I have a discrepancy reading my transmission fluid level. My transmission dip stick reads full; however, the electronic keyboard reads 2 quarts low. I normally use the keypad and don't even look at the dipstick but I just had the transmission fluid changed and decided to double check. I'm the second owner of the coach and to the best of knowledge the dipstick has never been modified. Any suggestions on which to trust and why such a discrepancy?
Thanks,
I would rely on the key pad, then mark the stick full hot, and full cold.
As I only have one option... "the dipstick", just wondering why those of you who have the keypad option would trust it over the dipstick? The keypad relies on an internal sensor, an electronic device that at some point could/would fail or need possible re-calibrating. It relies on correct source voltage and good connections. Obviously they are very reliable but the dipstick (if OEM) really can't lie to you.
Would be very telling to know if there was a difference in readings before the fluid was changed.
Yes, Allison says the key-pad reading is more accurate.
Yes, electronic sensors can fail.
That is why I asked the question above.
I would add one quart and take a vote, make a note for future ref.
"Another day, another neat thing I've learned on the Forum." I assume my keypad has that feature? No clue how to find the trans fluid reading. The dipstick is a royal pain because it's so long. Will see if my binders have the code. ^.^d
No, the check fluid level feature was not started until later, Mike.
When you (and others with pre-feature coaches) press the up and down arrows at the same time (ignition on, engine off) instead of showing O L (for oil level), you go straight to diagnostic codes d-1. If that is followed by a - -, there are no diagnostic codes.
For those with the oil level feature, you press the up and down arrows TWICE to get to diagnostic codes. A good thing to check once in a while. Afterall it takes maybe 10 seconds from the driver's seat!
This doesn't exactly address Jimmy's issue but is related. Our current coach has the 3060 transmission which is supposed to hold 19 quarts. It actually holds 23. Both the dipstick and the keypad show 4 quarts low at 19 quarts. Adding one at a time, the level comes up appropriately on the dipstick and the Allison counts down from 4 low to OK.
jor
I have always done the check with engine running. Is that incorrect?
It does not matter if the engine is on or not when checking for diagnostic codes with the Allison shift pad. As long as the ignition is on, the key pad is functional.
To check fluid level, of course, engine has to be running and transmission up to temperature (easiest to do after 100 miles or so-- so we do it at a rest area on one of your driving days.
Thanks for all feedback ... what is the risk if there is a quart or two too much in the transmission?
A quart in 19 should not be any issue (either high or low by one).
Brett ... Super ... Thanks
Brett, so to check the oil level turn on the ignition but don't start it and push the up and down arrows 1time?.
No, to check the transmission oil level you must be in park and have let the oil temp come down from driving and you should be level. Hope this helps you. Push the up/down arrows one time. To leave, past either neutral, drive or reverse.
CORRECT. The "ignition only" check is only for the diagnostic codes.
To check level, the transmission must be fully warmed up, engine running, transmission in neutral.
The procedures for checking are in you Allison manual and on their website.
Added 1 quart today and took a test drive ... Now keypad reads ok ... Go figure.