How to Check Your Transmission Fluid
The transmission is an essential system for a vehicle to operate. Unlike other fluids in your vehicle, transmission fluid is supposed to remain at a consistent level without regularly scheduled changes as you would with motor oil. Generally, if your vehicle needs a substantial amount of transmission fluid, it’s a good idea to look for a leak and contact your authorized dealer. Knowing how to properly assess your transmission will save you time, effort, and money on costly repairs.
We at World Ford Pensacola want to help you, the drivers of Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola, with your regular transmission maintenance so that you can keep on the road, and out of the shop. Continue reading to understand how to check your transmission fluid level!
Automatic & Manual Transmissions
Your vehicle most likely has an automatic transmission, but it’s still beneficial to know the difference between manual and automatic transmissions and how to check their fluid levels. An automatic transmission will have a color-coded dipstick, like that of your motor oil dipstick, and is usually red. We advise you to check your owner’s manual to ensure you are working with the right component of your vehicle.
Manual transmissions often don’t have a dipstick as they are factory filled and will only need to be changed in the event of a repair. If you notice that your manual transmission is making noises or a burning smell, you should contact your authorized dealer promptly and schedule a service appointment.
How to Check Your Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
Checking an automatic transmission’s fluid level is actually quite similar to checking your motor oil. You’ll want to start by parking your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and start the engine. You can leave the engine in neutral or park.
Once the engine is warm, locate the color-coded dipstick for your automatic transmission; it might be in different locations depending on the vehicle you own. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the dipstick is usually towards the rear of the engine. In front-wheel drive vehicles, it will be found by the front of the engine and usually coming out of the transaxle. Follow the step-by-step guide below to check your transmission fluid level:
- First, remove the automatic transmission fluid dipstick.
- Wipe it completely clean and insert back into the transmission.
- Now, remove the dipstick again.
- Promptly check to see if the transmission fluid reaches the “warm” line on your dipstick.
- If it doesn’t reach the “warm” line, you will need to add more transmission fluid.
Also, if you notice that your transmission fluid is not the usual clean-looking green or red color that it should be, and is dirty or gunky, then you should have your vehicle’s transmission inspected.
How to Replenish Transmission Fluid
If you need to add more transmission fluid, there are several different types from which to choose. It is recommended to use the fluid specified in your owner’s manual for optimal performance. Always double check which fluid you are using before pouring it into your vehicle. To add more fluid, take a long funnel into the automatic transmission fluid dipstick hole, slowly add small amounts of fluid, and check the level each time you add more fluid until it reaches the “warm” line on your dipstick.
Although the requirement for more transmission fluid isn’t a tell-all about your transmission’s health, we still recommend that you contact your authorized dealer and have it inspected. You want to be certain that you don’t have any faults in your vehicle’s transmission system.
Your Trusted Transmission Experts
At World Ford Pensacola, we hope that you leave this informational guide feeling confident in your ability to properly assess and check your transmission fluid levels. If you notice low transmission fluid levels or still have questions about how to check and change your transmission fluid, we invite you to contact our service center and schedule an appointment today.
We are proud to serve the drivers of Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola with all of their car service needs!
