I've noticed this when I check the transmission fluid after driving and letting the car idle for about 2 minutes: When I first pull the dipstick out, the fluid level seems very low, but after inserting it back into the tube and pulling it out again, the fluid seems to read normal (that is, between the MIN and MAX mark). I reinsert and repull a couple of times and both readings are consistent (between the MIN and MAX). However, what I don't understand is that how come when you first pull out the dipstick to read the fluid level, the fluid level is below the MIN mark, like there is barely any fluid. It freaked me out the first time. I read the ATF level earlier this evening and the same thing. The initial reading of the dipstick was a very low reading (below MIN)upon first pulling the dipstick out; (1) reinserting and pulling it out again gave me a normal reading (between the MIN and MAX); second reinserting and pulling dipstick out gave me the same reading as the (1) reading (between the MIN and MAX mark). By the way, the car was idling and in Park when checking the ATF level.

So, going back to the main issue. Is it normal to get a very low reading when you first pull out the dipstick to read the trans. fluid level?