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Trans Fluid level
After changing the trans fluid and filters I am having a difficult time checking the fluid level. With the engine running (cold) the level appears to be in the high range for “hot”. I have checked it numerous times but it is quite difficult to read with the new fluid. I recall reading somewhere on this site ( I think) that the small 3/8 pipe plug on the side of the pan is the correct level for the fluid. Did I just dream that or is that correct and if so is that the hot or cold level. The plug is approx 3 1/4″ below the pan flange. Anyone have this problem?
Michael
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5 Replies
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Does your Alllison shift pad have the capability to report fluid level? On ours you push up and down keys together and it will count down and then either tell you “ol OK” or “x hi/low”. You’ll need to be at operating temps for the shift pad to work.
I always measure how much I drain by filling the old oil back into the containers for recycling. Putting in as much oil as you drain will get you close even with a little spill here and there.
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Michael probably has a 5 speed and doesn’t have the level check from the key pad.
Michael – Check it hot, not cold. Checking it cold is just verifying it has fluid.
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Michael,
On the five speed transmission the drivers side of the transmission oil pan has a 1/8 pipe threat plug on it. I cannot remember how far up or down it was, but it was at a height that the cold flid level should be with the engine runing and the transmission in neutral.
Loosen the plug so it is finger tight. Start the coach and leave it in neutral. Remove the plug. If flluid does not drain out add fluid until it just starts to leak out. That is the correct fluid level. If it runs out, let it run out until it stops.
The coach has to be level. I suggest raising it all the way as high as it will go with level low, block it for your safety and then check it. If the transmission has warmed up wait until it is cool.
Here’s the disclaimer. I cannot remember what I had for lunch and I am going by memory. I could be wrong. My wife says I never admit to being wrong so don’t tell her I said that. See if any of the old Allison people remember that procedure. It is very difficult to accurately measure fluid level on the dip stick.
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Jon,
That procedure is what I read somewhere on this site. It was apparently imbedded in a thread as I could not get it to pull up using the search feature.
The old fluid had 100K miles on it and had enough color to see it on the stick. (Dextron) At Allison’s reccomendation I installed synthetic, Transynd. It is much lighter in color than Dextron and very difficult to see on the stick.
Thanks Michael
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It is difficult to see on the stick and even if it was more visible the stick is hard to interpret.
Fluid level needs to be correct. If it is overfull there is a tendency for the tranmsission to run hot.
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