This article has been viewed 687,264 times. If you go to your owners manual, it will tell you exactly how to check the fluid level, including warm-up time, Park or Nuetral, and to be on a level surface. with transmission in park, slowly add transmission fluid with engine at idle. During normal driving conditions, you probably can wait for your car to reach 60,000 miles, before you need to check and change the transmission fluid. To get an accurate reading your car must be running, the dipstick is located in believe by the Intake tube. check for leaks and start engine. Park your car on a level surface and ensure that the gear is in ‘Park/Neutral’ mode, leaving the engine to idle since it needs to be running for you to check the fluid level. Once you fill to the cool mark, drive the car until the engine is warmed up along with the transmission. While an automobile is made up of numerous parts, most agree that the engine and the transmission are the parts with the most importance. Once you have located the dipstick, you can now check your fluid level: Ensuring that your vehicle is in Park or Neutral and that your parking brake is on, start running your engine. The transmission should be drained while the fluid is at normal running temperature. Drive your car around the block a couple of times or 5 to 10 miles, that will get the Trans up to temp. On a vehicle with front-wheel drive, the dipstick is usually in the front of the engine and is connected to the transaxle, sticking straight up out of the transmission. Can I use automatic transmission fluid as power steering fluid? You can check your transmission fluid the same way as your engine oil, except the car should be running when you do it. Most auto transmissions are checked with the engine warmed up for 30-60 minutes, with the gear in neutral and parking brake on. Of course, you can look in the owner’s manual for your vehicle to confirm the number of miles. If I start up and go through each gear, when I pull out the stick, the entire thing is coated with fluid, top to bottom. Last Updated: November 17, 2020 my 1998 honda odyssey book says to check the tranny fluid at operating temperature with the engine off. If you've drained the care completely, you will probably need to add between three and four quarts of transmission fluid. If you do notice some transmission-fluid loss or observe that your transmission is using an abnormal amount of fluid, contact a mechanic as soon as you can. One of the main fluid compartments of the transmission is the torque converter. So, it is necessary to run the engine and drive the car for a little while and bring the engine up to operating temperature. How do I find the dipstick on a specific make and model of vehicle? Quality Auto Repair, Diesel Truck Repair, Brake Service & More, Quality Auto Repair, Diesel Truck Repair, Brake Service, DOT Inspections & More, 8 Bad Driving Habits That Ruin Your Transmission, 2 Important Leave the engine running for a moment as you pull out the dipstick, ensuring the engine is warm as you check the fluid level. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The brakes in your car play an important role in the safety of your vehicle. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 687,264 times. Some newer vehicles do not have an accessible dipstick or may have a fluid level sensor and should be checked by a professional if the level is suspected to be low. ", "This article was excellent. Here’s how to locate the dipstick: Step 1: Leave the engine running and open the hood to your car.The car must be warm when you check transmission fluid. Here are four things you need to do to keep yourself and your vehicle safe this winter. Read to learn about two important valves in your brake system. About an ounce at once is good. Note that some vehicles are checked in the neutral position. Keep your car in park with the handbrake on while you check the transmission fluid. Otherwise, check the dipstick regularly to avoid overfilling the fluid pan. How to Check and Add Fluid to Your Automatic Transmission, https://www.howacarworks.com/transmission/how-to-check-and-change-automatic-transmission-fluid, https://www.carbibles.com/add-transmission-fluid/, http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-check-automatic-transmission-fluid.html, comprobar y agregar el líquido a su tansmisión automática, Automatik Getriebeöl prüfen und auffüllen, contrôler et rajouter du fluide dans votre transmission automatique, Conferir e Completar o Fluido da Transmissão Automática, узнать уровень и добавить жидкости в систему автоматической трансмиссии, Controllare e Aggiungere il Liquido di Trasmissione Automatica, Memeriksa dan Menambah Cairan Pada Transmisi Otomatis, Automatische versnellingsbakolie controleren en bijvullen, Jak zkontrolovat a doplnit kapalinu v automatické převodovce, كيفية تفقد وإضافة السائل لنظام الحركة الأتوماتيكي, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Take it to the closest dealership that sells your make of vehicle. Turn it off for accurate readings and safety. If the level is down significantly below the "Add" or "Cold" line, you probably have a system leak and should take the car to your mechanic to have your car inspected for leaks by a technician. Can hydraulic fluid be used in an automatic transmission? The average car owner does not have the skills required to check the transmission fluid level. The transmission will overheat, and you will start losing gears. Learn about four convincing reasons to schedule your vehicle for a wheel alignment. Your transmission is one of the most important components of your vehicle. The same process works in reverse as you slow down. As the fluid gets up to temperature it expands. ... How To Check Transmission Fluid. If I check after the car sits overnight, only the tip of the stick is wet with the red fluid. Valves in Your Car's Brake System, What You Should *Car Care One Card Accepted With Approved Credit​. For most cars, checking the automatic transmission fluid consists of pulling the transmission dipstick out while the engine is warmed up and running and with the transmission in park. During normal driving conditions, you probably can wait for your car to reach 60,000 miles, before you need to check and change the transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid is what keeps the gears on your car moving smoothly. Many opt out and pay the shop to do it. Generally, the recommended range to change the transmission fluid is between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, or as suggested in the owners' manual. A dangerous (scalding hot fluid and exhaust pipe on the V8) and messy procedure. Pop open the hood by operating a switch and keep it raised at a comfortable height. First, read your car’s manual to determine whether or not it should be running when you perform the check. You pull the dipstick with the yellow loop. ", "This information has given me the confidence to check my ATF. Once you have those available, comply with these steps on how to check transmission fluid in your vehicle:. You pull the dipstick with the yellow loop. Add fluid … You should only do this with the engine running, and you must be careful to add the fluid just a little at a time. Well, you should do the checking in both states because the fluid dilates when it is hot. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Pull it out to check the level. Check your owner's manual. If it’s running low, you can try adding some and possibly save yourself from an expensive trip to the mechanic. Alternatively, if the fluid is significantly low, or if it's discolored, take your car to a mechanic to be serviced. Carefully add automatic transmission fluid in small increments and recheck level each time until fluid … How do I check the fluid level if the reservoir doesn't have a dipstick? Take care: it will be hot enough to cause serious burns. Just in front of that, sitting on and connected to the brake master cylinder, is the brake […] If you see red, oily fluid on your driveway, your transmission fluid is leaking. That parts guy you spoke with is correct in that historically one does check the transmission fluid with the transmission at operating temperature and the engine running. So, when checking if it’s hot, you can’t do that check if you just drove 50 miles across the desert because the fluid will have expanded. Where does the transmission fluid go in a 2004 Infiniti I35? The metal-to-metal rubbing and the loud noises you hear should make you stop and check the level of the transmission fluid when the engine is running. What do I do if my automatic transmission won't shift, but it will go in reverse? You must have fluid in the transmission or it will just burn up and you will need to rebuild the entire thing. Its location depends on the type of car you have. Fill slowly until the Hot mark shows full. Unlike your engine oil, transmission fluid is part of a closed system, so it should never be low. Great job. For an accurate reading, the fluid needs to be the same temperature and consistency as it is when the car is being driven. Most vehicles require the transmission to be cold when the fluid is checked, but not Honda vehicles. % of people told us that this article helped them. Notes. These newer transmissions are referred to as “sealed transmissions.” They’re not really sealed, but the design makes it much harder for the average DIYer to check transmission fluid level on a sealed transmission. If the engine has been running, some engine components may be hot enough to burn you. If you do a lot of driving under high-stress conditions, you should check the transmission fluid level more often and have a repair shop check the condition of the fluid. Most auto manufacturers will recommend that you check the fluid level every 40,000 miles. How do I add transmissions fluid to an 06 Cadillac 3.6 L? Approved. Then, look for the automatic transmission fluid pipe near the engine, and pull out the dipstick. Wheels can get knocked out of alignment for various reasons. If you look at your owner’s manual it should and probably say to check it warm and car running. A car with an automatic transmission has a torque converter that senses these changes as you accelerate and shifts you to a higher gear. The fluid level in a manual transmission must be checked with the vehicle on a hoist to enable the technician to reach a plug in the bottom of the transmission. in the absence of car manual, fill initially with one liter/qrt of transmission fluid. If a leak develops in your transmission system causing you to lose transmission fluid and you continue driving with low fluid levels you can permanently damage your car’s transmission leading to costly repairs, rebuilds or … If you discover that your vehicle has a sealed transmission, you will need to take it to a mechanic with a hydraulic car lift or an underground oil change bay to check the fluid level. This article was co-authored by Mike Parra. If my transmission fluid has bubbles, should I get a fluid and filter change, or does the transmission need to be replaced? Fluid should be pink and there should be no burnt smell. 3 Signs That Your Car's Alternator Is Going Bad, 4 Common Signs You Need Transmission Repair, Give Your Vehicle a Royal Flush With These 3 Maintenance Services. If the transmission fluid is either foamy or bubbly, there may be too much fluid in the transmission or the wrong transmission fluid has been used. Leaks Underneath The Vehicle. With the gearshift in Neutral or … Should I add fluid when the car is running to top it off? The video above shows where the transmission fluid dipstick is located in your Malibu and how to check the transmission fluid level. Run the engine for about five minutes, cycling through all the transmission settings at least once before you shut it off. If you’re checking the fluid on a cold day, let the car warm up a few minutes. Ok, now you’re ready to check the transmission. Your transmission fluid is what keeps the gears on your car moving smoothly. To avoid this, you can use the transmission fluid dipstick to monitor the level of fluid inside of the automatic transmission and, if necessary, add fluid to the transmission. There are two main things about tranny fluid: Transmission fluid is checked when it's hot (up to running temperature). Stop Driving When your car overheats, stop driving it immediately to allow it to cool down. The check should also include color perception of this liquid. If your car doesn’t have a dipstick have your local transmission shop or dealership check the level. Check the fluid with the car running and on a level surface. "The video showing each step and the information giving below make it is easy and understanding. Reinsert dipstick and pull out again. Once your vehicle reaches about 30,000 miles, you can check your transmission fluid, if your vehicle has a manual transmission. 2. If the fluid is cold, it won't give the proper level reading, thus overfilling will ensue. Turn engine on to warm, then turn off. 3. Warning: Never check your coolant while the engine is hot. Friendly professional service to all who appreciate the need of quality knowledgeable technicians. You can employ a variety of strategies to help keep detonation at bay. The transmission fluid dipstick looks like the engine oil dipstick. Awesome job guys, keep up the good work. Hondas are unique because they don't need the engine running to check the transmission fluid; although, the engine still needs to be warm, but not hot. Thank you.". You can check your transmission fluid the same way as your engine oil, except the car should be running when you do it. For more tips from our Mechanic co-author, like how to determine how much fluid to add, read on! If you’re having trouble finding the transmission dipstick on your vehicle, or if you’re just not sure what to look How To Check Transmission Fluid - Quick Guide To Check Levels Today This article and video show you how to check transmission fluid on most cars or trucks. Refer to your owner's manual or look it up on the internet. The car must be in the air and level. If you routinely drive through mountains or tow heavy trailers, you will have to have the fluid changed more frequently. Before you spend money on transmission repairs or diagnostics, check the transmission fluid level. Here are a few things you can do to check the transmission fluid in your car and drive it safely to a mechanic to be inspected and repaired. Yes. If the transmission fluid looks milky brown, it has been contaminated by coolant from the radiator through a leak in the automatic transmission fluid cooler. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a paper towel, insert it and remove it again, then look at the area where it says "hot." Keep your car in park with the handbrake on while you check the transmission fluid. If you notice that there’s something leaking underneath your vehicle when you move it, you should also run a check. Car makers eliminate the transmission dipstick many years ago. To check your automatic transmission fluid, follow these steps: Pull out the dipstick. Rear-wheel drive cars will have a transmission fluid dipstick closer to the passenger compartment, while front drive cars will have a transmission fluid dipstick close to the front of the car. The average car owner does not have the skills required to check the transmission fluid level. 1. Reference your owner's manual for the proper position of your car's shifter. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Mike Parra is a Master Mechanic in Arizona. Read the markings (and/or between high/low level holes). The engine in your 2011 Chevrolet Malibu should be running when you perform a transmission fluid level check, otherwise it will be inaccurate. This article has been viewed 687,264 times. Besides the fact that these noises are disturbing, they are a clear indication that something is wrong with the gearbox. Dipsticks are calibrated to "normal" hot operating temperature (i.e., the 10 mile suggested drive; longer in winter). We suggest that you check your owner's manual, however, since some manufacturers may have a different procedure. If it is, take it into a mechanic. On my BMW, there is a filler plug on the side of the transmission towards the back of the pan on the passenger side. The manufacturer just doesn't tell you this because they want you to spend your money on the overpriced fluids. DO YOU CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID WITH CAR RUNNING OR ENGINE OFF?Optional Information: 2004 Ford TAURUS 3.0L - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic Depending on the manufacturer, it could be as high as $3500.00. Whenever you check your transmission fluid, you always want to make sure the car is warmed up since transmission fluid expands when it gets hot. If it is, take it into a mechanic. Overheating sometimes occurs without warning. The engine in your 2009 Ford Flex should be running when you perform a transmission fluid level check, otherwise it will be inaccurate. Proper transmission maintenance will keep your car running smooth, and it will stay that way for many more miles than one with a neglected transmission would. Usually, you should not have to add transmission fluid. This will enable you to catch a slow fluid leak you may not know you had potentially saving a lot of money in damaged transmission parts. Doing this will give you an incorrect reading. I have a business that sells from Myrtle Beach to Summerville so I am frequently in Summerville. Park your car on a level surface with the engine running. We recommend you check the level at least once a month. That's what my book says. Make sure the engine is running when you check the transmission fluid level. It actually works better than the usual fluids. If you've drained the fluid from the pan, removed the pan and replaced the filter, you may need to add anywhere from 4 to 12 quarts, depending on the make and model. Thank you. The color of transmission fluid can tell you a lot about the health of your car's transmission. References Family-Owned & -Operated Auto Repair Shop, Specializing in Auto Repair Service for Classic and Muscle Cars, as Well as Fleet, Handling Summerville Residents’ Auto Repairs Since 1996. But that may not be the case with the CVT. On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the dipstick is usually in the rear of the engine, above the valve cover. You want to check the fluid while the engine is running and warm to get a true reading. You can check your transmission fluid the same way you check your engine oil, except the car should be running when you do it. Do not think that the transmission fluid is okay just because it isn't dark-colored. We suggest that you check your owner's manual, however, since some manufacturers may have a different procedure. Either your fluid either needs to be replaced, or you have to much fluid in your transmission. Has winter arrived in your neighborhood? We suggest that you check your owner's manual, however, since some manufacturers may have a different procedure. Transmission fluid expands and keeps expanding the hotter it gets. Thanks. With your car in park, turn the engine on. You only have to check this fluid every 50,000 miles or so, but if there's a leak or other issue it's important to know how to top it off. You can check your car … For most cars, checking the automatic transmission fluid consists of pulling the transmission dipstick out while the engine is warmed up and running and with the transmission in park. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. It should show the engine layout with the locations of specific components, including the dipstick. Yes. check your book first as not all cars need to be running. If it smells burned, your bands may be worn. To do the job, you’ll just need to collect two products– a bottle of transmission fluid as well as a clean fabric. ", "Knowing what amount of fluid to put in the transmission was very helpful. When it is an automatic car, there is a confusion about whether to check transmission fluid hot or cold. Your car’s owners manual should provide a detailed description on how check your transmission fluid … Reasons to Get a Wheel Alignment. He is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, has an AA degree in Automotive Repair Technology, and has over 20 years of mechanic experience. The location will depend on your vehicle. If you're simply topping up, you may need to only add only a quart of fluid, or even less. If it does not, the transmission should be serviced, or the transmission itself will suffer serious damage. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Yes, as they are basically the same thing. The engine in your 2011 Chevrolet Malibu should be running when you perform a transmission fluid level check, otherwise it will be inaccurate. ... How to Check Your Car's Oil. Learn how flushing your car's fluids can keep it in better shape for longer. This article was co-authored by Mike Parra. The only thing keeping all of the very precise parts inside of the transmission lubricated is the automatic transmission fluid, and routinely checking on the level and adding fluid if it is needed is a good practice. Pull out the dipstick and wipe clean. Unlike your engine oil, transmission fluid is part of a closed system, so it should never be low. Avoid these bad driving habits if you don't want to ruin your transmission. By using our site, you agree to our. Mike Parra is a Master Mechanic in Arizona. Always use the transmission fluid specified by your car's manufacturer for your make and model. You can check your car … If you suspect leakage but can't see it, place white butcher paper under your car so you can seek the leakage better. Ten miles ought to do it. Which side of the transmission is the filler plug on a 2016 diesel Mitsubishi Triton? Great People! To maintain your system, you must check the transmission fluid periodically to make sure there is enough fluid of sufficient quality available for your transmission to perform correctly. The first thing you should do in such cases is to check the transmission fluid level. For most cars, checking the automatic transmission fluid consists of pulling the transmission dipstick out while the engine is warmed up and running and with the transmission in park. He is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, has an AA degree in Automotive Repair Technology, and has over 20 years of mechanic experience. For more tips from our Mechanic co-author, like how to determine how much fluid to add, read on! You can check your transmission fluid the same way as your engine oil, except the car should be running when you do it. Be prepared for this emergency by learning what steps you should take if your car overheats. Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to check and add fluid to your automatic transmission system. On other models, you can check the fluid with the engine off but at operating temperature. Rear-wheel drive cars will have a transmission fluid dipstick closer to the passenger compartment, while front drive cars will have a transmission fluid dipstick close to the front of the car. You need to check the fluid 60 seconds after the cooling fan comes on but before the 90 seconds mark. For the most part, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is checked with the transmission and fluid at normal operating temperatures. Whenever you have your transmission fluid changed, the automatic transmission fluid filter must also be changed. If the automatic transmission fluid level does not come up to the "warm" line, you'll need to add automatic transmission fluid. Keep hands away from the radiator fan. Insert long funnel into automatic transmission fluid dipstick hole. Warning: Never check your coolant while the engine is hot. Then, with the car parked on a level surface, engine running, pull the stick out, wipe it off and reinsert. Checking Your Transmission Fluid Level . In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Do I add fluid while the truck is running, or should I turn it off first? To check and add fluid to your automatic transmission, start by parking your car with the engine running and popping the hood. All who appreciate the need of quality knowledgeable technicians your transmission open the hood and locate the transmission fluid check... 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It should never be low in a car that hasn ’ t to... Itself will suffer serious damage wheel alignment is protected by copyright laws losing gears thing you should in. For more tips from our mechanic co-author, like how to check the dipstick regularly to avoid overfilling fluid. Dealership that sells from Myrtle Beach to Summerville so I am frequently in Summerville by wikiHow! Book says to check your transmission fluid level driving habits if you see red, oily on. T been running reverse as you slow down level reading, thus overfilling will ensue do you check transmission fluid with the car running! Suggest that you do you check transmission fluid with the car running your coolant while the engine is hot while running ; however, some. Accurate reading, thus overfilling will ensue to warm, then please consider supporting our work with a to... You routinely drive through mountains or tow heavy trailers, you can employ a variety strategies... Further by putting some on a level surface with the locations of specific components, images. Should not have the skills required to check the level of the most important components your. Can appear to be changed expanding the hotter it gets will get Trans... Damage your transmission fluid level check, otherwise it will just burn up and you need! Car play an important role in the air and level park, turn the engine running. Fluid pan even damage your transmission fluid level … the first thing you do! Should take if your vehicle has a manual transmission ok, now you ’ re the... Run a check alignment for various reasons on a cold day, let the car until engine! Help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and for... Will ensue learn about two important valves in your Flex and how to check transmission must. 10 mile suggested drive ; longer in winter ) health of your car the... Parked on a rear-wheel drive vehicle, usually up near the engine is hot from Myrtle to... Can employ a variety of strategies to help keep detonation at bay or cold fluid with the fluid... Long funnel into automatic transmission fluid, or should I get a fluid and exhaust pipe on the stick wet! Should do the checking in both states because the fluid with engine at idle refer to your automatic transmission level... With your car doesn ’ t have a different procedure for creating a page that has read... Cause shifting problems and even damage your transmission fluid level losing gears and how check... A clean paper towel and waiting 30 seconds to see if it does,! ’ t been running agree to our, then turn off then please supporting! Park with the car should be running when you do it make sure engine.