF's.


https://www.cartechbooks.com/techtips/autotransfluid

 

[Banshee]

As has been said check when the engine / transmission is warm I prefer a minimum of a 20 mile drive.

Then with the engine running and the shifter in Park check the level.

Are you sure? With that much vibration how can you be sure your readings are true? I agree with warm but not with engine running

 

[macabethiel]

Are you sure? With that much vibration how can you be sure your readings are true? I agree with warm but not with engine running

The vibration is not an issue but it MUST be in PARK with the engine running to ensure the torque convertor is full and all the galleries etc are full of fluid. I have never come across any make of gearbox fitted with a dipstick tube where this is not how it is done. If you were really quick checking the level as soon as the engine was switched off you might get the same reading - never tried it though.

Some manuals state gearbox should be in DRIVE with the engine running but for safety PARK is better.

On late model Mercs there is no dipstick tube to add fluid this has to be done via a special fill adapter tool that fits in the drain plug, with a machine that delivers a measured amount.

Some CCTV boxes may be different I do not know, that said most have a torque convertor except the old Daff design so probably done the same way.

https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-check-automatic-transmission-fluid/

 

[Blocky10]

There's no way I'd risk checking gearbox oil with the engine running. There's a chance you could be there days with your arm stuck between the engine and bulk head. Well, if you've got manly arms:lol:lol

 

[solarman216]

Unfortunately that is the way it has to be done, or you will not get a correct reading, it is standard practice for all Auto's that I have ever come across, Rick

 

[macabethiel]

There's no way I'd risk checking gearbox oil with the engine running. There's a chance you could be there days with your arm stuck between the engine and bulk head. Well, if you've got manly arms:lol:lol

The ATF dipstick on my 2.7 diesel r3mR was pretty accessible not sure about a normal Terrano but I have never seen one that was particularly difficult to access.

Nothing to stop you pulling out the dipstick when the engine is not running and taping an extender on the handle first !

 

[Barrbeast]

As others said, autobox oil level is checked with engine running and ideally warm although there is a cold mark on the dipstick. It's oil not water so the vibration from the engine has chuff all effect on reading the level (even from the mighty 4.2).

 

[elty001]

When i replaced my radiator what little fluid i lost when removing the pipes to the cooler had no effect on the ATF level.