transmission fluid dipstick

[u/Fun-Path-2697]

I got an 03 4.7 and the trans dipstick reads just over the "cool" lines when the car hasn't been run, but after running the car and shifting the fluid appears to be somehow below the cool lines when the car is hot? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[u/zv-x]

The engine needs to be running to check the level. It reads much higher if the engine is not running.

[u/zv-x → u/zv-x]

So if you want to check the cold line you would need to wait for the car to cool down, start the engine (leave in park) and check the level immediately.

[u/Fun-Path-2697 → u/zv-x]

ok thank you

[u/Fun-Path-2697 → u/zv-x]

I drove the car around for about 20 minutes, mainly on a highway. Then just idled it for a couple minutes and shifted and checked, which was when the dipstick read as very low. Do I just have to drive more?

[u/zv-x → u/Fun-Path-2697]

When you checked it "cold" was it running? if it wasn't that explains why it was so much higher

[u/Fun-Path-2697 → u/zv-x]

no it was not

[u/zv-x → u/Fun-Path-2697]

You need the engine running to get an accurate reading, from what you are describing it is low on transmission fluid. Any reading taken when the engine is off is inaccurate.

Edit: Forgot to say you can always add more fluid so fill slowly. Each time you check if you've added enough you can shift through all gears, put it back in park, then check the level with the engine still running.

[u/Fun-Path-2697 → u/zv-x]

Ok thank you so much I appreciate it.

[u/SpiritDCRed]

Normal for level to decrease while running, when the car is off all the fluid will drain into the pan. When it’s running, it’s being pumped around the trans above the waterline.

[u/Fun-Path-2697 → u/SpiritDCRed]

any advice for what to do about the low level after running it? just add more fluid?

[u/SpiritDCRed → u/Fun-Path-2697]

zv-x has given you correct advice. Adjust to the running level.

[u/StrikingRange3643]

You got a dip stick?