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Why does the trans have to be warm to check the level?

I understand that the fluid expands, but so does the radiator. Can you check the tranny fluid cold?

3 Answers

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  • ken k
    Lv 7
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    sure if you know what you are doing/trans has to be checked in park with engine running/because level will be higher as fluid is returned to the pan from other areas with the engine off/radiator do not check warmed up/

    Source(s): used car dlr nj
  • 8 years ago

    You can't check the coolant on a hot engine because your cooling system is under pressure and you can get injured with scalding coolant. You check an automatic transmission while it's warm because the fluid expands and it's how the engineers and manufacturers have determined is the best way to read the fluid level.

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    When the transmission fluid gets warm it fills up all of the voided areas internally inside the transmission and it depends on the make, model and year of your vehicle because on some vehicles you can check it cold.

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