Guys I need your input urgently.
I had my TCM replaced in the AT tranny, and I am strugling with ensuring that proper amount of tranny fluid is put into the tranny.
The main problem is that I can not read anything on the level gauge (I am following the procedure from the Service Manual).
It is sort of sprinkled all over with trany fluid and no clear level is seen. I've tried twenty times literally. I've also drained the fluid completely and attempted to fill-it-up again. The obvious issue is that I can not drain it completely, there is always certain amount (and fairly large) which remains in it.
Are there any other ways to know that I am running reasonable level of AT fluid? In fact the car is runing fine, except that the gear change is kinda harsh (especially 1st into 2nd)
Is there any risks with overfilling the AT fluid?
Thanks a lot for your thoughts.

Mindaugas
'04 Touring
JWT Popcharger, Stoptech Front BBK

 

The only way to flush all the fluid is to disconnect the fluid line going to the fluid cooler at the bottom of the radiator, stick that in a clear bucket, have new fluid ready to poor in the top and start the car. As the old fluid is being pumped out, you replenish with the same amount of new fluid until the fluid coming out of the hose is nice and new. To tell if you have the correct fluid level, you are actually supposed to monitor the fluid temp. I did this a while ago and struggled getting it right without knowing the fluid temp. You do not want to over-fill or you could create excessive pressure and blow seals. It holds around 12qts total and with the car running you should easily have fluid up onto the dipstick. You may want to have a dealer check the level with the Consult II hooked up to get it right.