Timing Transmission Fluid Check 2001 3.4l
 

After reading the Haynes manual and online, I proceeded to check the transmission fluid level after a pan drop and filter replacement. Generally, you warm up the vehicle (anywhere from 3-10mins), shift through all gears manually ending in park and remove the check-level bolt. If fluid doesn't come out, add until it does and you're done.

All three times I followed this procedure, letting it cool completely, and every time no fluid would come out. Fluid would only flow out if it sat running another 10-15 minutes or if I added some. And once it started flowing, it just kept going and going. Not a lot, just drips.

It does mention that if a trailer was towed or extended higher speeds will distort the results indicating to me that there is an optimal temp. to take readings.

My question is, should the transmission be at full temp while checking just like every other vehicle I've worked on? Or is there a small window of opportunity to accurately measure the amount of fluid, and once the transmission gets too warm that opportunity is lost?

I really dislike this hybrid design, like so many others! Manuals and automatics with dipsticks aren't a problem but this is more confusing and a hassle.

Thanks.