Hello Steven and thanks for a very clearly written account. I particularly noticed your use of the specialist term "flaring".
Quote:
Originally Posted by Londonsteve
... my box didn't appear to have a level plug on the side ...
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That's correct because the level plug is on the bottom. It's at the base of a vertical tube inside the gearbox so that fluid ceases to flow and starts dripping when you've reached the right level.
A fluid temperature is specified and it's possible to detect it using the resistance reading of the sensor. However, before the arrival of computerised diagnostics the instructions were to measure the level with the gearbox at "normal working temperature". That method seemed to work satisfactorily for many decades so you need not worry unduly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Londonsteve
The oil change specified at 60,000 miles, does it include another 4 litre drain, to leave 75% fresh oil in the box? I struggle to imagine that every 60k miles the manufacturer only advises a 50% dilution.
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Yes, obtaining a mix of half used and half new fluid at every change is how it's been since automatic transmissions were invented! If you now discard 50% of that mix and add an equal quantity of new fluid the 4 litres of 50:50 mixture is now combined with 4 litres of new fluid. What happens to the concentration of used fluid now? Whatever the answer,
all 8 litres still contains a proportion of used fluid.
The link which
roverbarmy has supplied gives
Beinet1's method of replacing all 8 litres of ATF which is most likely the best solution.
Here's another
slightly different procedure by
Caskin.
Simon