ColImport

I can not tell from dipstick if I have the right amount or not because the fluid is all over the dipstick ......And also what is better to be a little low or to overfill?? I know neither is good but which one is the best of both evils if I can not get an accurate reading????

Mr pogo

Let the engine idle for a few minutes then recheck the level. Look on both sides of the dipstick end to see where the fluid ends.
Its better to be slightly overfull than underfilled.

MTL_4runner

When you push the dipstick back down you may scrape the sides of the tube which may have ATF on it.....best way is to take the reading where the fluid has completely covered the dipstick across its width. You may need to check 2-3 times to get a good reading.

TechWrench

Also, if you have just added fluid, it will stick to the sides of the dipstick tube for a while and cause false readings. I like to let it sit for 10 min or so, make sure the dipstick is clean (use a dry rag or cloth), and as earlier suggested, take several readings and check both sides of the stick.

ColImport

thank you guys I did succesfully get a reading after much trying. My transmission is fully flushed and refilled with sparkling redline my shifting is much smother I am happy as hell...One thing I did forget to put a washer on my draning plug but so far no leaking after 26 hours is this a big deal??? like I said no leaking yet...any comments??

4Runner 4Play

In regards to the "no washer on drain plug" I would say put it back on at you earliest conveinence. Just cuz That when the runner is at operaton temp. it could possibly expand and cause to leak. Same as the oil drain plug --> I forgot to washer it last time and till I did it right, it was leaking oil here and there. I've also just finished changing Fluid and filter and realized it was easier to take the pan off when I had disconnected the dipstick guide tube. I was just on with one bolt. 14mm I think. While it was off I gave it a good cleanin too. More accurate readings as a result. Anyways good job... I know mine now shift's like a dream
Cheers, Lee Hathaway

ColImport

well If the plug expands that would even prevent the leaking due to increased size...none the less I am going to keep monitoring the level. I did remove the dipstick and removing the pan was not so hard I pryed it open by hammering with a rubber hammer where it was joint to the tranny case. What it was a bit@$%H was removing the factory gasket as to get clean surfaces for my new permatex gasket.

4Runner 4Play

hahahaha!!!!! Yeah, I just read back what I said about the expanding thing, and you're right That would be true that if the drain plug did expand it would'nt leak.... It would be a tighter seal. That being said, when it cools back down, then it could leak Anyways, just thought I'd re-state to make sure I was still right.
Cheers, Lee Hathaway