Fluid Sitting on Top of Transmission

[chriscarter]

Check fluid when warm, if it's OK...either don't park in the same place or put a piece of cardboard under the car to check for continuing leaks. You should be alright.

[PaulR]

Check fluid when warm, if it's OK...either don't park in the same place or put a piece of cardboard under the car to check for continuing leaks. You should be alright.

Thanks for your help. I just checked it and the fluid is halfway up the dipstick. To clarify, not halfway up to the mark of Hot on the dipstick, halfway up the actual dipstick. I am thinking maybe I need to take out at least 1.5 quarts?

[chriscarter]

That sounds about right. It will be messy, but try to take out 1 quart, then check again. Did you take off the pan and replace the filter also? If not, it may be smart to just sacrifice that fluid.....change the filter, then refill with 3.7 qts of fresh ATF-IV fluid. Get yourself a shop manual also.....I like Haynes (reasonable) or Toyota (expensive). Both available from Amazon.

[PaulR]

Just wanted to report back and say I took out a quart or so and the jolt on downshift issue is gone. I will check the level again soon, but I think should be good for a while.

Thanks for your help, everyone!