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Topic: Transmission Fluid Level Reading (Read 695 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission Fluid Level Reading

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,
 
Jimmy

Margie and Jimmy
2003 U270 36' (one slide)
1998 U295 36' (Sold 2019)

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #1 –
I would rely on the key pad, then mark the stick full hot, and full cold.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #2 –
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.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #3 –
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.
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: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #4 –
  I would add one quart and take a vote, make a note for future ref.

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #5 –
"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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #6 –
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!
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: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #7 –
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
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #8 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
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!


I have always done the check with engine running.  Is that incorrect?
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #9 –
Quote from: AC7880 –

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.
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: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #10 –
Thanks for all feedback ... what is the risk if there is a quart or two too much in the transmission?
Jimmy

Margie and Jimmy
2003 U270 36' (one slide)
1998 U295 36' (Sold 2019)

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #11 –
A quart in 19 should not be any issue (either high or low by one).
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: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #12 –
Brett ... Super ... Thanks
Jimmy

Margie and Jimmy
2003 U270 36' (one slide)
1998 U295 36' (Sold 2019)

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #13 –
Brett, so to check the oil level turn on the ignition but don't start it and push the up and down arrows 1time?.
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #14 –
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.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #15 –
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.
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: Transmission Fluid Level Reading

Reply #16 –
Added 1 quart today and took a test drive ... Now keypad reads ok ... Go figure.
Jimmy

Margie and Jimmy
2003 U270 36' (one slide)
1998 U295 36' (Sold 2019)