Transmission level gauge and process for transmissions without dipstick

A method of measuring a level of transmission fluid in a drain pan for a vehicle transmission, the method comprising:

• fluidly connecting a vacuum adapter assembly between a fill port of the vehicle transmission and a constant vacuum source, wherein the vacuum adapter assembly includes a valve for controlling a vacuum applied to the drain pan by the constant vacuum source;
• applying an internal vacuum pressure to an interior of the drain pan via the constant vacuum source;
• removing a drain plug from a drain on the drain pan;
• attaching a fill gauge assembly to the drain, the fill gauge assembly having a primary fluid tube slidably mounted in an elongated body portion;
• sliding the primary fluid tube to a predetermined position in relation to the elongated body portion;
• and
• discontinuing the internal vacuum pressure to the drain pan by closing the valve.

A transmission fill gauge system for measuring a transmission fluid level in a transmission drain pan having an overflow tube extending internally a predetermined height from a transmission drain, the system comprising:

• a fill gauge assembly comprising:
• an insertion adapter for coupling the fill gauge assembly to the drain pan, the insertion adapter having a central lumen provided therethrough;
• an elongated body portion;
• and
• a primary fluid tube slidably mounted in the elongated body portion, the elongated body portion being coupled to the insertion adapter so that at least a portion of the primary fluid tube is housed in the central lumen and configured to slidably extend beyond the predetermined height of the overflow tube;
• and
• a vacuum adapter assembly comprising:
• a first port;
• a second port;
• a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the first port and the second port;
• a stopcock valve configured to control fluid communication between the vacuum chamber and an external environment;
• a first vacuum hose configured to provide fluid communication from the first port to a fill port of the vehicle transmission;
• and
• a second vacuum hose configured to provide fluid communication from the second port to a constant vacuum source.