When do i check my transmission fluid

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.

When do i check my 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.

  1. Make sure your car is on level ground.
  2. Start the engine (and don’t turn it off until finished!)
  3. Bring the engine and transmission to normal operating temperature.
  4. Hold your foot on the brake, and work the shifter slowly through the gears.
  5. Put the shifter all the way back into park.
  6. Set the parking brake.
  7. Carefully open the hood.
  8. Find the transmission dipstick.*
  9. Remove the dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.
  10. Slide the dipstick all the way back down into the transmission fill tube.
  11. Pull the dipstick back out, and check the fluid level against the markings on the end of the dipstick. (It should be pinkish & almost clear but if it smells burnt or has particles in it, have a mechanic drain and change it).
  12. If the transmission fluid is clear but doesn’t reach the “Full” line on the dipstick, use a funnel to pour just enough transmission fluid down the dipstick tube to reach the line. Don’t overfill!

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!

  • 15903 Stony Plain Rd. NW
  • Edmonton, AB
  • T5P 3Z7
  • 587-786-6465

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When do i check my transmission fluid
When do i check my transmission fluid
When do i check my transmission fluid

Customer Reviews

I had expected to buy...
Gary Hotchkiss

I 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 Lackey

I 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 Veldman

Amazing 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 R

I 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 Pearson

Automotive 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 Jekill

A 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

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Do you check transmission fluid when it's hot or cold?

If you're going to be checking the transmission fluid level at home, it's a good idea to warm up the car before you do so. If the car is checked while the engine is cold, it might give an inaccurate reading when you use the dipstick. After driving for about 10 minutes, park on an even surface and leave it running.

Do you check the transmission fluid while running or not?

Transmission fluid expands in heat and in order to receive accurate results, it must be under normal operating conditions. If the fluid is checked when the engine is cold, you may get false results indicating the fluid is low. Allow the engine to continue running while you check the level.

How do I know if transmission fluid is low?

In the meantime, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tell-tale signs that you may be low on transmission fluid..
Noises. ... .
Burning Smell. ... .
Transmission Leaks. ... .
Slipping Gears. ... .
Slow Gear Engagement. ... .
Vehicle Accelerates Poorly. ... .
Check Engine or Transmission Warning Light Is On..

What is the proper way to check transmission fluid?

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.