How to check transmission oil in a car?
Just like your engine needs oil to lubricate the different components and protect them against wear and corrosion, your transmission is as well lubricated by special fluid called transmission fluid.
Maintaining the proper transmission fluid level is important to keep your transmission shifting properly and your car running smoothly.
Step 1
Check your owner’s manual. Do you have a manual or an automatic transmission? Manual transmissions don’t usually have a dipstick. They are factory filled. No top-up is needed. The fluid only has to be changed in the event of repairs.
Step 2
Locate the transmission dipstick if you have an automatic transmission. The transmission fluid dipstick is usually red (yellow or white for the engine oil dipstick). The owner’s manual will help you to find the dipstick. If you’re lucky, it will be labeled
– On rear-wheel drive vehicles, the dipstick is usually on the passenger side of the engine compartment, near the back of the engine.
– On front-wheel drive vehicles, the dipstick is usually on the driver’s side, on one side of the transmission. If you don’t find it, your owner’s manual should show you where to look for it.
Also many cars don’t have a transmission dipstick. The oil level may have to be checked using an electronic device or by removing a screw in the transmission housing. Furthermore checking fluid levels in a sealed transmission is a much more complicated process. Therefore the average car owner does not have the skills required to check the transmission fluid level. If your car doesn’t have a dipstick have your local transmission shop or dealership check the level. A good time to do this is while you’re having the engine oil changed
If your car has a transmission dipstick, you should check the transmission fluid level regularly.
Step 3
Remove the stick, wipe it with a clean cloth, reinsert it, leave it in for 5 seconds, then pull back out and check. Add fluid if necessary. Always use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer.
Add only a little at a time, checking the level with the dipstick each time. It’s easy to add transmission fluid, but fairly difficult to remove it if you add too much.
If the transmission requires more than a quart or is using fluid regularly, take your car in to have it checked for leaks.
How to properly check transmission fluid. You can also check the color and smell.
Color is very important for transmission oil. It should not change from its normal light brown, semi-transparent appearance. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a cherry red. If it is dark red or brown, you should have your fluid changed
In addition if it smells burned or has particles in it, you should also have your transmission serviced. What is a transmission service? It consists of changing the transmission fluid filter before adding the transmission fluid.
Impress your family when they ask you how to check your transmission fluid or how do you check transmission oil.
Why check the automatic transmission fluid level?
Automatic transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission. The fluid produces the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the transmission. In addition it also cools and lubricates the transmission. When the fluid level is low, the pump may draw air into the system. Most of all air in the hydraulic system interrupts the proper flow of automatic transmission fluid. Damage can occur very quickly when transmission fluid is low.
How to check automatic transmission fluid level?
For transmissions with a dipstick, the procedure is the same as described above.
Many Fords, Toyotas, GMs and other vehicles no longer have an automatic transmission dipstick for checking the fluid level. Automakers are eliminating automatic transmission dipsticks. Furthermore newer transmissions are far more complex than older models and the transmission fluid levels are far more critical. Special procedures are required to check the automatic transmission fluid level in these models.
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