fluid level question

[GlenB]

I just purchased a 2005 Fleetwood Expedition, 35,000 Miles, 300 cat and allison 3000 tranni. I just had complete service done at a Freightliner dealer. They did the Tranni fluid as well. I did not check the level when I picked up the RV and I am now in Destin, Fl. I checked the tranni fluid level after it has been setting for several days so cold. It showed far up above the cold and hot marks. I have already put some 400 miles on it and got no alarms or noticed anything wrong. Is this a problem?? The oil mark was a little high also but I think that is OK. New to diesel and allison so I thankyou folks for help....glen

[pyroman175]

bring the tranny up to temperature and check the level with the gear selector.. this is done by pushing the up and down arrow at the same time. It will give you a more accurate level. I uploaded the manual for you

[jfran304]

Glen,

The transmission fluid is supposed to be checked with the engine running with the transmission in Park at normal operating temperature.

Good Luck,
Jon

[GlenB]

Tks for taking the time to send the post. I will try this when we get ready to leave tue am. I pray that it is just me reading the stick wrong. If it indeed is too full I will head for some dealer help....glen

[JimM68]

As was said, automatic transmission fluid is always checked with the engine running and the fluid at temperature, this goes for your car too. It takes a while to build some heat in an Allison, drive the rig awhile before checking again.
And do use the gear selector check, it is more accurate than the dipstick.

[sdennislee]

The dip stick is often wrong. Check it from the console as described above. I never use the dip stick. Dip stick is typically installed by the MH manufacturer and not Allison.

[Steve Ownby]

Be sure to level the coach before taking the reading using the shift pad. It will take a couple of minutes to do the level check & will count down from about 7 or 8 to 1 and the give you the level.

[djhinds]

If the oil is to be checked by the dipstick in an Allison 4000, should the engine be running and the oil at temp. also? My friend is old and stubborn and will only use a dipstick...

Dave

[Steve Ownby]

Hey Dave,

I'm also old & stubborn, but if you ask Allison, they will tell you if there is a difference between the dipstick & the electronic level sensor, believe the sensor. Ask him if he uses a dipstick in his fuel tank or does he rely on the guage.

The dip stick should have markings for both cold & operating temp fluid levels.

Safe travels,

[1ciderdog]

My memory from reading my Allison book is to use the dip stick only to make sure there is sufficient fluid in the 3000 transmission before running the RV out on the highway to get the fluid temp up for an electronic check. The book has specific requirements for checking the fluid. Also by memory the fluid is really high on the dip stick if the fluid is cold and enough time has passed for the fluid to settle in the pan. Do you have access to the Allison operators manual?
Safe Travels
Bob

[djhinds]

Yes I have the manual, I will read to find how it should be done there. When he checked the dipstick level the oil was cold and had set all night. It showed about 4/5 inches over full. So he drained 3 gallons out and it still showed 2" over full but when I got there I used the digital readout and it showed 6 qts low after I warmed it up. I could not get him to add more oil and he left for a trip. I guess I will wait and see how it works out for him. OH well I tried.

Dave

[1ciderdog]

Dave
I just went out and checked the cold trans fluid on my 3000 and it is at least 4 inches above the high fluid mark. I had checked it electronically before I shut it down four days ago and the electronic level was OK. Like others have said it needs to be running and up to temperature for an accurate reading. I hope he does not learn an expensive lesson about trans fluid levels. I'd think much cheaper in the long run to trust the Allison owners manual. As far as the read out lo 6 it could me more than the 6 quarts. At a Allison session I attended a couple of years ago it was mentioned there is a point where it stops measuring and if that point is 6 he could be way low on fluid.
Safe Travels
Bob

[Triker56]

Fluid has to be above 140º for the dash to read it.

If you took 3 gal out he is running very low.
My 3060 only takes 16 qt on a change of filters and drain of pan.

[djhinds]

When I had mine done it took 42 qts. It is a 4000 and so is his on a Beaver Marquis with a C-12 Cat. Oh well I tried.

Dave