transmission fluid level issues

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 20, 2007 11:30 pm

Yesterday I check my transmission fluid level (full operating temp; engine running) and I was a bit low. I bought a quart of Valvoline ATF4 and poured in less than 1/4 quart. Check the level after a few minutes, saw a few bubbles but it was full. Decided to check it again today, the dipstick shows the level at the tip of the dipstick with bubbles. Any ideas? BTW, its the 45rfe transmission.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:52 am

Where are you seeing bubbles? On the dip-stick?

Make sure the tranny is in N with the engine running.

Also, make sure the Jeep is good and level.

Any visual leaks under it?

When was the last time you changed the fluid?

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 21, 2007 8:41 am

Drive around the block and then check the fluid. If it's still low, than it's going somewhere. Look at the transmission lines leading to and from the cooler

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:42 am

Yes, the bubbles were on the dipstick. Both time I checked it, it was at full operating temperature. I'm not sure it is a leak, because the dipstick show it nearly empty. That would have to be some major leak.

Another related question: Does ATF have an odor? Or is it like full synthetic motor oil, no smell? Because the new fluid smelt kinda funny.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:39 am

There is a strange oder. The best way to comapre would be with a clean bottle of ATF+4 (MOPAR Transmission fluid) and the stuff on your dipstick. If it's burnt or dirty, you'd be instantly able to compare between the two.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:08 pm

The old fluid on the dipstick didn't have a smell, only when I added the new fluid did it have that bad smell.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:31 pm

Check the fluid while it was cold; left overnight. The fluid is between "upper cold" area, just below the hot.

I don't get it, it full when it's cold, but it's hot empty?? I'm not seeing any leaks or hose damage.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:05 pm

I checked the fluid again and the fluid is brown? I used Vavoline ATF+4 fluid. I'm suspecting there was something wrong with the fluid. The fluid looked fine until I topped it off with the Valvoline. Can you mix Valvoline with Mopar fluid?

Do I have to do a complete flush now? ARRGGG!! I'm suing Valvoline if there is any damage to my transmission!!

_UnLiMiTeD_ · **Posted:** Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:20 pm

adding a 1/4 quart of valvoline to a tranny that holds like 13 quarts of oil is not going to do any damage lol. I would do a flush though and put all new fluid in it.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:23 pm

How much does a flush cost? I have 75,000 miles on it, should both filters be changed?

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Nov 25, 2007 7:45 pm

depends on how long it's been since your last transmission service. shouldn't set you back more than $200 for a full flush and both filters, even at the stealership.

Rush345 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 25, 2007 9:29 pm

Take a clean paper towel White and drop a little ATF on it. Then take a new bottle of ATF and put on a drop of new 2 to 3 inches away. I the old drops colors is lighter or washed out in color the ATF is degenerated. I read about this in STREET THUNDER National Street Machine Club. The magazine caters to Classic Rods and Customs, and is loaded with some beautiful custom cars. Also shows tools and other mods toys and tricks and techniques.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:16 pm

ATF+4 is full synthetic and is dyed red so color and smell has zero bearing on fluid condition.Valvoline ATF+4 is the same as the MOPAR ATF+4 so mixing the 2 will not hurt anything,Castrol is now making ATF+4 also.To properly check the fluid level on a KJ with the 45RFE the KJ needs to be level and the tranny in netrual(it's a truck tranny),run the shifter through each gear first and wait 1 min to check the level,after adding fluid run the tranny through all gears again and wait about 10 min for the fluid to fully drain out of the fill tube or you will get a messed up reading(engine running,tranny in nutrual,and the parking brake on).The 45RFE holds over 14qts so 1 pint is not going to make a huge difference in the level,but you should only add 1 pint at a time to prevent overfilling,it's better to be a little underfilled then overfilled in a auto tranny.

transmission fluid level issues

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