2013 FLHTK Trans Fluid Level, Cold or Hot
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
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From: CO
2013 FLHTK Trans Fluid Level, Cold or Hot
Did a lot of searching and can not find anything similar to, or answering my question. So here it is.
I have a 2013 FLHTK. Service Manual and Owners Manual both say to check the trans fluid level with the bike on the jiffy stand. When the bike is cold the trans fluid level is normal. However, if you take it out for a ride, and check the level as soon as you stop, nothing appears on the dipstick. I have asked my local dealership if the level is supposed to be checked cold or hot, and they say it doesn't matter. Owners manual and service manual don't specify. If its like car transmissions you check it hot. So my question is, do you check it cold or hot? And does anyone else notice this same thing with their 2013s?
I have a 2013 FLHTK. Service Manual and Owners Manual both say to check the trans fluid level with the bike on the jiffy stand. When the bike is cold the trans fluid level is normal. However, if you take it out for a ride, and check the level as soon as you stop, nothing appears on the dipstick. I have asked my local dealership if the level is supposed to be checked cold or hot, and they say it doesn't matter. Owners manual and service manual don't specify. If its like car transmissions you check it hot. So my question is, do you check it cold or hot? And does anyone else notice this same thing with their 2013s?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
Sounds odd, I'm sure the oil gets thrown around pretty good, but can't imagine enough being suspended in gears and on walls as to prevent a reading. Try checking at 5 minute intervals after stopping and see if it rises.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 11
From: TN
Was a quart of oil put in when the bike was serviced? YES
Is it leaking? NO
You are good to go
In the last 170,000 miles of Harley riding I cannot remember EVER checking the tranny fluid level.
Bwana
Is it leaking? NO
You are good to go
In the last 170,000 miles of Harley riding I cannot remember EVER checking the tranny fluid level.
Bwana
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 2
From: Macon, GA USA
On my O2 ultra the manual says with the bike sitting up and the oil hot. But I know there has been many changes to the transmission since mine was made.
If after riding if you let it set say 15 minutes what does the oil show?
If after riding if you let it set say 15 minutes what does the oil show?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
It will make between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch difference on the stick, hot vs. cold (70 deg vs 200 deg) based on a little experiment I did with my bike. Really pretty insignificant.
The reason you can't see the oil on the stick when it's hot is a combination of things. The hot oil is so thin it runs off, but if you get the right light you can see the reflection of where the oil level is. Then the fact that the oil never gets dirty enough to see it very well. Then the smooth shiny finish of the dipstick makes it hard to see. I've considered sandblasting mine but haven't done it yet. And finally, anytime you're checking any oil level you should give it a little drain time (a minute or two minimum).
I target the middle of the "x" on the stick when cold. That will result in the level being right at the full mark when hot (200 deg).
And like Bwana... I rarely, if ever, check the trans oil level between changes.
The reason you can't see the oil on the stick when it's hot is a combination of things. The hot oil is so thin it runs off, but if you get the right light you can see the reflection of where the oil level is. Then the fact that the oil never gets dirty enough to see it very well. Then the smooth shiny finish of the dipstick makes it hard to see. I've considered sandblasting mine but haven't done it yet. And finally, anytime you're checking any oil level you should give it a little drain time (a minute or two minimum).
I target the middle of the "x" on the stick when cold. That will result in the level being right at the full mark when hot (200 deg).
And like Bwana... I rarely, if ever, check the trans oil level between changes.
Last edited by 2black1s; Nov 28, 2012 at 02:00 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
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From: Jayhawk Country
Find another dealer, yours is an idiot
NOTE:
When checking the transmission lubricant level, the motorcycle should be leaning on the jiffy stand. If the motorcycle was recently moved or ridden, allow a short period of time to equalize lubricant level in the transmission compartments.
It took me all of 1 minute to find this information. Although it doesn't say cold or hot I think the statement is pretty self explanatory.
NOTE:
When checking the transmission lubricant level, the motorcycle should be leaning on the jiffy stand. If the motorcycle was recently moved or ridden, allow a short period of time to equalize lubricant level in the transmission compartments.
It took me all of 1 minute to find this information. Although it doesn't say cold or hot I think the statement is pretty self explanatory.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 30
From: CO
Find another dealer, yours is an idiot
NOTE:
When checking the transmission lubricant level, the motorcycle should be leaning on the jiffy stand. If the motorcycle was recently moved or ridden, allow a short period of time to equalize lubricant level in the transmission compartments.
It took me all of 1 minute to find this information. Although it doesn't say cold or hot I think the statement is pretty self explanatory.
NOTE:
When checking the transmission lubricant level, the motorcycle should be leaning on the jiffy stand. If the motorcycle was recently moved or ridden, allow a short period of time to equalize lubricant level in the transmission compartments.
It took me all of 1 minute to find this information. Although it doesn't say cold or hot I think the statement is pretty self explanatory.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Jayhawk Country
Right in the 2011 Touring owners Manual.
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