I don't know where to find it now, but there is an official guide to transmission dipstick markings that shows where the level should be when the car is started cold and warmed up for only about 5 minutes. This is about 90C in the tranny. Most cars were about 1/4" to 1/2" below the low marking on the dipstick and every tech I've talked to has agreed with this.

Just remember to fill it to slightly below the low line on your dipstick if you can't find this guide and you should be ok. Of course, I don't know if this applies to the newer trannies filled for life with the marvelous mystery lifetime fluid.

someguyfromMaryland