If your vehicle hesitates when your automatic transmission shifts gears, check the transmission fluid level before you let any mechanic start talking about servicing
or adjusting your transmission or selling you a new one. To check your automatic transmission fluid, look for a dipstick handle sticking out of your transmission. This is located toward the rear of an in-line engine on vehicles with rear-wheel drive as shown here: The fluid level in a manual transmission must be checked with the vehicle on a hoist to enable the technician to reach a plug in the bottom of the transmission. To check your automatic transmission fluid, follow these steps:
There are several types of transmission fluid. Each is made for a specific type of automatic transmission. Newer transmissions from the major automakers require different fluid than older ones. Because so many different kinds of transmissions are around these days, check your owner’s manual or dealership to find out which type of fluid your vehicle requires. A faulty transmission and one that’s just low on fluid share many of the same symptoms. Obviously, adding transmission fluid is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole transmission system! For more info on regular maintenance, check out this monthly checklist for your vehicle.About This ArticleAbout the book author:Deanna Sclar is an acclaimed auto repair expert. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows, including NBC's Today show and the NBCNightly News. Sclar lectures internationally on the ecological impact of vehicles and is active in promoting residential solar energy programs. Sclar is also the author of Buying a Car For Dummies. This article can be found in the category:
How Do I Check My Transmission Fluid Level?By Mister Transmission If your vehicle is experiencing any issues, such as hesitating when it shifts gears or if it makes noises while shifting, you don’t necessarily have to get a new transmission. It could be as straightforward as just checking your ATF, or Automatic Transmission Fluid. Your transmission depends entirely on this distinctive fluid, hence a low fluid level can have a disastrous effect on transmission operation. We recommend you check the level at least once a month. This will enable you to catch a slow fluid leak you may not know you had potentially saving a lot of money in damaged transmission parts. Your car’s owners manual should provide a detailed description on how check your transmission fluid level. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, here’s the basic procedure that will work on just about any car that has a transmission dipstick. WARNING: Checking the transmission fluid level requires working under the hood of your car with the engine running. This can be very dangerous if you aren’t careful. Watch out for moving components, such as fans, fan belts, pulleys, etc. If you aren’t comfortable with this procedure, always take your car to your local service station to have the transmission fluid checked.
REMEMBER: Always use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer (see ‘Choosing the Right Transmission Fluid’). Also, if the transmission requires more than a quart, or is using fluid regularly, take your car in to have it checked for leaks. If you’re ever unsure of the procedure or where to find the transmission dipstick, check with your local Mister Transmission shop. They’ll be happy to show you where the dipstick is, and how to check the fluid level. LASTLY: Unfortunately, in recent years, many manufacturers have started to eliminate the transmission fluid dipstick. Referred to as sealed units, these transmissions require a much more involved process to check fluid levels than in days gone by. The process often involves electronic testing devices, such as a computer scan tool. This puts checking the transmission fluid level beyond the capabilities of the average car owner. So if your car doesn’t have a dipstick, you should have your local transmission shop or dealership check the transmission fluid level at least a couple times a year, even if you don’t notice a problem with transmission operation. A FOOTNOTE: It’s also worth mentioning that a faulty transmission and one that’s just low on fluid share many of the same symptoms. But obviously, adding transmission fluid is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole transmission system! Either way, we’re always here to help in any way we can. *Rear wheel drive vehicles — the dipstick will usually be on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment, near the back of the engine. Front wheel drive vehicles — the dipstick will usually be on the driver’s side of the vehicle, on either side of the transmission. Visit your nearest Mister Transmission location today!
Contact your nearest Click here to browse all Mister Transmission locations. Customer ReviewsI had expected to buy...Gary HotchkissI had expected to buy a new/used transmission or pay for replacing the clutches. But, they were honest and found that it was a wiring issue. Easily fixed AND far cheaper than expected. Date: October 12, 2022 Website: Google I was beginning to lose...Greg LackeyI was beginning to lose hope that I would ever drive my 1964 ford f100 . The people at Mr Transmission were able to track down parts and rebuild my transmission. I can't tell you how happy I am, they did an excellent job. I highly recommend Mr Transmission of Peterborough. Thank you so much. 😊 Date: October 10, 2022 Website: Google Amazing business ! I went...Mara VeldmanAmazing business ! I went in believing I had a transmission problem and they took time to check my car and read the codes right away as I was just about to leave town. They told me what was wrong and did not take advantage of me. I am so impressed with their service, integrity and friendliness. I highly recommend this business . Date: October 9, 2022 Website: Google I highly recommend this location....J RI highly recommend this location. Al and his team were great. I had clunking in my engine and the usual mechanic that I go to told me to go to Mr. Transmission, as they couldn't fit me in for another week. I called Al, explained my situation and he booked me in first thing the next morning. It turned out to be nothing major and I had my car back the same day. Great service and the price was far less than I expected to pay. Thanks again! Date: October 9, 2022 Website: Google Automotive service, particularly for older...Brian PearsonAutomotive service, particularly for older model vehicles, can be hit or miss, and unfortunately mostly miss. At least this has been my personal experience in the Brampton area. Or I should say, that had been my experience until last week. The service I received from Stafford (Brampton - Mister Transmission) was a prime example of true customer focused automotive service. Stafford went above and beyond to ensure our issue was resolved. Stafford worked within their busy schedule to look at our vehicle, identify the problem and then, due to part shortages, took the time and effort to recondition the failing part and get us safely back on the road. Stafford - Thank you! Date: October 6, 2022 Website: Google A long overdue review of...Nic JekillA long overdue review of this business but a few months ago I was completely in a bind driving on a Thursday morning and needing to drive home to Vancouver Island that Sunday, I had lost my reverse gear in my 2007 Ford Escape and was pretty screwed. After calling about 25 transmission shops and mechanics, Mr. Transmission not only managed to squeeze me in same day to take a look at things and do what they could for me, but got me back rolling on the road by the next day. 2500km of driving and a few months later the car is still working great and I cannot thank them enough for helping on such short notice. Absolutely would recommend anyone to this shop, incredibly kind owners who really helped me in a time of need! Thanks Again! Date: October 6, 2022 Website: Google Featured ServicesTransmission Repair The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky. Read More Transmission Technology At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission. 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Do you check the transmission oil with the engine on or off?Step 1: Leave the engine running and open the hood to your car. The car must be warm when you check transmission fluid. Step 2: If you have an inline engine, look behind your oil dipstick, toward your windshield, to locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
How do you check transmission fluid level?Check the Level
With the engine warmed up, leave the car idling in park on a level surface. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it slowly, and then pull it back out. Check the fluid level—how high the fluid comes up on the dipstick—against the "full" and "low" or "fill" marks on the dipstick.
How do I check if my transmission fluid is low?Symptoms for Low Transmission Fluid. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake and start engine. ... . Locate automatic transmission fluid dipstick, typically near where the transmission or transaxle meets rear of the engine. ... . Remove automatic transmission fluid dipstick. ... . Observe markings at end of dipstick.. |