A method and apparatus for filling a transmission at the transmission assembly plant including the steps of pumping fluid through the transmission entering at a first port and exiting through a second port, rotating the torque converter to purge trapped air, shifting the transmission, filling the transmission to a desired level and plugging the first and second ports. Through use of the method and apparatus of the present invention, the transmission is placed in a “road ready” condition and will not require additional fluid to be added in a top off operation at the vehicle assembly plant.