AW55/50 Dipstick Oil Level

cham · Post by **cham** » 18 Apr 2025, 22:36

Recently setup 2014D VIDA on an old laptop for diagnostic. One big reason was to read trans temp while checking the oil level. I've now checked the level a few separate times following procedure in VIDA at 80C just to make sure I wasn't getting variation. The photos below seem to show that it's overfilled but I want to make sure I'm reading the level right.

Do you always look for the absolute highest point of fluid on the dipstick, or do you focus more where the fluid is still darker and thick on the dipstick? For example, if the absolute highest point is accurate, that would mean the "N" in "NOT" in the first photo is the where the fluid level currently is.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 19 Apr 2025, 01:50

If your car is level, then yeah slightly overfilled we talking about 50 grams at best

Post by **volvolugnut** » 19 Apr 2025, 08:13

For clean ATF level checking, I try to get fluid warm and check with temperature gun on top of case. Then I remove the dip stick and wipe with clean cloth (best to use lint free). Then I put the drip stick fully into the tube and remove carefully. Then I use a white cloth or paper pressed against the stick without wiping. The wet area on the cloth/paper is compared to the end of the stick to get a more accurate reading of the top of fluid.
volvolugnut

Post by **scot850** » 19 Apr 2025, 08:28

The dipstick is a bit of a poor design in that when you remove it it often smears the oil on the dipstick with oil in the tube. You may have to try it a few times to see if it is consistent.

Neil.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 19 Apr 2025, 08:57

An alternative measurement method you may try:
Get a small, clear tube that has OD about the width of the dip stick.
Make it open on both ends and long enough to get in the transmission and extend out to where you can reach the outer end.
The tube should be straight when at rest.
Make a tape mark the same length as the dip stick length to the stopper.
Push the clear tube in the transmission tube up to the tape mark.
Wait a few seconds for the oil to fill into the clear tube and then hold your finger firmly on the outer end of the tube. This is the same as putting your finger on the end of a straw to hold the liquid.
Withdraw the clear tube and compare oil level with the normal dip stick.
Repeat to assure accuracy.
volvolugnut

cham · Post by **cham** » 19 Apr 2025, 10:15

dikidera wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 01:50 If your car is level, then yeah slightly overfilled we talking about 50 grams at best

I would think so as well but apparently the difference between just the HOT Max and Min is 0.2 Liters (about a Cup) of fluid according to VIDA. Using that reference, there is a decent amount of fluid up that stick. I have kind of realized recently though that my front coil springs are sagging causing the nose of the car to sit slightly lower than the rear even on a level surface. I might jack the front up ever so slightly when checking the level one more time and see if there is a difference.

cham · Post by **cham** » 19 Apr 2025, 10:19

scot850 wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 08:28 The dipstick is a bit of a poor design in that when you remove it it often smears the oil on the dipstick with oil in the tube. You may have to try it a few times to see if it is consistent.

Neil.

I remember reading in a forum somewhere about which side to actually read from based on the curve of the dipstick into the transmission for this very reason. I have not been able to find this post since, and I've forgotten which side they mentioned being more accurate. It is very poor, you have to burn your hand just to check that the transmission is filled correctly lol.

cham · Post by **cham** » 19 Apr 2025, 10:24

volvolugnut wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 08:13 Then I use a white cloth or paper pressed against the stick without wiping. The wet area on the cloth/paper is compared to the end of the stick to get a more accurate reading of the top of fluid.
volvolugnut

Yes that is smart, I tried doing this every now and again but it's a little difficult to get it perfectly pressed into the rag sometimes. Probably my best bet though.

That hose technique is extremely smart btw, I'd likely screw it up somehow though lol. I'm trying to be super clean with the dipstick regarding lint etc.

Post by **cn90** » 19 Apr 2025, 12:13

I posted info on this topic in this forum but I will post again re checking ATF with engine Hot/Running (what the book says) versus engine Cold/Off (based on my observation).

I now check ATF with engine Off/Cold bc it is much safer (no risk of burning my fingers). Let's say before a long trip, all I have to do is check the ATF with engine Cold/Off using this photo as a reference. The bottom line is: with engine Cold/Off, if the level is within +/- 3 mm of the "Hot" mark, I am fine with it. I have been using this easy trick now for > 15 years...

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: ATF-Level.jpg (37.37 KiB) Viewed 471 times

Post by **vtl** » 19 Apr 2025, 13:11

cn90 wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 12:13 I posted info on this topic in this forum but I will post again re checking ATF with engine Hot/Running (what book says) versus engine Cold/Off (based on my observation).

I now check ATF with engine Off/Cold bc it is much safer (no risk of burning my fingers). Let's say before a long trip, all I have to do is check the ATF with engine Cold/Off using this photo as a reference. The bottom line is: with engine Cold/Off, if the level is within +/- 3 mm of the "Hot" mark, I am fine with it. I have been using this easy trick now for > 15 years...

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ATF-Level.jpg

Torque converter failed on the picture.