I am baffled. I changed fluid and filter on my 47re ( 02 2500) just before a trip 10 days ago. I have the double deep pan and added about 1.5 gal fluid and level looked good. After one day and about 600 miles I came off the interstate and stopped at a light. When it turned green the truck did not want to move. Checked the fluid and it just barely showed on the dip stick. From that point on I stopped to check it frequently and it was using about 1 pt every 150-200 miles. A check underneath showed it to be clean. A dealer said that maybe the seal between the tranny and the transfer case was leaking. Today I checked the level in the transfer case and it is just under full. Brought the ATF back up to full, I have now added another gal from where I filled it upon changing. WHERE CAN THIS BE GOING? I have a temp guage on the pan and have never seen temps any higher than 160. I need to get this figured out before I leave the immediate vacinity again.

 

Are you checking it in Neutral on level ground with the engine @ operating temps?

 

That is how I am checking it. I might add that the truck has a different smell than normal too.

 

What's the coolant look like?

It's possible the trans to water coller has been breached. Since trans fluid is under more pressure than the cooling system, it will usually lean into the cooling system.

HTH

Tony

 

I just now went out and looked and the coolant is fine. Good idea though.

 

I have never checked ATF cold but is it normal for the level to be way high when cold? The fluid is covering the S bends in the dip stick.

 

NOT NORMAL....ATF expands with heat....

It sounds like a drain back valve....Though I don't know if the 47RE trans has a drain back valve....I remember this on the Dakotas with the 4.7/545RFE.

Other more experienced people should chime in.....

Tony

 

That fluid is going somewhere!

My 47RE leaked at the tailshaft-driveshaft seal (drips), and at the transfer case gasket (moist); and where the tranny fluid lines entered the radiator.

Clean the possible leak areas and recheck - it's leaving the truck somewhere!

 

If by "cold" you also mean "not running" or "in Park" then YES a high level is normal. The tranny circulates the fluid when the engine is running AND in neutral. When it circulates (pumps) the fluid, the level in the pan drops. When the truck is in Park or turned off, some of the fluid will drain back into the pan giving a high reading.

 

Yes, by cold I mean not running, and what you say makes sence. I just never have checked one and found it over full cold and not running before. With the problem I am having I am real goosy now. Any little thing scares me. How about this drain back valve thing??

 

Could you have been confused when you installed the deep tranny pan?

If it drives fine, and you don't see the level read low anymore - you should be good to go...

 

I was also wondering about the deep tranny pan.

Another thought was the oil/ATF heat exchanger. Have you checked your engine oil level?

 

Tim, does the ATF flow through the exchanger on the way to the radiator?

 

The ATF flows through the exchanger first then to the tranny cooler by the rad and then back to the tranny.


Jason

 

k u obviously have a major leak...have u looked under the truck to see where its leaking?...most common seal is the extension housing seal for the rear drive shaft...it will get ur driveshaft wet but u may never see a drop on the tranny....otherwise the seal (just basic sealant) between the transfer case and tranny like to go as well...and check the front of the truck to see if u have a leak in the cooler or one of the hoses...it HAS to be obvious.....