now is it with the car off or on. i keep hearing off and on and i do both so both give me different readings. obvious right? transmission runs smooth no problems just wondering

 

According to the factory service manual (page 9-76):
"With the car on level ground, pull the transmission dipstick and check the level of fluid immediately after the engine is shut off (within one minute)."

 

Make sure to charge every circuit/select gear before checking.

 

After normal driving, turn the engine off, and measure the fluid level. It must be at normal operating temperature and on a fairly level grade.

Most other cars require a running check because fluid level is mechanically controlled in various circuits by bi-metallic elements. These checks when done cold, or hot without the engine running will be inaccurate.