ATF Level, Up and Down

["Alexander van Gerbig" <Audi_80@email.msn.com>]

    My ATF level seems to wander greatly when I test it at different times,
engine temp the same, the same level garage floor, wheels straight ahead,
trans in P.  Manual says check after 6 minutes of driving, operating temp
should be reached by then.  Last night I drained some ATF after an overfill
and checked.  Very small amount above the max dot.  Then I went for a good
hard drive to test the autobox with fresh ATF this morn.  Checked the fluid
level and it as too high for my liking.  The temp gauge during both previous
checks was exactly the same, operating temp for my car.  Car shifted very
well, I am quite happy about it since it was misbehaving before.  Would a
hard drive followed by a slow 1 mile drive down the nasty dirt road I live
on cause the temp of the ATF to rise quickly, thus rising the level?
Generally speaking, if I drive down a highway for 10 miles and then find a
level spot to pull over is that the best way to test?  OR test after idling
on the garage for 10-15 minutes?

Thanks and excuse my paranoia,

Alexander van Gerbig -- '88 Audi 80

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