Bubbles in tranny fluid on dipstick! What gives?

[voorthuist]

I pulled the automatic tranny fluid blade out of my 95 LT-1 today to check the fluid. Car's got 36k miles and seems to shift just fine. Changed out the transmission fluid about 6 months ago; the fluid level, color and cleanliness all appear to be good at present.

My concern is lots of very tiny bubbles in the fluid on the blade. Anyone know if this is a cause for major concern?

Thanks everybody.

Jeff

 

[jmccloud]

If the trans is hot (>200+/-) you will see bubbles. Look in the owner's manual for the level checking procedure. As I recall, it says don't check it hot (many miles in >90 degree weather) but rather do the 'hot' check after driving 15-20 miles only. The bubbles will give a really crazy level reading too.

 

[Ken]

... the fluid level, color and cleanliness

Don't forget, your sense of smell comes in handy too. I always sniff the dipstick when I check the transmission in my truck (my Vette's a 6-speed) to see if it's been subjected to excessive heat; you'll definitely notice a burnt odor.

 

[voorthuist]

Loud and clear, thanks!

 

[Mad-Mic]

also run your fingers down the dipstick and feel for metal shavings. and as ken said use your nose and smell if it's burnt.


unfortunatly 4L60E tranny's sucks and blow up pretty easily because the shift points are controlled by the computer. we see this happen in FBody's all the time. add a cooler to the car and that will help keep the heat out of the fluid.

 

[Ken]

Heat is an automatic transmission's worst enemy. :nono