Incorrect digital tranny reading

bigdog · 07-09-2010, 12:05 AM

I checked the tranny fluid using the mode system on my '01 Tradewinds and it showed low temp,so I took it out and got fuel,4 miles on the freeway each way and a couple of miles off the freeway,for a total trip of 13 miles.When I got it home I checked it again and it showed me 7 lo so I checked the dipstick and it was dry. Oppsss.I have had this MH for 3 months and taken three trips each of which were around 250 miles.I have never found any leaks around either the engine or tranny and it was fully serviced before I got it. After putting 4 qts in it,I checked it again and found it showing me a "H" for high and also a "K" (?), and the dipstick was also over.It seems to me that driving it for 13 miles ,of which over 1/2 was at freeway speeds,should have warmed the tranny up enuff to get a correct reading.Now it looks as if I'm going to have to take it in and get it drained and refilled..

Mike Canter · 07-09-2010, 07:01 AM

When you check the fluid it the MH has to be absolutely level. On mine I do the automatic leveling while waiting for the fluid to setlle. When I started checking I was a little off level and it told me I was three quarts low. Leveled it and it was right on.

Harry B · 07-09-2010, 03:31 PM

It takes a while for the fluid to settle. My transmission will not not indicate the proper level until it has had a chance to settle/drain for about 5 minutes. I usually let the engine idle a couple of minutes when I pull into a rest area coming off of the freeway and check it multiple times over a 5 minute period. Try doing the same and see what you get when you compare your first reading to your last reading. After a 5 minute idle, you should get the correct reading.

bigdog · 07-09-2010, 05:49 PM

I'm also wondering just how long it takes for the tranny to heat up. I know that on my Excursion that sometimes it took quite a long time and the same on the school bus with the Allison Tranny. I'm thinking that I'm going up and run it for ten minutes or so and then check it again.. May even take a thermometer up and test the fluid on the dipstick.
I really don't want to take it on the trip next with an extra several quarts of tranny fluid in it.

bigdog · 07-10-2010, 07:04 PM

Update... Called Freightliner and the people there referred me to a local Allison dealer and I got the on call tech whowas really nice and told me all kinds of things about the tranny and how to use it. He also told me how to drain it by opening the 9/16 bolt on the side and let the fluid dribble out..Three hours to let 2 qts "Dribble" out and now it is showing just one hi..Great guy and his boss will be getting a call Monday AM.