What's the proper method to measure transmission fluid?

[vernonreeve]

I just purchased a 2003 Malibu Response LXI and am changing the transmission oil.

The dipstick for the transmission fluid is the screw in type.  From the manual, it looks like I should measure it without screwing the dipstick in.

However, even without screwing the dipstick in, it shows that it's about an inch over the full line.

Is this because the engine is cold and the fluids have drained from the hoses back into the transmission?

Is that why the manual says to check it two minutes after the engine is turned off?

I do have the old ATF oil in a container so I can put the same amount back in.  I just want to be sure it wasn't over-filled previously.

[formulaben]

https://www.themalibucrew.com/index.php?/forums/topic/52542-checking-transmission-fluid/

[vernonreeve]

Perfect, thanks.  Not sure why it didn't come up when I tried searching, but thanks.  This helps a lot.

[formulaben]

Pro tip for searching, use google site specific.  In google search bar, type "site:www.themalibucrew.com check transmission level" or whatever you're searching for.  The built-in search function with any bulletin board software has limitations unfortunately.  The google option works really well for any website...especially when you're doing a general search for "malibu" and you get all kinds of hits for a cruddy GM car.