How to Check Transmission Fluid

Kansas City drivers wondering about the steps involved in checking their transmission fluid will find them in detail below. If you’re wondering, “How often do you check your transmission fluid?”, we can help with that too. Read on for more, and then if you think you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Be sure to explore our service specials to see how much you can save!

Checking Transmission Fluid

1. Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. You’ll need to warm it up in order to properly check your fluid levels. Then put your car and park and pop open the hood.
2. Find your dipstick. It’s usually located to the right of your oil dipstick near the oil reservoir on front-wheel-drive cars. If you can’t find it, your owner’s manual will have the answer.
3. Check the fluid to see if it looks dirty or burnt. If it is, take it to the service center immediately. It should be clear or pinkish.
4. Insert it back into the vehicle. Pull it out again and check the level. If it’s under the “Full” marking, you’ll need to add more.
5. Pour more fluid through a funnel to bring it to the “Full” mark. Be sure not to overfill it.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you haven’t been able to find your dipstick, it’s possible that your vehicle features a sealed transmission. These can’t be accessed, and you should check the level yourself because you risk damaging your vehicle. This is a case to leave to the experts at Lee's Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Since you can’t manually check a sealed transmission, you’ll need to watch for signs that you’re due for a fluid change. Here are a few indications that you should take your car in for new fluid when your vehicle has a sealed transmission:

• Your gears shift more hesitantly with a slight pause
• When you shift gears, a strange noise comes from your engine block
• Your gears aren’t shifting smoothly as you accelerate

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

This can vary wildly, so we suggest that you consult your owner’s manual for specifics. If you drive a lot around Blue Springs, or have any special circumstances that affect the strain you’ll put on your engine block, use the tips we showed you on how to check transmission fluid every month and top it off. That includes checking your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil.

Let Lee's Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Help

If you’re checking your transmission fluid, we hope it’s part of routine car care — if something is wrong, you should schedule a service appointment or visit our service center today.