Checking ATF question
 

Hey guys, kind of a noob question here.

I was sifting through threads on here and read that if you check your atf on a cold engine the fluid line should be anywhere from 10-30mm below the minimum line(if I'm remembering correctly.) So I checked and double-checked it cold but the level was probably 1/2 inch above the max. Seemed like good coloration though. So I took it for a drive, 15 minutes or so, and checked twice again. This time I got absolutely nothing on the dipstick unless it morphed from red to clear. At first I was ready to drain some fluid and now I guess I need to add more?

Like I said, kind of a noob question, but it's been hesitating while shifting so I figured I'd make sure fluid levels were where they were supposed to be before I started looking at other things.

Thanks for any help.

Don't think it matters but it's an '81 300D

ATF level is always checked with the engine running. The fluid expands when it warms up, thus the level rises. It sounds like you checked the fluid with the engine stopped. When hot, the fluid thins a bit and can be hard to see on the dipstick.

For best results, check the fluid with engine running, trans in park, with the car warmed up and having been driven for several miles. Anything else is just guessing.