Question checking trans fluid level

[jasonnovak]

I have a newly acquired 99 GTP with 70K on the rebuilt transmission. I has a bit of a clunk going from park to reverse and when it shifts around 30mph. I checked the fluid level after driving about 30 miles (sub freezing temperatures currently) to warm it up, did the shift to all gears and idle a few minutes thing, and showed no fluid/add half quart. I ended up adding a whole quart, about four ounces at a time, shifting and idling a few minutes each time, and still doesn't register. So I'm guessing it needs at least another half+ quart. My concern is I'm missing something stupid and overfilling it - which I hear is a real fire risk when fluid comes out the dipstick. I've seen no obvious leaks in the snow under the car, and the last owner's receipts show they always took it into the dealership for oil changes and attached a checklist showing each fluid level was checked and is ok as of 7K miles ago ... assuming they actually check everything. Can it be a 2+ quarts down and still only have the minor issues I'm seeing?

[machinegunsquid]

You are checking it on level ground, engine running, trans in park, correct?

[jasonnovak]

Yes, warmed it up driving about 30 minutes, parked in the driveway (fairly level for being snowcovered), shifted slowly through all the gears about 5 seconds per, let it idle for a few minutes, and then checked the levels. For the additional checks I just shifted and idled for a bit.

[machinegunsquid]

And you are not registering anything on the dipstick at all?? Then it would obviously be low.


Also, I've never had to shift the car between gears checking the trans fluid level, this is including the 4L60E I just rebuilt and had to dump 14quarts into.

I would add 1/2 qt at a time until you start to register on the dipstick. Once you have it between the marks, take it for a spin, then check again.

[jasonnovak]

No, not registering at all on the dipstick. I think I saw the shift between the gears thing in the manual. Strange it's gotten so low quickly with no obvious leaks, but that's assuming the dealership checked correctly, ie warmed up, etc or even if they checked it at all.

If whole transmission holds 14 quarts then I guess being down 1.5+ quarts isn't too bad, I'll get another quart and keep adding, sounds like I'm not missing something stupid.

[98buicksupercharged]

Doubt they checked it everytime I know I hardly do.

[Slick2500]

He was saying that his 4L60 holds 14 quarts, that is a rwd trans and a lot bigger than the 4T65, iirc the 4T65 holds something like 10 quarts of fluid. And yeah like 98buick said, I highly doubt they check the fluids like they say they do. Thats like those certified used cars, guarantee most of them just get a wash and a vacuum and go right to the lots.