A cold transmission check may be performed when the sump temperature is within which range?

• A. 60-120 degrees F
• B. 40-80 degrees F
• C. 120-180 degrees F
• D. 0-60 degrees F

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that transmission fluid volume on the dipstick changes with temperature. A cold transmission check is done when the sump fluid is in a moderate, predictable temperature range so the reading reflects the true level.

Between 60 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the fluid is not too viscous and hasn’t expanded much, so the dipstick reading corresponds to the intended nominal level. If it’s colder than about 60 F, the fluid is thicker and the level can appear lower than it actually is. If it’s hotter than about 120 F, the fluid expands and the level can appear higher than its true value. Therefore, this range provides the most reliable, consistent measurement for a cold transmission check.