by Angie Pollock

Created on: February 03, 2010

Checking the automatic transmission fluid in a vehicle is a simple maintenance procedure.  Checking the transmission fluid should be done regularly because you are not only checking the level but the quality of the fluid.  During your routine maintenance under the hood, make a habit to check the transmission fluid even if your vehicle is running smoothly.

Supplies Needed

*Clean rag

*Funnel

*Automatic transmission fluid (check your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended type for your vehicle.

Before doing any maintenance or repairs on your vehicle, follow a few safety precautions.  Always remove jewelry especially long necklaces and tie back long hair.  Since this particular task requires the vehicle to be running, do not wear loose fitting clothes or have sleeves that hang.

Step 1

Very few maintenance jobs are done with the vehicle running but this is required to check the transmission fluid properly.  Park the vehicle on level ground, put the vehicle in neutral, and set the parking brake.  Leave the vehicle idling.

Note:  Although it is rare, there are some vehicles that do not require the vehicle to be running when checking the transmission fluid.  Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual which should detail if your vehicle should be running or turned off when checking the transmission fluid.

Step 2

The transmission fluid dipstick is generally located in front of the engine block or just behind.  In most newer vehicles, the dipstick is labeled “TRANS FLUID” and the cap may be red or yellow.  Locate the dipstick and wipe it clean with your rag.  If you look at the cleaned dipstick, it should be labeled and have grooves.  The grooves are usually labeled “FULL” and “ADD”.  Other dipsticks may be labeled “HOT” or “COLD”. 

Step 3

Put the dipstick all the way back into the hole in which you pulled it out.  Pull the dipstick out again.

Step 4

Examine where the fluid reaches on the dipstick.  The correct placement is either at the “F”, “FULL”, or “HOT” groove.  If the fluid falls below these grooves, you are low on transmission fluid.

Step 5

Before finishing up the task of checking the fluid level, you should examine the quality of the fluid.  The fluid should be warm but not overly hot.  The color should a shade of red and the fluid should not contain any bubbles.  If there are bubbles in the fluid, the fluid may need replaced.  If the fluid has a burning odor, this can be a sign of serious transmission problems which should be evaluated by a professional mechanic.

Step 6

If the fluid level is correct and the quality is good, you are finished.  Move to Step 8.

Step 7

To add transmission fluid to your car, place the funnel into the hole where the dipstick was removed.  Slowly add the fluid, checking the levels between amounts.  Add a small amount, clean the dipstick, and replace the dipstick in the hole.  Check the level again.  If still low, continue to add another small amount of fluid, continuously checking the level, until you have added enough. 

Step 8

Replace the dipstick securely in the hole.  Close the hood and park your vehicle, the job is finished.

Adding transmission fluid to your car is something that should rarely be needed.  If your vehicle consistently runs low on transmission fluid, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic to uncover the source.

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