SCCSURF

So I just changed the oil in my trans for the first time and added 6 quarts of Amsoil ATF, and the dip stick still shows only 1/4 way up the safe level. I thought only about 4 quarts came out from the pan alone. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have no leaks, drove it for two days now.

madhat

Is the tranny up to operating temp and in neutral when you check it? 6 qts is for an entire system drain (converter and cooler), approximately 4 is for a filter change.

madhat

FILL
To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of Mopart ATF
+4 to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add 3
pints (1-1/2 quarts) of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
torque converter was replaced or drained, and
cooler was flushed, add 12 pints (6 quarts) of ATF
+4 to transmission.
(3) Apply parking brakes.
(4) Start and run engine at normal curb idle
speed.
(5) Apply service brakes, shift transmission
through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set
parking brake, and leave engine running at curb idle
speed.
(6) Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid
level. If level is low, add fluid to bring level to
MIN mark on dipstick. Check to see if the oil level
is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is
noticably higher than the other, the dipstick has
picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the
oil to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.
(7) Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at normal
operating temperature.
(8) With the engine running at curb idle speed, the
gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake
applied, check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foaming
and shifting problems can result.
(9) Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow
mark.
When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release
park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill
tube.

SCCSURF

Fully up to temp and in nuetral.

SCCSURF

That's exactly what I did, but it's still only showing a 1/4 way up the safe range. I've put in 6 quarts now.

92'1stGen

If you search for "transmission fluid change" under the 3rd gen forums, you'll find that lots of other people that have just changed the pan fluid have used 6.5 qts or more when they refill it.

madhat

I have a deep tranny pan on mine, so I'm not much help here... that, and I usually just buy a case and fill it till the stick reads right.

As long as you are checking it correctly, pour it in!

Ace

The converter alone probably holds about 10 quarts.

2003Ram

My last change took 7 quarts. I just kept adding until I got the proper level.

Transfer case took 2.5 quarts in case you want to take care of that as well.

CamperAndy

My last change I screwed around while the transmission dripped and when it was all said and done I had to add 7 quarts to get it back to where it should be. With the total capacity of the transmission being 17 quarts it is easy to see that the amount that drains can vary a significant amount.

Service Fill - 48RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
Overhaul - 48RE 14-16L (29-33 pts.)

The chart below shows the temperature effect on level.

05HDRAM

I recently changed mine as well using the return line to the tranny and a 5 gallon bucket. If you have something to measure or guesstimate how much fluid you drained, you will have a good idea what you need to add. Did you check the fluid before you drained the pan, it could have been on the low side. Make sure there are no leaks and add enough to hit the Max line. Check it for a couple days till you feel comfortable there are no issues. I have read posts where people added 4 to 8 qts, so I wouldn't be overly concerned.

SCCSURF

Thanks everyone for their input, I'm still sitting around the 1/4 low mark. I've used all my Amsoil up and need to buy some more to fill all the way to max.