Once and for all, what is the proper way to gauge whether you have the right level of tranny fluid?

I've heard different things from different people including having the car warm, running, not running, cold, etc.

My tranny fluid level hits the "C" mark when it is cold but when running or hot it far exceeds the "C" mark. There is another mark below the "C" mark which isn't labeled. Should my level be between these two marks while hot or not?

Thanks.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=149056 This should tell all you need to know.

 

for an auto (which im assuming you have judging from your description) ive always heard you run the car until it meets opperating temp (approx 5-10 mins) then put the car in nutral while still on, and check the hot side or the stick. this allows for the torque converter to be filled and the readout to be more accurate. also if the oil is burned it will be brown and stink
hope this helps