how to read transmisson dipstick

[wesry]

I just changed the transmisson fluid on my 04 pilot and tried to check the dipstick afterwards. I read what the manuel said but the fluid does not show a clear mark of where it stops on the stick. It kind of looks like it is all over the stick. I'm not sure what I am doing wrong but any help would be usefull. Thanks

[CMasten]

Originally posted by wesry
I just changed the transmisson fluid on my 04 pilot and tried to check the dipstick afterwards. I read what the manuel said but the fluid does not show a clear mark of where it stops on the stick. It kind of looks like it is all over the stick. I'm not sure what I am doing wrong but any help would be usefull. Thanks

I usually check mine a min or so after I shut the motor off. I take the dip stick out and wipe it off so I have a clean end. Then I reseat the stick back down into the filler neck, give it a second or two and you should easily be able to see where the wet fluid is stopping.

I think the key here is the clean it off the first time and then use the second time to read the actual value.

[LeedDog]

I have found I can get a cleaner oil level on the dipstick by removing it, wiping it off, and then wait to reinsert it for about ten minutes. That gives the oil in the tube time to drain back down into the oill pan. Now reinsert the dipstick, remove it, and you should have a definite line showing the level of the oil. I think the problem comes from oil in the tube that smears on the dipstick when you remove it. Try it - you'll like it.

[Sportymonk]

For me the key was to shut off the motor. The Pilot is the first vehicle I've had that you didn't have the motor running and the car in Park. Admittedly, even doing it properly, there isn't a lot of difference on the transmission stick between the add and the full mark.

[Rapid Rob]

Trans. oil level should be checked warm & within two minutes of shutting the motor off. Otherwise the torque converter will drain back, giving an inconsistant reading.

[thomasj2]

Here's a trick from an old mechanic on how to read the dipstick when the oil is too clean to see: Wipe the dipstick off, reinsert and roll it on a piece of paper, news paper and brown napkins work great (don't lift the dipstick off the paper). In just a few seconds the oil will turn the paper dark, read the level off the paper with the dipstick next to the dark wet spot.

[Gullwing]

Great trick, Thomasj2.

Any more from that old timer?

Gullwing

[dirk877]

See,

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/show...414#post300414

The picture at the bottom explains everything...