2022 Ram 3500 High Output - Aisin transmission dipstick has no markings!

[FractalRammer]

I hope someone can help me out... I did my first DIY transmission fluid change on my 2022 Ram 3500 HO / Aisin. Now I have no idea how to accurately measure the fluid level. Here's what I did...

1. Drained the transmission fluid, droppeed the pan (didn't measure).
2. Replaced the transmission fluid filter, and put the pan back on (after a thorough clean)
3. Added 9 quarts of transmission fluid (for the purpose of 'semi' flush)
4. Used the 1/2" OD tube to the return line, started the engine (Drive, Reverse, Neutral then to park with my foot planted on the brakes). The return lined pushed out the old fluid trapped in the torque converted completely. Approx. 4 quarts

Now here is where I am stuck... I haven't added all of the fluid back yet, but I've noticed that the dipstick fo the transmission does not have ANY markings anywhere. How am I supposed to know my fluid level? The dipstick is long (I assume 44"). The dipstick has 2 twist points but that's about it. I checked it under the light, and it has no writings, holes or even the tradiditonal mesh patterns. All of the online resources points to eithe holes depecting cold / hot levels or some writing. My dipstick is completely blank.

With total 'dry' capacity of 13.7 quarts:
-- I assume I've drained 7.2-ish quarts (pan fluid drain + filter change)
-- drained additional 4 quarts out of the torque converter (Filled up a gallon jug using the return line method with 1/2""poly line)
*** This means I have about 2 more quarts to fill: 13.7qts - 7.2qts - 4qts(Torque Converter) = 2.5qts in the system
*** Added 9 qts: So adding 9qts to the existing 2.5qts = 11.5qts (current total in the system). Which leaves 2.2 qts more that needs to be added to bring it back to the original fluid level as a baseline.

I wanted to bring the temps up to 120 degrees or above so that I can check and slowl measure / add. But without knowing how to read this blank dipstick, not sure what I can do.

The dipstick is long 44" with 2 twist points. First twist point is at the end of the dip stick, and another twist is about 2-3 inches above that. I tried searching this forum, and googled but no one talks about this particular style of dip stick and how I am supposed to read it accurately. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[superjoe83]

Here are a couple pics of mine, hope it helps you out

 

[FractalRammer]

Here are a couple pics of mine, hope it helps you out

View attachment 78881

View attachment 78882

appreciate the photo. that’s exactly what mine looks like. The question is, at operating temperature, how do i read what is the correct level? in the middle? at the 3 inch mark? Frustrated that aisin provided a dipstick with no marking / guidance. Truck’s manual doesn’t provide any info as to how we are supposed to use this ‘blank’ dipstick

 

[FractalRammer]

Actually i see that yours has the markings. So i just need to keep at slightly above the 3 inch mark.. what a pain…. i need to go talk to the dealership. out this issue. why doesn’t my dipstick have any writings?? I hope this was just a mistake at the factory and they can provide the correct dipstick..

 

[superjoe83]

appreciate the photo. that’s exactly what mine looks like. The question is, at operating temperature, how do i read what is the correct level? in the middle? at the 3 inch mark? Frustrated that aisin provided a dipstick with no marking / guidance. Truck’s manual doesn’t provide any info as to how we are supposed to use this ‘blank’ dipstick

As long as it's in the "HOT" range when the fluid temp is around 170 you'll be good to go.
You can use the cold range when refilling the trans cold while it's running to get a baseline fluid level

 

[superjoe83]

Actually i see that yours has the markings. So i just need to keep at slightly above the 3 inch mark.. what a pain…. i need to go talk to the dealership. out this issue. why doesn’t my dipstick have any writings?? I hope this was just a mistake at the factory and they can provide the correct dipstick..

The markings look to be laser etched so they are hard to see in dim lighting, but if yours doesn't have anything on it the dealer should get you one under warranty

 

[FractalRammer]

As long as it's in the "HOT" range when the fluid temp is around 170 you'll be good to go.
You can use the cold range when refilling the trans cold while it's running to get a baseline fluid level

You saved me. Thank you so much!

 

[FractalRammer]

Want to close the loop on this, and also offer my recommendation for those who are in a similar situation. Thanks to @superjoe83 I was able to get the trans oil to the cold baseline and take it to the dealer to file a warranty claim. It turns out, the marking were there on the dipstick. HOWEVER, it is so faint that you can only see it under certain light and certain condition. Which means, under the hood, in the garage, It was impossible for me to see it.

The dealer advised he has seen this before, and the issue stems from the fact that these markings are not stamped or etched. Rather, it's painted. And because you can still see it, FCA will not approve the warranty claim to replace the $80+ dollar dipstick. Even if I shelled out the money to replace the dipstick, the new one will also eventually fade and make it very difficult to read the levels.

The dealer was kind enough to crack open a new one and allowed me to take a photo of the markings:



As soon as I got back home, I took out the dip stick and made some mods so that the markings will be permenant. Basically took a dremel and notched out low / high sections for both cold & hot. Here is the result. Much easier to read, and works very well (confirmed on cold and operating temps). Here is the result. For those who are having hard time reading the trans temp due to dipstick markings degradation, I hope this helps out. You may or may not need to do this, but I am very happy with the results. Much better than trying to read the faint lines. With the notches, you will instantly be able to know.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Want to close the loop on this, and also offer my recommendation for those who are in a similar situation. Thanks to @superjoe83 I was able to get the trans oil to the cold baseline and take it to the dealer to file a warranty claim. It turns out, the marking were there on the dipstick. HOWEVER, it is so faint that you can only see it under certain light and certain condition. Which means, under the hood, in the garage, It was impossible for me to see it.

The dealer advised he has seen this before, and the issue stems from the fact that these markings are not stamped or etched. Rather, it's painted. And because you can still see it, FCA will not approve the warranty claim to replace the $80+ dollar dipstick. Even if I shelled out the money to replace the dipstick, the new one will also eventually fade and make it very difficult to read the levels.

The dealer was kind enough to crack open a new one and allowed me to take a photo of the markings:

View attachment 78914

As soon as I got back home, I took out the dip stick and made some mods so that the markings will be permenant. Basically took a dremel and notched out low / high sections for both cold & hot. Here is the result. Much easier to read, and works very well (confirmed on cold and operating temps). Here is the result. For those who are having hard time reading the trans temp due to dipstick markings degradation, I hope this helps out. You may or may not need to do this, but I am very happy with the results. Much better than trying to read the faint lines. With the notches, you will instantly be able to know.

View attachment 78915

They used to have notches and etching years ago it is the best way

 

[sstoner911]

They used to have notches and etching years ago it is the best way

I am sure this was a cost saving measure.but come on Stellantis. Reminds me, need to send them my money today.

 

[jsalbre]

I think the dipstick is laser etched, but not very deep, and the oil fills in the markings after a while.