Trans says 3 qts low

[bubby124]

I just replaced the filters and fluid in my Allison transmission the book says it will take 19 quarts to refill. I put 19 back in but the shift control says 3 low is it more likely the sensor is off or the manual is off

2002 monaco windsor 4" deep pan

[BFlinn181]

When you drop the pan on an automatic transmission, MOST all the fluid from the transmission will come out, except for the fluid in the chambers and channels in the transmission. Problem is, it doesn't touch the fluid stored in the torque converter. That's a big 'tank' of fluid that doesn't drain when you drain the transmission. In a transmission where you are changing fluid types, the fluid has to be drained, filled with the new fluid, run a bit to dilute the old fluid mixed in from the converter, then drained and filled again.

Did you measure how much fluid you drained from the transmission? I suspect if you just put in the listed capacity of 19 quarts you seriously over-filled the transmission.

[Jeff753]

Originally Posted by bubby124

I just replaced the filters and fluid in my Allison transmission the book says it will take 19 quarts to refill. I put 19 back in but the shift control says 3 low is it more likely the sensor is off or the manual is off



2002 monaco windsor 4" deep pan

Was it at operating temp? Sometimes you have to wait for fluid to drain back after driving. Mine can show 3 then 2 then 1 then ok


Jeff
2001 Dynasty Regent tag axle
Cummins 350 8.3 ISC
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
FMCA U60 Task Force Chairman

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by bubby124

I just replaced the filters and fluid in my Allison transmission the book says it will take 19 quarts to refill. I put 19 back in but the shift control says 3 low is it more likely the sensor is off or the manual is off



2002 monaco windsor 4" deep pan

Allison says believe the sensor. I would take a short drive and make sure it's up to temp & has been through the gears a few times. Also level up before checking. If it still says 3 low, add 2 & check again after a day's travel.

[bubby124]

I got 19 quarts when I drained the fluid and filters I poured it into gallon containers. it was at temp when I checked it but did not let it set very long also I checked it while it was running is that correct.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by bubby124

I got 19 quarts when I drained the fluid and filters I poured it into gallon containers. it was at temp when I checked it but did not let it set very long also I checked it while it was running is that correct.

Typically instructions say to shift into each gear, including reverse, to make sure fluid has filled every passage. It's not unusual for it to initially say, "three quarts low" but that should change at the engine warms up and you move it through the gears.

[jacwjames]

Early last year I had road debris take out my radiator. When Cummins repaired it they had to disconnect the transmission hoses from the cooler, loosing oil. I assume the put some back in, I was billed for 1 gallon of Transynd.

After driving home ~45 miles I checked the level and it showed 4 quarts low. I added 2 quarts and drove it again parking in a level parking lot. It then showed OK.

Trust the sensor but add 2 quarts first then check again.

[10Boomer]

I found reference in my manual ensure tranny temp is at least 140 degrees, engine running, level.


Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - 2008 Monaco Camelot 40 PDQ

[Papa_Jim]

Originally Posted by bubby124

I got 19 quarts when I drained the fluid and filters I poured it into gallon containers. it was at temp when I checked it but did not let it set very long also I checked it while it was running is that correct.

A few years ago I decided to make the switch to Transyd oil. My transmission readout said that my transmission was full. I drained the transmission and removed the old filters. I captured 19 quarts of oil. I installed the new filters and poured in 19 quarts of new oil. The transmission readout said that it was 4 quarts low! I added 2 quarts and it said it was full! It has reported OK ever since.

Go figure!

Jim

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by bubby124

I got 19 quarts when I drained the fluid and filters I poured it into gallon containers. it was at temp when I checked it but did not let it set very long also I checked it while it was running is that correct.

Yes, it should be running. The display will start a countdown depending on how long it has been in neutral. Typically it will take a couple of minutes to complete the count down with a number flashing for a few seconds and then changing to the next lower number.

It will then flash o/ l/ o/ k over and over. Or o/ l/ l/ 3 for low 3 qts. Or o/ l/ h/ 2 for 2 qts high.

This value will repeat until you exit the check.

[Mike Canter]

Steve is right on. I usually level the motorhome first then wait five minutes before I take a reading.

[RamiDav]

Tell me if I'm wrong , don't you want to be
on level ground instead of leveling the moho ?

Ray D

Steve is right on. I usually level the motorhome first then wait five minutes before I take a reading.

__________________
Mike Canter
"Gunner" USN Retired, Airdale
2004 Monaco Signature 44' Conquest. Detroit 60

[D Lindy]

I might have missed it BUT are you sure that the Tranny WAS full when you drained and measure the used oil, or could it have been 3 QTS. low to begin with?

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by RamiDav

Tell me if I'm wrong , don't you want to be
on level ground instead of leveling the moho ?

Ray D

Steve is right on. I usually level the motorhome first then wait five minutes before I take a reading.

__________________
Mike Canter
"Gunner" USN Retired, Airdale
2004 Monaco Signature 44' Conquest. Detroit 60

Level ground certainly works but if you aren't parked level then leveling the coach is fine. The transmission, which is rigidly attached to the chassis, will level right along with the rest of the coach. I check mine many times waiting in line to pull up to a pump at a truck stop.