She runs well and only has 125k. I replaced the radiator and lost some transmission fluid because I had to redo the entire cooling system! Not a huge deal. I can now say with certainty that the ideal time to check the fluid is when it’s warm and at room temperature. But when I checked it, there were night and day changes between when it was cold and when it was warm. It says “cold” and “I’m overfilled” (on top of the dipstick’s hot spot). It says “I’m underfilled” in the warm/operating temperature. middle of the cold portion Is the hot reading reliable?
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Check while the engine is running both cold and heated. Just keep an eye on it, most people never even check and search for charred, dark-colored ATF.
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The fluid is a nice pink color with no burnt smell. I am really meticulous about maintenance, but this has me a bit stumped. 
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Check your work for leaks regardless, when I work on mine, I will check for weeks until I am sure that everything is well. If it’s overfilled cold, it’s probably okay, if it’s overfilled hot, not good.
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How did you check the fluid?
Make sure the vehicle is level and the fluid is cold.
One person should start the vehicle while keeping one foot on the brake.
Shift the transmission into drive and then into neutral.
The second person should check the fluid immediately.
The fluid level should be at the lower full mark.
Just curious.
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Checked it cold. level was in the hot area. which i heard was normal.
When it got up to running temp it was in the cold area. I was by my self doing this so.
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Check the fluid while the vehicle is hot, idling in park on level ground. Shift through all the gears on the dash while stationary to allow the fluid to circulate through the valve body, then take it for a short drive up and down the street. Add fluid as needed until it reaches the top of the full mark.
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I actually did that. And the fluid came right under full on the hot part of the dip. Thanks for your input I appreciate it. 
The length of the dipstick’s heated side is approximately 80 4/5s. Check it after a quick drive while jogging in park. Perfect, in my opinion. sends you a picture message