Fluid level question

[HerpDerp1919]

Alright, this is going to be an absolutely silly, stupid questions BUT when checking fluid level truck should be on, idling, and in Neutral/park correct?
Reason I ask is I just did a pan and filter change. When I check the trans level with truck off, I am sitting pretty much at the hot mark. However, when I start the truck the fluid barely even registers on the dip stick.
Transmissions are the bane of my existence and as much as I try and get stuff right while working on them I always mess up and am swallowing my pride this go round to make sure I am doing it correctly. TIA for the help, all friendly jabs are appreciated.

 

[xXxPARAGONxXx]

Depends on the transmission.

Looks like you would be asking about your 1997 K1500, so 4L60-E. See the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Truck Owner’s Manual, pp. 6-22 to 6-24 (attached).

 

[HerpDerp1919]

This is why I love this forum. I'll be saving that manual for future use. Thank you very much.

 

[scott2093]

So I watched this video and he's saying the full hot level should be 1/4" above the pan mating surface on the valve body side. Not sure if this is true??? Video below.
Of course I have to check and now am confused.

GM lists 2 different dipsticks for my truck but no dimensions.
Best I could find so far is Oreilly's info for the one I don't have..
15687192 - 37" dipstick length 35" dipstick tube length

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/acdelco/engines---transmissions/transmission---transaxle/transmission-parts/transmission-dipstick-tube/6c551ed82e79/acdelco-a-t-dipstick/acd0/15687192

Then there's the one I have
GM 15969600...
Some random site mentions 35.2" product length...which I guess is correct if you account for flipping the dipstick locking lid all the way extended...It's more like 35.5" on mine...34.5" lid closed....

I couldn't get a mark up quite 1/4" on the dipstick since it sits in the tube coming into the pan but, I got at least level with the pan mating surface. Even with that, I'm off a good ways from my hot marks on the dipstick.....
My factory dipstick stop seems right....although I always get a little bounce up on the dipstick and figured I needed a new one to seal better at the top......


Not sure what to make of all this. If anything, I've always thought I was running around too full ...

Is there a rule of thumb for fluid level in relation to the pan?

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[scott2093]

Just came across this thread discussing the full level... Doesn't make sense why this is....??..

4L80E fill level - PerformanceTrucks.net Forums

GM Drivetrain & Suspension - 4L80E fill level - What is the proper fill level for an 80E? Is it to the bottom of the valve body? Where the valve body meets the case? Somewhere in between? I just want to verify that my 80E dipstick tube with the 60E dipstick is going to show the correct fill...

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