Thread: Is it normal to have bubbles on the transmission dipstick?

When I checked the transmission fluid level today, I noticed that there were several small bubbles (probably 5-6 on one side) on the dipstick. The transmission fluid level is right at the full mark or maybe a tiny lower than the full mark (It is pretty hard to see accurately where the fluid line is......). Are the bubbles something I should concern? I have seen online that overfilling transmission fluid can cause bubbles and it is bad for transmission since air does not provide lubrication. But I am not sure whether just several bubbles are normal or something wrong.

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

Small amount of bubbles is normal because the fluid inside the trans is always moving around, if it was all foamy then I'd see an issue.

Thank you! I usually see 4-5 bubbles on one side. I think this should be considered as "small amount of bubbles". But I am not sure and I have no idea how foamy looks like. Will a foamy dipstick look like bubble all over the place?

Originally Posted by slick2500

Foamy like when you fill a sink with water and dawn dish soap.

Thank you! It is definitely not that foamy. It looks like the picture I found on web. I usually have a little less bubbles than what the picture shows. Do you think this is acceptable?
atf_04.jpg

Acceptable