Please, If this is a repost, erase.

I have checked on the internet how to measure transmission fluid levels. The manual says put the car in a flat surface , take out the dipstick , clean it, insert and check level.

Others say: run the engine for 10 minutes, go through all gears , leave it on parking, engine on and measure.


My question is: I get different measurements !

first method when I measure level , it looks like i need to add fluid, below lower mark in the dip stick

second method: the reading is perfect almost on the dipstick upper mark.

My question is which is the right one?

If i trust the frist method I had to add fluid. But adding too much fluid is also bad.

 

I usually check my fluid by warming up the car, shifting through all the gears, pulling the dipstick, wiping it off, reinsert and pulling the dipstick out to check level.

This is the best way, as the fluid has the circuits charged and the fluid has warmed up and thermally expanded, showing the correct working level.

 

If I'm remembering the manual correctly, check it hot.