How To Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

If you drive a car with an automatic transmission, checking the transmission fluid is easy. In fact, it’s not all that different than checking the engine oil.

Just follow these six simple steps:

1. Make sure your car is on level ground. If you’re parked on an incline, you won’t get an accurate reading.
2. Start the engine and keep it running for the entire process. Allow the vehicle a few minutes to get up to normal operating temperature.
3. Open the hood and find the transmission dipstick. It may take you some time to locate the transmission dipstick, if this is your first time.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth.
5. Slide the dipstick all the way into the transmission fill tube and hold for a few seconds.
6. Pull the dipstick back out and check the fluid level and condition.

If the transmission fluid is pink-hued and almost clear, it’s still in excellent condition and does not need to be replaced. If it has a burnt smell or has particles in it, it’s time to have the fluid drained and replaced.

If the transmission fluid is still in good condition but doesn’t reach the full line on the dipstick, you don’t need to drain it. Just use a funnel to add more fluid until it reaches the right point.

How To Check Manual Transmission Fluid

Unlike automatic transmission vehicles, manual transmission vehicles don’t have dipsticks. If you want to check the manual transmission fluid, you’ll need to jack up your vehicle and access the fluid from under the vehicle rather than from under the hood.

If you’re uncomfortable doing this, you can have the manual transmission fluid checked by professionals at a certified service center like ours.

If you’d prefer to do it yourself, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Jack up the vehicle and secure it in place with jack stands. NEVER crawl under a vehicle that isn’t supported by jack stands.
2. Find the fluid fill plug. Usually, it will look like a large bolt halfway up the side of the transmission.
3. Remove the fluid fill plug. You will need a ratchet with sockets to complete this part of the process.
4. Check the fluid level. This usually involves sticking your finger into the filler plug hole. If you get fluid on your finger, it’s full. If not, you’ll need to add fluid.
5. If needed, add more transmission fluid with a fluid pump. Then, replace the fill plug and lower your vehicle back to the ground.

Because of the legwork and the tools involved, we recommend that anyone who isn’t comfortable with this process—i.e., hasn’t done it before—schedule a service appointment.