On the 2002 (maybe other models) there is a clip on the transmission dipstick that holds it in the tube. After I refilled my tranny today, I put it back in and found the tranny was over the fill mark, but then I switched which side the clip was on and it was fine. Which side does the clip belong on?

 

Mine faces the front. Angled slightly to the right.

 

I know you're supposed to check tranny fluid when hot...but will the fluid be under HOT when cold or over HOT when cold?

 

There should be a cold check on one side and hot check on the other side of the dipstick. The front side is the hot check side. The cold check is for 86-122ºF and the hot side is for 122-176ºF. The fluid is checked with the engine running in park. After doing a cold check, drive the car a few miles in urban areas. Recheck the fluid using the hot range on the dipstick.

 

My 2002 only has a HOT marking. Where is the COLD marking in relation to that?

 

The blank side is the cold check side. It should be at the upper notch when cold. If is is at the lower notch, you need to add fluid to bring it to the upper notch. They did not put cold on the stick. In your owner's manual on page 8-13, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

Just went to check...mine definately does not have a COLD mark. I pulled about 1/2 a quart out and it is right at the HOT mark now. I'll take a short drive and see where it falls while hot. Anyone know where the cold mark is on the dipstick?

 

I told you where it was in my previous post. The top notch on the blank side of the stick.

 

Sorry, the site was not renewing...I could only see my last post. Thanks!

I took about 1/2 quart out and then went for a little drive with the wife to look at Christmas lights. I rechecked when hot and the level was right in the hash marks. Still not sure why I didn't get 4.5 quarts out today when I drained it.