Blueboy1875

Hi folks.

2001 XJ with AW4, 70k miles. Always pop the hood once a week to check oil, fluids and coolant.

Extremely embarrassed to have to admit this, but I'm struggling a bit with checking my transmission fluid level.

When cold (I know it shouldn't be checked when cold, but this is for your information only), the level is right on the 'max' line on the dipstick.

After I've driven it for maybe 10 miles, and got the engine up to normal operating temperature, and after I've run it through the gears and put it in neutral, on one side of the dipstick it is reading just over the 'max' line and on the other it is reading roughly half way between the 'max' and the 'min' line. The fluid is more streaky than solid on the dipstick, so reading it is really difficult.

Fluid is not red, but not burnt either. Just a light brown. No idea whether it has ever been changed.

I know it's probably tricky based on just the above, but any idea whether I have anything to worry about just yet?

Any help appreciated.

Ash

DieselD

Your leaving it running and in park and checking it right?

Blueboy1875

DieselD - thanks for replying.

Yep. Running and in Park or Neutral, with the brake on.

DieselD

I'm pretty sure you want it in park. But brownish color doesn't sound good. I'd say drain and refill while replacing the filter. Then check it.

Blueboy1875

DieselD - it's due for its 6 month service next week (dealer maintained from new). I'll probably get the condition of the fluid looked at then.

I was always under the impression from what I've read before that fluid will discolour over time, and not stay bright red. The guy at Jeep said that light brown is still good (particularly if the fluid 'spreads' thinly on a piece of tissue paper when dripped onto it), but dark brown or burnt smelling needs changing.

Any thoughts on the levels? Is it unusual to find it difficult to get an accurate reading when running? Or is it just me!?!

DieselD

I guess if its burnt or slightly burnt. It wouldn't have quite the same viscosity as new fluid? So maybe that's why it runs? Just a thought.

On a side not 76k on it? Where you been hiding it? Drive that sucker. Lol

Blueboy1875

I had a Trailblazer EXT in which the fluid got burned bad (my other half accidentally drove it in 4Lo for 30 miles at 70 mph!). Stink was terrible and fluid was as black as coal. The fluid in my XJ is nothing at all like this - just a honey brown colour and no discernible smell. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, as the shifting itself is fine.

76k? Yeah, I guess that is pretty low miles. The PO never drove it, as she preferred taking a cab if she ever had to go anywhere (she hated driving out here). Her loss, my gain!

DFlintstone

Yea, I've had a little issue with that as well. Also opening a strange hood, I can never find that little latch under the hood. As a somewhat experienced mechanic, it's embarrassing! "Yea , I can fix it if you would please open the hood".

Try it a few times. I think maybe fluid in the inside on the tube gets on the stick. That IS a head scratcher when it's at one level on one side, and another on the other.

Blueboy1875

I tried it four or five times when warmed up, and still the same result - inconsistent 'streaky' fluid lines front and back of the dipstick. Just can't get a proper reading.

This is why I thought I'd put out there what it reads when cold and hot, and on both sides of the dipstick, to see if anyone could guage whether I'm in the red or black zone when it comes to the actual amount of fluid I've currently got.

Seems like the dipstick is 'catching' something when I pull it out - like a bend or something.

I guess I'll just have to try it again later.

DFlintstone

I had never sat and thought about that until now. I suppose after it sat idling for a while you could just pull it out and read it! There shouldn't be fluid on the inside if the tube, (yet), and the level should be what the level IS.

Blueboy1875

Sounds pretty simple, huh? But I guess not for me!

I'll be taking another peep after I drive home tonight. Let's hope I get a clear enough reading to give me a bit of comfort on this (finally!).

Thanks for the input.

rideordie66

I wouldnt, but you could drain it and count the quarts that come out. It doesnt sound like your low though.

Blueboy1875

That's as much as I wanted to hear....thanks very much!