Really weird trans oil level readings

[nicknack280]

Weird trans oil level readings on my 72 280se 4.5, 3 speed auto!!

Ok I've been keeping an eye on how my transmission is running/sounding. Since my mechanic overfilled the fluid.

I've been checking fluid every time i drive it. Here is the really weird thing,.. when checking the level when the car has been driven 20 minutes, engine running and warm, and trans in P, the level is between the two lines.

but, when i check the level before i go home for work (when the engine is cold) the level is an inch above the top line. Shouldn't the level be well below the bottom line?.

Also, I feel like the shifts are delayed now. if i accelerate to say up 15 or 20mph, unless i accelerate past that, it won't shift to 2nd.

Also, I noticed that this wire was not connected. It's a wire to what i believe is the kickdown solenoid?. Picture attached.
I reattached the wire. not sure if that has anything to do with the delayed shifting or not.

help!

[97 SL320]

Are you checking the fluid while the engine is running or stopped?

Fluid expands when heated so the level will be higher when hot however, when sitting with the engine off, the torque converter and ,to a lesser extent, the cooler will drain back in to the pan raising the level.

Some transmissions ( being non brand specific here ) don't circulate fluid through the cooler / charge the torque converter in park and could contribute to high levels when cold unless the shifter is moved moved to drive then back to park.

[Tomguy]

For shift delays and shift timing there is a factory service procedure for adjusting the transmission valve body lever that connects to the throttle body linkage. Search the forums for it, I am confident I posted the FSM directions and calibration info. If you want it to shift sooner rather than later, pop the kickdown rod and make it longer (turn the "head" portion counter-clockwise).

[nicknack280]

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Are you checking the fluid while the engine is running or stopped?

Fluid expands when heated so the level will be higher when hot however, when sitting with the engine off, the torque converter and ,to a lesser extent, the cooler will drain back in to the pan raising the level.

Some transmissions ( being non brand specific here ) don't circulate fluid through the cooler / charge the torque converter in park and could contribute to high levels when cold unless the shifter is moved moved to drive then back to park.

Yes. Engine on, trans in park and been driving for 20 min on freeway.

[Tomguy]

The trans fluid does like to peak up when sitting, and the way trans fluid is, the dipstick tube is designed, and the dipstick itself, when the fluid isn't warm enough it sits in the tube so pulling and pushing the dipstick back in just pushes it through the film of fluid that's in the tube and you don't get an accurate reading. I know, it's tricky and not fun but that's probably why the level isn't reading right.

[nicknack280]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

The trans fluid does like to peak up when sitting, and the way trans fluid is, the dipstick tube is designed, and the dipstick itself, when the fluid isn't warm enough it sits in the tube so pulling and pushing the dipstick back in just pushes it through the film of fluid that's in the tube and you don't get an accurate reading. I know, it's tricky and not fun but that's probably why the level isn't reading right.

IC. ok so i'll go off my reading when the car is on and warmed up.

As for the wire going to what i think is the kick down solenoid (in the picture). Do you think there is a reason why my mechanic would leave that wire disconnected?

Thanks for your help again!
-Nick