Transmission fluid reading... whacky.

So, tranny has been doing some funky stuff lately (whining/humming when foot on the gas, goes away when I take foot off the gas). Before heading out on a trip last week checked the tranny fluid level. I checked it with a hot engine (ran around town for awhile) and while the engine was running. There's a "cold" mark section and a"hot" mark section. The fluid was approximately 3/4" above the high "hot" mark section. With the engine running still, I siphoned off about 3/4 quart which brought the reading right in the middle of the "hot" markings. Off we go.

This weekend, before heading out, checked again... same scenario: hot engine, engine running. The level is now 3/4" below the "cold" mark section. I've got no leaks. Added back 3/4 quart to bring it again to middle of "hot" mark section on stick.

Came back today and checked fluid... 3/4" above "hot" mark section.

Drinking beer now in deep reflection....

 

A340 trans (check door sticker)? Mileage?

 

After you warm it up, and before you check the ATF level...starting in Park with your foot on the brake, then shift slowly down through all the gears, and then back up again to park. Now check the level.

 

Nothing on sticker :: 2004 Access Cab TRD Off Road

214k miles.

 

Warm engine (just got back from an errand) parked in driveway, foot on brake, ran slowly through all gears... still reading 3/4" above hot marks.

 

You sure you didn’t run it too hot before checking? I believe the temp is 170F for checking. Generally I’ll only drive back roads for about 15-20 minutes below 40 mph before checking. Best method is to just buy a scanguage and put in the PID for the tranny to check the temp.

 

Up to you - I'd leave it as is - a little extra won't hurt yet it is not the cause of any whining in trans - most likely its just normal wear of TC and OD bearings. Keeping the fluid fresh will help extend their life.