Automatic trans capacity question...

[HallenTi]

Just changed the filter and fluid on my 1999 coupe, with an automatic and 29,500 miles. The owners manual says 5 quarts capacity. My ALLData account for it also says 5 quarts. I followed the ALLData steps to drain and check the fluid (fill to dripping out the drain plug to begin with after drain, then put the plug back, start the engine, run through PRNDL a few times, then with engine running check and fill till drips out the drain hole). I did that and have it just coming out the drain hole (temp is about 90-110 degrees at that time). But, when I check what I have put in, I have 4 quarts plus 7 ounces (less that the expected 5 quarts). I replaced the filter as well.

After initial fill and start up and run through gears, I stopped it and re-topped it off to be certain it was as high as it could be with the engine off, restarted and went through the gears again (total of I'd say 8-10 times total to be sure), then retopped it with the engine running. I'm concerned that it is below the 5 quart expected capacity, but I had the car level and semi-warmed up at the time, and of course, filling it this way, there is no way to "cram" more in than it will take! Any ideas or thoughts??? Thanks, Tim

 

[VETTEX2]

you're fine
maybe check it in a couple of weeks, but I'd bet it's full

 

[HallenTi]

Since I saved what I took out in a separate container, I decided to check it against what I had put in. I removed just under 4 quarts from the transmission. Given a little spillage (not much really, which I was glad about!) and what was in the filter that I removed, I think I am pretty much back to where I was. Could even be that it was "low" before the change (in hindsight, I should have checked it running to see if it was at or below the bottom of the drain plug before changing). Next time I'll think of that!

 

[Tom73]

My factory service manual says that for pan removal the capacity is 5 qts but for overhaul the capacity if 10.8 qts. So a bit more than half of the total capacity of 10.8 qts is in the torque converter. So, as was said, try driving for a bit and then recheck it. Bet it will be okay.

But, changing the fluid at 29K, why? Spend all your time at the track or turning the highway into a track Factory service manual says to change it every 100K in normal use.

tom...

 

[HallenTi]

I have in the past seen transmissions that have not had the fluid changed until 100,000 miles, and I decided that some preventative maintenance was better than the cost of the rebuild later on. I have had the car just two months, and the one previous owner was very careful with it, but I don't want to take chances. A previous Corvette I had wasn't well cared for by any of the past owners, and it cost me a lot over the time I had it in replacement costs.

 

[c4c5specialist]

I have in the past seen transmissions that have not had the fluid changed until 100,000 miles, and I decided that some preventative maintenance was better than the cost of the rebuild later on. I have had the car just two months, and the one previous owner was very careful with it, but I don't want to take chances. A previous Corvette I had wasn't well cared for by any of the past owners, and it cost me a lot over the time I had it in replacement costs.

HI there,
I could NOT agree more. Fact is that the fluid will do its work, but that is based on IDEAL conditions.
There is just no real ideal driving, unless you drive like a very slow person.
No full throttle starts or the like.
I prefer to see the fluid done every 30k, this is due to the suspension of particles within the fluid, which could inhibit lubrication of the bronze bushings within the transmission.
Allthebest, c4c5:bang