Transmission over full

[Mote]

I realize I am opening myself up for criticism, but I will risk that to reach out to this forum. How you ask? I had work done at Precision Tune, and I obviously don't check the tranny fluid very often.

Last fall shortly after buying my MM I had the transmission fluid flushed (27K miles on the car). Next day I felt it was shifting funny(bone-stock car at this point). I checked the fluid and it looked high so I brought it back. They said "It's up one tenth a quart - no problem".

Being a stock MM, it *did* shift funny. I eventually got an SCT X3 with a tune and things have been better, but I have been disappointed on how it doesn't always downshift and GO when I think it should. Also, it definitely shifts better when cold.

This past weekend I drove the Marauder for a family getaway to my sisters cabin. 4 people and a dog, and the trunk 100% full. I provided entertainment by passing a car. WOT, 55-95 (happens pretty quick), then back down after passing(fun!). About 2 miles later I was near stopped waiting on a left-turn stop sign behind a dozen cars. I was going about 10mph. I feathered the gas and the engine revved slightly but didn't accelerate(wtf?!? - Imagination?? It did it a 2nd time. More gas and it went. Hasn't happened since).

Once home 3 days later I checked the fluid. High, past the checkered part of the dipstick by a 1/4". It is pink, and does not smell burnt at all. Hrm. I called the place that did the flush, reminded them of the history of this. They are offering to do another flush an no cost to make sure it is done right and so the levels are correct. So I am going there in a few hours to get it done.

* What damage can occur if it is over-full? I don't know if they can tell *how* much over it is currently. Are there different degrees of damage from different amounts of over-full-ness?

* Can you tell what type of fluid is in there currently? What would happen if it was not Mercon V?

Thanks all.

[BlueFusion]

To answer your questions:

Overfilling the transmission can cause damage. If it is a little over full it won't hurt or affect anything. If it is overfilled too much the ATF will begin to foam. When it foams, air is mixed in with the fluid, and air in hydraulic-controlled devices obviously don't mix well. Additionally, it can cause clutches to burn out because of the improper hydraulic pressures (air contamination) and the foamed ATF not properly lubricating the clutches.

You can't really tell what kind of fluid is in there, but if it is Mercon or Dexron III it will work for a little while but the friction modifiers will wear out more quickly because they have lower specifications than Mercon V.

Also are you checking the ATF level with the ATF hot, idling in Park, after cycling through ALL of the gears on the gear selector?

[Mote]

Also are you checking the ATF level with the ATF hot, idling in Park, after cycling through ALL of the gears on the gear selector?

Yes. And, on level ground.

[ctrlraven]

Put a deep trans pan on and it should level all out since it will allow the capacity of more fluid held. lol

Hope you get it all figured out.

That reminds me I need to get mine flush soon.

[Big Black Beast]

If you ever overfill it again, just go to the auto parts store and buy one of those little cheap clear plastic squeeze pumps that comes with tubing and you can pump some out.
Don't buy the big plastic crank pump (don't ask me why I know this!).

[RF Overlord]

mote, BlueFusion pretty well summed it up. A quarter of an inch over full shouldn't be a problem.

While they have it in the air, have them install a drain plug in the pan. It goes on the back side of that little well or sump in the bottom and will make it VERY much easier and MUCH less messy to do a quick drain-and-fill periodically, helping to keep the additive pack fresh.

[babbage]

4 people plus dog and full trunk in august + WOT = hot transmission. I bet the fluid was over 210F when you revved it and it didn't move.

Once it cooled down a bit all was fine. This is my guess, Also the fluid may look more full than it really is.

[Black_Out]

Good chance they didn't use Mercon V. I know all the local shops around me add a bottle of friction modifier to "make it mercon V". I don't trust that ****. I took mine to ford.

[fastblackmerc]

Bring your own fluid and watch them use it when you take your car in for a tranny flush.

[rayjay]

Bring your own fluid and watch them use it when you take your car in for a tranny flush.

+1, did that.

[boatmangc]

Your fluid is pink? Like a strawberry shake?
That isn't good either foam or water.
Should be clear red.
Amsoil ATF FTW!