Where is the dipstick for the transmission

The transmission fluid dipstick is similar to the oil dipstick, while the oil dipstick measures the level of the car’s engine oil, transmission dipsticks measure the level of transmission fluid in your vehicle. Keep in mind many transmission troubles are due to low fluid levels. If the fluid is low, it is likely there is a leak and it will need to be found and repaired by a professional right away. If you need to add additional fluid, be careful not to overfill the reservoir. Overfilling transmission fluid can cause the fluid to foam, putting excess pressure on the transmission, and forcing fluid out of the vent or a seal. This can result in slipping and instability.

1. Park your car on a level surface and lift the hood.
2. Turn on your car, leaving it in park, and let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 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. Note: Honda is the only manufacturer that recommends you turn off the engine and then immediately check the level.
3. Locate your dipstick. Often found near the oil dipstick in front-wheel drive vehicles and near the rear of the engine for rear-wheel-drive engines, it is conveniently labeled for access and can have a red, pink, or yellow-colored handle.
4. Pull out the dipstick and using a clean rag, wipe it clean, and place it back into the reservoir. Remove the dipstick again and locate the indicators on the stick to determine whether the fluid is “full” or “low.” If the fluid is full, replace the dipstick and close the hood. If the fluid is low, take your vehicle to an auto center right away for a fill.

Things to Look For When Checking Your Transmission Fluid

1. Color – Most new transmission fluids should be a bright, transparent red color. Darker red or light brown is normal but reflects its age and usage. A darker brown color is an indication that fluid needs to be changed. Black is a bad sign, however. This means that the fluid is burnt as a result of some transmission troubles. Your vehicle should be taken to a transmission specialist to determine the cause of the burnt fluid, immediately.
2. Consistency – After some time fluid can appear thicker than usual. This is normal, but good transmission fluid should appear new. Additionally, fluid should not contain any contaminants or particles including metal shavings. Metal shavings could spell trouble and will need to be inspected right away. Foamy fluid could indicate either too much fluid is present, it is overheating, or the wrong fluid has been added.
3. Smell – Clean fluid is practically odorless, but if you notice something similar to burnt toast, it is cause for concern. A burnt smell is a sign that the transmission has developed problems and needs to be serviced by a professional right away.

NOTE: Many newer cars are not equipped with transmission dipsticks, making checking the transmission fluid at home impossible. In that case, an automotive repair professional will need to check the fluid level through a plug located on the side of the transmission or by checking the car’s internal computer.

How Often Should You Check Transmission Fluid?

Arizona has a hot, dry, and dusty climate defining it as a “severe driving climate.” In severe climates, vehicles require a little more TLC, meaning maintenance services should be performed on a more frequent basis. Transmission fluid flushes should be performed every 30,000 miles and transmission fluid levels should be checked, at least every six months. Now that you know how often to check your transmission fluid and the steps on how to do so, you’re one step closer to extending the life of your transmission!

Nothing is more important than having a reliable car to help you get around Cranston, Pawtucket and East Providence, which means you need to make sure you're maintaining your vehicle correctly. While there are several maintenance tasks that you will need to perform on a regular basis, checking your transmission fluid is one of the most important.

Without enough transmission fluid, your vehicle will have trouble shifting gears, reducing your driving experience. Fortunately, with the right information, you can easily check your transmission fluid and keep your vehicle on the road. Learn how to check your transmission fluid, and find out how you can get helpmaintaining your vehicle.

Transmission Oil Dipstick

Just like checking your engine oil, the first and most important step of checking your transmission fluid is locating your vehicle's dipstick. However, the transmission fluid dipstick can be in different locations depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

If, for example, you drive a vehicle with an inline engine and rear-wheel drive, your dipstick will be behind your engine, sticking out of the automatic transmission. If you own a front-wheel drive vehicle, your dipstick will usually be located in the transaxle, in the front of the engine compartment.

How to Read Transmission Dipstick

Once you've located the dipstick in your vehicle, you need to remove it so that you can check your transmission fluid. First, put the gearshift in either neutral or park, leave your parking brake active, and turn on your engine. Your engine needs to be warm when checking your transmission fluid and should remain on during this process.

Remove your dipstick, and dab the tip of your finger into the fluid. Once you have transmission fluid on your finger, rub it between your finger and thumb to check its consistency. Ideally, your transmission fluid will be free from particles and will be nearly clear with a pinkish hue. If you notice your transmission fluid contains debris or has a burnt smell, you will need to have it drained and changed by a professional mechanic.

Replenish Fluid and Replace Dipstick

After checking the quality of your transmission fluid, you need to examine its level. If the fluid on the dipstick does not reach the 'full' line, you need to top off your fluid. However, make sure not to overfill, as this may cause problems for your engine.

If your fluid is clear and at its proper level, you can replace your dipstick. Make sure to wipe your dipstick down with clean rag so that there is no debris on the stick, and then replace it in your vehicle.

Check Your Transmission Fluid with Help

Checking your transmission fluid isn't as difficult as you might imagine, especially if you follow the correct steps. If you've found a problem after checking your transmission fluid, then you should be sure to schedule a fluid change with theservice and parts departmentat Stateline Nissan.

Stateline Nissan proudly works with car owners from Pawtucket, Cranston and East Providence, and our service and parts department can keep your vehicle on the road for thousands of miles to come.Contact us today!

Why is there no transmission dipstick?

How do I know if my transmission fluid is low?