How to Check your Transmission Fluid

It is important to know when and how to check your transmission fluid to keep your transmission functioning properly. Transmission fluid should base on your car manufactures specs. If you are in a hot environment or the transmission has a heavy load then we recommend changing it sooner or at least getting it checked. For optimal performance in automatic transmissions, it is suggested to check your transmission fluid regularly. Transmission fluid that is too low or way over due for a change can cause problems like difficulty in switching gears. The goal is to get in a habit of checking regularly before it gets dangerously low causing your transmission to have a problem. Note that DIY checks are only suggested for automatic transmissions. You cannot check the levels on a manual transmission yourself. If you have a manual transmission, it should only be serviced by a professional transmission mechanic.

How to check the condition of your transmission fluid?

First, you look for a dipstick similar to the one for your car oil, except the dipstick will be labeled “transmission fluid.” Front-wheel drive has the dipstick coming from the transaxle. Rear-wheel drive will have the dipstick located to the rear of the engine. Next, get your car on a level surface in neutral, or some people prefer parking it with the emergency brake on. Check your instruction manual to verify if your car should be started or turned off, but most suggest to have the engine running because the fluid should be warm.

When checking the transmission oil, you should examine the color, consistency, and scent. New transmission fluid is red, and normal is dark red. If it is darker and brown in color it is time to change it. If it is dark, brownish black, the fluid is burnt and ineffective. Consistency should be clean and have no debris in it. The oil should have no odor when you smell it.

How to check the transmission fluid levels?

If the fluid line is near the middle of the dipstick it is an okay level, whereas if it below the middle consider adding more fluid. If the line is near the end of the dipstick, it is too low. Use a fennel to add more fluid. Double check if it is the correct kind of transmission fluid for your vehicles before you do it. Also be careful to not add too much. Incorrect fluid or too much can have serious affects to your transmission, such as destabilizing your transmission. Too low of fluid can also indicate that there is a leak with your transmission, so if it is too low don’t hesitate to bring in your car to get an initial check. Eagle Transmission Shop in DentonServing all of the Dallas Area