I've searched the threads, but didn't find an answer applicable to proper procedure to check the ATF level in my 2009 xD. I'm astounded this info is nowhere to be found in the Owner's Manual - the AT dipstick isn't even identified in the under hood schematic!

On a similar question posed pertaining to an xA, one commenter stated to check the ATF level with the trans in Neutral. The next commenter cited the Maintenance/Repair Manual, which stated to check the ATF level with the transmission in Park - which is data I'm more inclined to believe as fact vs opinion.

So, can anyone confirm what the FACTORY says is the proper procedure to check the ATF level in a 2009 xD? My trans has no driveability issues or leaks, but at 90k miles I'd like to get an accurate ATF level read. Obviously, vehicle at operating temp & parked on a level surface is a given. I want to be confident as to whether the ATF level should then be checked with the trans in P, N or D. Thanks in advance for your informed advice.

 

Normally you want it to be full with the engine running and up to operating temperature when you check atf. I always check it in park when I'm working on autos - none of have blown up yet and some are 300k+ that I've serviced since they came off the showroom floor. No idea what the factory method says, but this works for me and every other mechanic I've talked to.

I also do a drain and refill every 30k miles regardless of what the book says.

Does this link work for you for the basic process?

Transmission Fluid Level Check Scion xD (2008-2014) Base 1.8L 4 Cyl. (carcarekiosk.com)

 

Drizzoh: Thank you for your prompt & thoughtful reply. The link you provided does work for me & I'm familiar with the basic check process. However, those videos omit the specific detail I'm interested in - that being: with my '09 xD engine running & trans up to operating temperature + vehicle stopped on a level surface, should the ATF level be checked with the trans in 'P', 'N' or 'D'?. Obviously, if in N or D, a helper should be in the car with the brake applied, or if working alone the Parking Brake must be firmly set.

Thank you for sharing your experience with checking ATF level in a variety of AT-equipped cars, and your habit of making the check in all of them with the shifter in Park. However, I'm kinda a stickler for following the specific reflated OEM recommended procedure . . . . and I have found instructions varying between placing the shifter in Park or Neutral prior to remove/wipe/replace/checking the AT dipstick. There must be a reason a given OEM specifies one over the other - perhaps ATF circulation through the valve body (and therefore pan reservoir fluid level) differs among varying ATs when the AT is in 'P' or 'N.'

Adm. Emeritus 'Tomas' answered a similar Q on 1/14/10, and quoted 4-step text "From the repair manual", but that was a response to an inquiry pertaining to an xA with AT. I tried messaging Tomas privately, but his message box is apparently full & is not accepting additional messages. My hope is he or another Scionlife.com user/member has access to the/a repair manual which includes instructions for a 2009 xD. Of course, the ATF level check procedure may be the same between all years of xA & xD models . . . but I'd appreciate confirmation.

 

If you're that stickler on doing things 100% by the book, best thing would be to pick up the FSM for that car.

I didn't test it, but found this quick on here: Scion xD Repair Manual - Scionlife.com

 

Thank you. Found one or more of the FSM Manual downloads. Approximately 5k pages each, and none included the claimed index. Good times. Good times. I like the car, but what a total crock of sh*t that the owner's manual doesn't include description of such a fundamental routine maintenance procedure as checking ATF level - or even identify the location of the AT dipstick - located tantalizingly close to the crankcase dipstick... which the owner's manual DOES identify.