How to Check Transmission Fluid

Learn the simple steps to check your vehicle's transmission fluid level and condition to keep your car running smoothly.

Automotive

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Take care

The main risk is burns from hot engine components or fluid; always allow the engine to cool unless your manual specifies checking while warm. If raising the car, always use jack stands on level ground to prevent the vehicle from falling.

Safety gear: Safety glasses, Work gloves, Jack stands

Where to find it

The transmission dipstick or fill plug location varies by vehicle; it is usually found under the hood near the engine-transmission junction or on the side of the transmission housing under the car. Always check your owner's manual for the exact location on your specific model.

What it looks like

A transmission dipstick usually has a brightly colored handle (often yellow or red) and is similar in shape to an engine oil dipstick. A fill plug is typically a large bolt head located on the side of the transmission casing.

Tools Required (5)

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Parts (1)

Get the exact part. Parts change by year, make, model and engine. Give the parts store all four, or your VIN (it's on your registration, on the sticker inside the driver's door, and on the dashboard where it meets the windshield on the driver's side), and they'll match the right part for your vehicle.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1.
Consult your owner's manual to determine if your vehicle has a dipstick, a fill plug, or a sealed transmission system that requires a professional.
2.
Park the vehicle on level ground, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine unless your manual specifically requires the engine to be running.
3.
If your vehicle has a dipstick, stand facing the front of the car and look under the hood for a handle, usually yellow or red, located near the firewall or transmission housing.
4.
Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to check the fluid level against the markings.
5.
If your vehicle uses a fill plug instead of a dipstick, you will need to safely raise the vehicle on jack stands to access the transmission side; have a shop perform this if you are not comfortable working under a raised car.
6.
If the fluid is low, use a funnel to add the correct type of transmission fluid in small amounts, checking the level frequently to avoid overfilling.
7.
If your vehicle has a sealed transmission system with no dipstick or accessible fill plug, have a professional shop perform the check, as this requires specialized equipment and specific operating temperatures.