I brought my wife's 02 Camry V6 brand new 10 years ago, have been meticulously maintaining it. Change oil on time, check oil ATF level often, etc. ATF level always seems high, over the top notch even when it's not hot, it has been like that since day one so I thought it's what supposed to be and didn't do anything about it.

Until yesterday, 88K miles later, yes 88K miles later I looked the service manual. It says the ATF should be at top notch when is hot, but mine is way over, so I decided to drain out about a 1/8 of a QT, brought down about 1/2 inch. But today it seemed still too much in there, so I drained out more, about 1/2 QT. Although it has been shifting ok except some kicked down jerks, It still really bothers me. I feel bad because I have been paying so much attention to everything but been fooled by the ATF, for 10 years and 88K miles! The tranny, the vital part been running under such adverse circumstance I can only hope it wouldn't break down.

The ATF is dark. I got to flush the tranny, as soon as I got ATF from the dealership.

The tranny had not been severed by anyone since it says it's no necessary to change ATF under normal driving which is how it has been driven. I can never understand how in the world it got over filled when it's delivered. BTW on day one the camshaft cover gasket leaked a bit. Obviously they put it together badly.

 

Are you checking the fluid when the engine is running?

The more important concern is making sure the fluid is clean and not worn out. Worn out, dirty fluid is the No 1 cause of trans failure.

 

I sure did. It had been driven for at least 5 or so minutes in town. I am going to flush it this weekend, since it looks dark brown. Time for new ATF.

 

5 minutes may not be enough. It needs to be hot as in around 155-175F.

 

This will only raises the level even higher. It's already too high to begin with.

 

That's why there are two ranges of marks on the dipstick Hot and Cold.

If fluid cold use the Cold range. Then when fluid is hot 155-175Fish recheck using the Hot range.