How to Check Your Transmission Fluid?

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid – Automatic Transmissions

Checking the fluid in an automatic transmission is easy. A lot of our Caledon customers do it themselves. Just follow the steps below, but know that you need to do this while the engine is running and already warm.

Find the transmission dipstick, not to be confused with the oil dipstick. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, the transmission dipstick is often toward the back of the engine on the passenger side. Expect to find the dipstick toward the front of the engine on the driver side on most front-wheel drive vehicles.

Take the dipstick out and inspect the fluid that is on the end. Is it pink (as it should be)? Are there flecks of metal in it? If it’s dirty, the fluid should be changed.

Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back in.

Remove the dipstick again and check the fluid level.

If the level is low, you will need to top it off. You will need to pour the fluid through the same tube that holds the dipstick. It’s best to use a funnel.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid – Manual Transmissions

Depending on how hard it is to reach the transmission and the fluid fill plug, you may need to jack the car up to check the transmission fluid on cars with manual transmissions.

Reach under the car to find the fluid fill plug. Run your hand up the side of the transmission, and you will usually find the plug about half-way up.

Remove the plug by unscrewing it.

Stick your finger in the plug hole, and then look at the fluid on your finger. Is it pink (as it should be)? Are there flecks of metal in it? If it’s dirty, the fluid should be changed.

If you can’t seem to find any fluid at all, the fluid is low, and you will need to top it off. You can do this by pouring new fluid through the hole.

Note: You should never get under your car while it is supported on jacks! But why deal with this hassle yourself? Just schedule an appointment with our transmission experts to keep things simple and stress-free.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

So, how often do you check your transmission fluid? Check your owner’s manual, since each vehicle is different. But you should definitely check the transmission fluid if your car doesn’t shift smoothly. That could be an indication the fluid is low; the good news is that most oil change places will also check your transmission fluid when they change your oil if you ask them to!

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