I have been noticing odd shifting in my 84 automatic and since I just bought it a little over a month ago, I thought I better the ATF level. Well, after warming up the transmission, putting on the parking brake and running through all the gears, I left it in neutral and the fluid level was below the mark that is below the min. HOLY CRAP! OK, so I check the owners manual and it says that in this event, I should not try adding fluid but instead take it to the dealer. I normally obey clear orders such as this, but this isn't the first car I have owned that went low on ATF, yet it is my first Porsche. So, can I really screw myself if I just fill the fluid and keep an eye on it or should I just take it in to my mechanic? Anyone have a bad or good experience one way or the other? Thanks for tolerating such a paranoid newbie 928 owner.

 

Erik,
I would not be in any rush to trot down to the local Porsche Dealer/ mechanic.
Not to ruffle any feathers ... they are in business and the business MUST make $$$$.
Order a filter and procure an adequate amount of your preferred ATF and a gasket.
It's time for you to perform a service.
Check the archives and the Nichols site there were a number of hot posts on ATF type, service procedure, and TORQUE on those tenney bolts.
IMO I don't think you have any problems, yet.
If you are going to use the sHARk while waiting for your filter and gasket ...top it off!
Parts at : Devek, 928 International, Automotion ... for grins check you local auto parts store.
Check your engine oil and all your fluids for that matter. Never trust the PO to have done what he said he did, that includes 'T' belt change/adjustments.
LOL/HTH
John S. 82' Weissach Auto. 'Pattycakes'

 

erik,
are you sure the transmission was warm? the upper 2 marks are min and max for a warm transmission with warm (80 degrees c) fluid. there is a third mark much lower on the reservoir that shows the max level for a cold transmission. it's actually more accurate to check with the transmission cold, as one can only estimate how warm the fluid really is. should be no problem to add atf if needed, though if its been a while since a change, you might consider changing the fluid and the filter.

 

Hi Erik,

I think that John and Tom are giving you excellent advice. Since you can get under there, get a hand pump with long tubes to access filler hole and atf bottle. Use Mobil 1 synthetic. Shift through gears while filling and checking level. Check for leaks after refill. If leaks are negligible, or from gasket, proceed with flush, new filter, new gasket, new synthetic fluid. If leaks are extensive, and not from gasket, get service.