How to Check Your Transmission Fluid
Step 1 : Refer to your owner’s instruction guide. Is yours an automatic or manual transmission? Manual transmissions do not normally come with a dip stick; and they do not require refill because they usually come factory filled. The oil will only be changed when repairs have to be done.
Step 2: If yours is an automatic transmission, find the transmission dip stick (usually red in colour). You will locate it much easier if you refer to the owner’s guide. Sometimes, it may be labelled.
For front-wheel drive cars, the dip stick is usually located on the driver’s plane, on one flank of the transmission.
For cars on rear-wheel drive, the dip stick is usually located on the passenger plane of the engine housing, towards the rear of the engine.
A lot of vehicles do not have a transmission dip stick. In such cases, the oil may only be checked using a machine, or by unscrewing one part of the transmission compartment. It gets more complex if you have to check for fluid in a sealed transmission system. Normal car owners cannot check transmission oil by themselves. If your vehicle has no dip stick, you can check the fluid level at a local transmission shop or a car clinic. You might consider doing this when you’re changing the engine fluid. Conversely, if your vehicle has a dip stick, you should try to check the fluid frequently.
Step 3: How to Check Transmission Fluid
Take out the dip stick, clean with a clean rag, and put it back into its place. Leave to stand for some seconds, then take it out again and check. If need be, fill up with recommended fluid.
If you’re adding oil, do it gently and gradually. Check the level as you add. Filling it can be easy; but if too much is added, reducing it can be very difficult.
If the vehicle takes in more than a quart, or is using up the oil regularly, take your car to a specialist to check for leakages.
The colour of the transmission fluid is very important. The light-brown/translucent colour must be maintained. ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) has cherry red colour. If it is brown or dark red, you will need to replace it. If it has a burnt odour, or you notice debris in it, you will need to service your entire transmission system. What does this ‘service’ refer to? It involves changing the transmission oil filter before adding the oil.
How You Can Check Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
What is Automatic Transmission Fluid?
ATF is an acronym for Automatic transmission fluid. It is the transmission fluid used in cars (actually big cars and we all know how much does a limo cost to buy) with automatic transmission systems. It is usually coloured red or green.
Why should one check the ATF level?
ATF is the sap of the whole transmission system. It is responsible for generating the hydraulic pressure required to effect the transmission. It also cools and greases the transmission. When the level of the oil is low, the pump may suck air into the housing. This will interfere with the normal flow of ATF; and when the transmission oil is low, damage is more apt to occur.