Reading the Auto Trans dipstick on 350-450SL 4.5

[JSFmbSL]

Okay, first thanks everyone for last fall's advice on the trigger points. Got them cleaned and our 1972 350 SL runs great. Last fall the automatic transmission was pulled and serviced for leaks, seal replacements, adjustments etc. Last weekend we took the SL out for the first time this spring about a 45 mile round trip. Returning and pulling into the level surface of the garage I left it running and decided to check the autotrans dipstick to see that the level was up to snuff per the owners manual. Nothing read on the stick! no evidence of transfluid. After shutting it off and checking it again in about 2 minutes the level was about 1/4 inch below the minimum mark. So I waited a few minutes, then per the owners manual started it up again while still warm, let it idle for 3 minutes and then while idling, again checked the stick and no evidence of fluid level. After shutting it off and waiting about 10 minutes, with the car off, the level showed up about 1/2 inch below the minimum mark. So how do I get an accurate reading of the actual fluid. It should be properly filled per the servicing last fall. There are only a few drops of leak under the car for the entire winter so no major leak issue.

[softconsult]

Every automatic transmission car I have ever had required that the engine be running when transmission fluid is checked. Sounds like it's low. When the engine is not running the dipstick reading is useless.

Steve