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Topic: Oil level readout Allison (Read 827 times) previous topic - next topic

Oil level readout Allison

Trying to get to the bottom of why our trans went into limp mode third gear and thought I should at least use the panel to check the oil level.  Well got the usual OL- H 1 (6) parenth mine.  What the heck does the 6 mean.  I find it hard to believe that the tranny could hold over 16 quarts high without spitting it out somewhere.  Anyone have any ideas?

Jerre
Jerre and Kathy Griffin
2003 U320 4220 Special
Build # 6207
2022 RAM Laramie 4X4 EcoDiesel
2002 Country Coach Magna 37 Tag- Forever Coach-Died in fire 7/23
1997 Country Coach 32 Intrigue-No slides-Wonderful

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #1 –
Quote from: DaBus –
Trying to get to the bottom of why our trans went into limp mode third gear and thought I should at least use the panel to check the oil level.  Well got the usual OL- H 1 (6) parenth mine. 

OL oil level

H1 High oil level (Overfilled)

6 - overfilled by 6 quarts

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/file/allison-error-codes-and-shift-selector-operation.942/

See page 9

Same document, a little easier to read https://cdn.mpparts.com/pdfs/Trans%20Codes.pdf

FYI, it should say OL OK

Who last serviced the transmission and did they use the dipstick to measure (which isn't necessarily calibrated - pretty sure Allison tells you to use the shift pad).
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michelle –

Who last serviced the transmission and did they use the dipstick to measure (which isn't necessarily calibrated - pretty sure Allison tells you to use the shift pad).

Yes, Allison does suggest that their electronic fluid level check is more accurate than an uncalibrated dipstick. But, I have seen one Allison 3000 transmission with a defective level sensor.

Have you checked the dipstick (with the transmission up to working temperature).  If it also reads well over-filled, that would at least conform that it IS likely over-filled?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #3 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –

Have you checked the dipstick (with the transmission up to working temperature).  If it also reads well over-filled, that would at least conform that it IS likely over-filled?

Yes, verify level and condition (clear or milky) with the dipstick and also check for codes.  I don't know if the TCM would go into limp mode due to being overfilled with oil.  Hopefully it isn't actually overfilled due to a failed transmission cooler.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #4 –
Took coach out for spin with truck in tow.  ABS light out (only GOD knows why) after 6 months on.  Rechecked oil level and now 4 quarts high.  Dip stick is a crap shoot as never get a definitive line.  BUT the tranny temp jumped to 235 with essentially a flat ride to Texas Custom Coach and back to San Antonio.  Have one of the GODs of all things transmission, brakes and engine Billy Bodin coming out tomorrow to try to ferret out all the issues.  Fingers crossed for a departure to FMCA on Saturday.

Jerre
Jerre and Kathy Griffin
2003 U320 4220 Special
Build # 6207
2022 RAM Laramie 4X4 EcoDiesel
2002 Country Coach Magna 37 Tag- Forever Coach-Died in fire 7/23
1997 Country Coach 32 Intrigue-No slides-Wonderful

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #5 –
My level sensor is defective and I was going to repair it and the Allison Tech asked if I had a dip
stick and I said yes and he said good enough as it's a lot of work and a few hounded dollars for
the sensor.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #6 –
Well, the story continues.

Billy came out and hooked up the computer and got readouts for the Cummins, Allison and Wabco.  Engine no codes, Allison only 5644(speed mismatch 4th) and Wabco left tag sensor shorted.  Looked at trans fluid and looked funky, burned.  Since this all happened after I hooked up our RAM truck to tow home after putting on baseplate and AF1, after about 20 miles the trans went into limp mode in 3rd gear.  Got home after another 15 miles at 30 mph.  Recycled the ignition key and everything back to normal, reset and showed inactive 5644 code.  We had no noticeable problems towing our Jeep Rubicon but the Ram is 2000 pounds heavier.  As a note the previous owner had stated complete fluids, filters done in June but no supporting documents.  We did do testing on the engine, trans, cooling and generator which all were essentially normal.  Since we were planning to go to the FMCA rally in Tucson, I wanted to make sure that this didn't recur on the way there.  We hooked up the truck and drove back out to Pipe Creek(35 miles) with some minor hills and back.  On way back noted trans temp rising up to 238 degrees then bouncing between 230 and 234.  That is why we had Billy come out.  He thought maybe a fluid/filter change should be done.  Their service does Allison  factory "outside" repairs(sensors/electrical and fluids), but if it was internal they couldn't do it.  I decided to go down to S&S downtown San Antonio to see what kind of lead time they had for eval.  He said is the coach here now?  No, but tomorrow it can be.  So,  took coach down Thursday(started to have trans temp rise over 200, only 20 miles to S&S).  Got report yesterday(Friday) that trans is trashed with metal shavings and brass.  Needs remanufactured trans (now a 4500 not 4000MH model from Allison).  Ordered and now waiting for Allison to ship it here.  Wife's birthday was yesterday.  She said "now that's and expensive birthday present"

Jerre.
Jerre and Kathy Griffin
2003 U320 4220 Special
Build # 6207
2022 RAM Laramie 4X4 EcoDiesel
2002 Country Coach Magna 37 Tag- Forever Coach-Died in fire 7/23
1997 Country Coach 32 Intrigue-No slides-Wonderful

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #7 –
Really sorry to read this.

Was it just the six packs that were worked on or was the AF1 also done at the same time?  Just musing on whether something went amiss with the air or braking system that might have contributed.  Any unusual air tank readings?

On the tag ABS sensor, how long was the dash light illuminated and did you notice any prior issue with torque converter lock-up?  The ABS does send commands to the Allison for some things:

Torque converter locking up and then unlocking at highway speeds.

Transmission seems to be hunting, 2003 U320, need help
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #8 –
Sorry to hear but what kind of testing did you do that the trans came up normal,and is the shop getting a trans with the retarder?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #9 –
The ABS light had been on since we got the coach.  The 2 rear 6 packs were the only thing done to the coach besides trying to diagnose the ABS issue. The tag solenoid was stuck open after I raised the tag getting into a slot down in Goose Island SP.  We plugged the exhaust port of the manifold to stop the hiss.  The AF1 on the coach was put on at MOT where we bought the coach in September.  The AF1 on the truck was put on in Pipe Creek.  S&S is an Allison dealer and the tranny is coming from Allison so it should be correct for the retarder.  I am a little confused as to why it is a reman 4500 and not a 4000MH though.
Jerre and Kathy Griffin
2003 U320 4220 Special
Build # 6207
2022 RAM Laramie 4X4 EcoDiesel
2002 Country Coach Magna 37 Tag- Forever Coach-Died in fire 7/23
1997 Country Coach 32 Intrigue-No slides-Wonderful

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #10 –
Quote from: DaBus –
I am a little confused as to why it is a reman 4500 and not a 4000MH though.

4500 definitely has different gearing than a 4000 - almost looks like a granny gear there for 1st

4000 Series

Model    Ratio    First    Second    Third    Fourth    Fifth    Sixth    Seventh    Reverse    2nd Reverse
4000    Close    3.51    1.91    1.43    1.00    0.74    0.64    N/A    -4.80    N/A
4500   Wide    4.70    2.21    1.53    1.00    0.76    0.67    N/A    -5.55    N/A

It does come in a retarder model, but it looks like it might only be 3 position, not 6

Allison 4500 Series - Copeland International, Inc. (Copeland Allison...
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #11 –
For the money your going to spend I would get on the phone Monday and find out why that trans.,would also find out if yours can be rebuilt,if they are putting in a reman that tells me someplace can rebuild it.Once they put that in and you have trouble your stuck.Do you think the trans was good when you bought the coach?,Maybe the previous owner did'nt know and maybe he did
and had new fluid put in and drove straight to MOT and pulled the wool over their eyes,would also call other shops and find out and get prices on what they would do.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #12 –
If it was me, I'd blow out the cooler and change the trans filter and fluid first.  If that gets the trans back to normal, you've saved 20g's.  Probably not but it's JWIWD.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #13 –
Anythings possible but don't think that would help with the metal shavings.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #14 –
Each time I back in I do a system check for oil level and codes on my allison 3060R. oil will indicate 3 or 4 low for 30 seconds then it will start going down till it shows oil OK with in a couple of minutes or less. I always worry about over filling more than being a little low. Are the numbers in quarts or gallons? I assumed they were quarts.
Thanks
Ron
Ron Clark
Sherwood,Arkansas
1999 U 295 40 foot Build # 5550
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Motorcade # 18173
FMCA # F485593
 

Re: Oil level readout Allison

Reply #15 –
 QT