Home » How to check, change and add transmission fluid

How to check, change and add transmission fluid

How to add transmission fluid
How to add transmission fluid

In this article, we will show you how to check transmission fluid. Before we start, check your owner’s manual to ensure you have the right type of fluid for your vehicle.

Step 1: Start the engine of your car. It’s best to check transmission fluid when the engine is hot.

Step 2: Consult the owner’s manual if you are not sure where to find your transmission dipstick. Now, open the hood release. The transmission dipstick look a lot like the oil dipstick.

Open the hood release
Open the hood release

Step 3: Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with some kitchen paper, an old rag or a towel.

Remove the transmission dipstick
Remove the transmission dipstick

Step 4: Return the transmission dipstick to the original position in the reservoir.

Step 5: Remove the dipstick again. Now you will have a clear reading of the fluid level. The level should appear within the hash marks. If the level is to low, add some extra transmission fluid. Make sure to use the appropriate fluid for your car according to the owner’s manual.  

Check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick
Check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick
Have a look at the video tutorial “How to check transmission fluid?”

How to add transmission fluid?

If the transmission fluid level is to low, you should add transmission fluid. Transmission fluid keeps your vehicle’s transmission lubricated so it properly shifts gears. To add some extra fluid, you will need a funnel. 

Step 6: Place the funnel in the tube that holds the transmission dipstick. 

Step 7: Add transmission fluid. Do this very slowly and re-check the fluid level with the dipstick. 

How to add transmission fluid
How to add transmission fluid

Step 8: Replace the transmission dipstick and you are ready to go.

How to change the transmission fluid?

Step 1: Use a car floor jack to raise the car off the ground. Make sure that you secure the car with jack stands. 

Jack stands
Jack stands

Step 2: Use a drip pan to catch the old transmission fluid. Before draining the fluid, make sure that the transmission is at normal operating temperature. 

Step 3: Now, loosen the pan bolts. This will allow draining. Once these bolts are loose, the fluid will drain. Be careful, the transmission fluid may be hot. 

Loosen transmission pan bolts
Loosen transmission pan bolts

Step 4: Replace the transmission pan gasket and filter. Make sure the transmission pan and transmission mating surfaces are clean, and that the old filter grommet and transmission pan gasket are removed before installing the new parts.

Step 5: You are almost ready. Once the old transmission fluid is completely drained and the new filter and gasket are in place, you’ll need to tighten the transmission pan bolts. 

Repeat the steps from “how to add transmission fluid” and you are ready to go. 

>> Also interesting: find out how many numbers are in a VIN

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