transmission fluid level

[jay]

I have a 2004 toyota echo and I was going to do a tranny flush at 55000kms.
I decided to check the fluid level and noticed it was down about half a litre. I have no leaks around the tranny and there is no fluid on my driveway. Is it possible I got the car with the fluid level like this. I bought the car brand new. a mechanic said that the fluid doesn't just evaporate. My car is running fine no problems with the tranny. any ideas...

[jwko]

About the only thing you can do is have it flushed & keep an eye on the fluid level. If there are no signs of leaks then it could have came from the factory low. Check it every month or two.

[phillyb]

The engine has to be running and at normal operating temperature in order to get a proper reading on the transmission fluid. I would recommend checking the fluid next time you refuel (fuel pumps are usually on a level surface). It's best if the transmission has shifted through the gears. As long as the fluid level is between the hot full and hot low marks on the dipstick, the level is OK.
A few days after you flush the transmission, follow the same procedure. Sometimes during the flush, a few air bubbles can get into the transmission lines and can splash fluid higher on the dipstick, giving an inaccurate reading. Driving around a little bit and checking the fluid on a flat surface will eliminate all doubt and inaccuracy.
Let us know how it goes.

P.S. Check the color of the fluid after the service to ensure that the service was properly performed.