trans fluid level started going down while on its way to getting warm then level started rising?? does this mean its low or what never seen this before

 

It depends on what you just did to it.
If you had the pan off the fluid on the stick will go down until all the air is purged out, how far it goes down depends on how much fluid you put in it.
Then as it heats up it will rise approx 3/8"

If it was rebuilt or the valve body removed the fluid level will go down a lot, maybe to the point of adding more, then it can get confusing because you have cold fluid stuck to the wall of the dipstick tube and when you go to check it the stick wipes that off which will give a false reading.

 

its a new th400 and it has about 11 quarts in it maybe a little under

i thought the fluid was highest when cold or not running??

 

Yes, but assuming you're checking it properly when it's running and hot.

If you start the car and drive it 5 miles the fluid level will be higher than if you start the car and let it run 5 minutes.

 

From what I understand...after deciphering through all the nonsense it says in the gm manual you check with the car running at full operating temp. I check mine after driving around. Manual says you can run engine 5?10? min,move the shifter through each gear (let it stay in each gear for 3 seconds),let engine run for 3 min,then check level while car is running. Should be at top line hot. Check yours and see if you have the right amount. IDK if its the same with that trans but Hope that helps ya

 

Thanks For the help