Hi, I recently had to change the throttle cable,the one to the gearbox,and thought I would change the fluid while I was at it.So I dutyfully read the downloaded manual and it said something about 8 pints to refill.I proceeded to fill it up and checked it afterwards for level.It was exceptionally high so I read the manual again and moved the gear change up and down a few times etc.Took it for a drive came back let it settle for a couple of days and the level was sky high.Reading another part later it says that to top up is considerably less than I have put in.So I drained some out.
The reason I am searching for advise is I took it out today and there was a distinct smell of fluid as I drove it.Have I done some major damage?or will this go eventually.
I guess I have proven the saying"a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" but I have to try myself as circumstances preclude the possibility of a garage.
many thanks for your time,Alan
I suppose I should mention it went through the gears no prob and kickdown worked fine.It's just the worrying smell.

- (#996) Alan, 27 Apr 05 14:54

The fluid, in the torque convertor, will not drain so, what does drain out from the sump is the supply oil, fed by the internal pump, around the box and this is nowhere near the full content of the auto box, hence your overfill situation. The dipstick has a cold and hot fluid level. It's usual to check the fluid level, with the engine running and the fluid quite hot, ie, after a run. I should think that some of the excess oil has leached out, possibly from the filler tube, and dripped onto the exhaust. If you do the "hot & running" dipstick check, you can establish whether a little more needs to be taken out of the sump, or a little more put in. Other, more knowledgeable than I am with autoboxes might advise differently but, I should not think that you have done any damage.
- (#996) John Davis (Leics), 27 Apr 05 15:14