In a message dated 11/19/06 8:38:07 PM Eastern Standard Time,
garyowen@MAGMA.CA writes:

> Have 85 Westfalia 1.9 L with automatic, how should transmission
> fluid level be checked?
> Warm up/ cold?
> engine running?
> In P or N ?
>
> How critical is maintaining proper level?
>
>

auto transmission fluid should be checked when engine is up to full operating
temperature, with shifter lever in "Park" positon, and vehicle in level
ground.   ATF should be red, not brown, and full to the top mark.   low ATF fluid
levels can mean there is a leak somewhere, and can cause damage if level falls
too low.  also levels that are too high can mean there is a problem such as
final drive fluid leaking into the ATF and that can also cause problems.

chris