Hi all, Just got a used 2005 Highlander. I was checking the ATF today - started engine, ran it through gears, and then immediately cleaned dipstick and reinserted with engine still running per manual. I was alarmed to see the level was quite below the COLD marks, but it then did start to approach HOT level as I continued to let the engine run. Probably about 3/4 of the way between COLD and HOT. Should both the COLD and HOT marks be pretty much spot on or does one tend to be more accurate than the other. I assume that because it came up close to the HOT level, that it wasn't actually that low and everything is OK but I'm going to check it again tomorrow under COLD settings. I was just a bit surprised as I thought things would be spot on considering the carfax showed a dealer service of the transmission fluid not too long ago. I did add about 1/4 qt of ATF.
Also, what is the community's opinion on changing out the transmission filter? Car fax shows just the one dealer fluid change about 5k ago (car has 125k).
Also, what is the community's opinion on changing out the transmission filter? Car fax shows just the one dealer fluid change about 5k ago (car has 125k).