How to check transmission fluid car on or off

If your vehicle hesitates when your automatic transmission shifts gears, check the transmission fluid level before you let any mechanic start talking about servicing or adjusting your transmission or selling you a new one. To check your automatic transmission fluid, look for a dipstick handle sticking out of your transmission. This is located toward the rear of an in-line engine on vehicles with rear-wheel drive as shown here:

The fluid level in a manual transmission must be checked with the vehicle on a hoist to enable the technician to reach a plug in the bottom of the transmission.

1. Pull out the dipstick.

   With the engine on and the gearshift in Neutral or Park and the parking brake on, let your engine run. Be sure the engine is warm when you pull out the dipstick. (Don’t turn off the engine.)

2. Check the fluid.

   Dip the tip of your index finger into the fluid on the dipstick and rub the fluid between your finger and the tip of your thumb. The transmission fluid on the dipstick should be pinkish and almost clear. If it looks or smells burnt or has particles in it, have a mechanic drain and change the fluid.

3. Wipe the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag; then reinsert it and pull it out again.

   If the transmission fluid is clear but doesn’t reach the “Full” line on the dipstick, use a funnel to pour just enough transmission fluid down the dipstick tube to reach the line. Don’t overfill!

There are several types of transmission fluid. Each is made for a specific type of automatic transmission. Newer transmissions from the major automakers require different fluid than older ones. Because so many different kinds of transmissions are around these days, check your owner’s manual or dealership to find out which type of fluid your vehicle requires.

If transmission fluid levels are low, it can prevent the vehicle from operating safely in Syracuse and Baldwinsville. There are some steps that can be taken to check the fluid levels if your car has a dipstick.

Checking Transmission Fluid Levels

Shift through the gears and give the transmission the opportunity to spend a few seconds in each gear range. Then, put the car back into park and set the parking brake.

Open up the hood and locate the transmission dipstick. The owner's manual is a good place to look for instruction if you can't find it. Typically with a rear-wheel-drive car, the dipstick will be closer to the passenger side near the engine. Front-wheel-drive cars will have the dipstick on the driver's side, closer to the transmission.

Take the dipstick out, wipe it down with a clean rag or paper towel, then put it back into the transmission fill tube. Pull the dipstick back out of the tube, and check the fluid level against the markings near the end of the dipstick. Fluid can be added if necessary.

Every vehicle is different, which is something you'll want to keep in mind. Recently, some manufacturers have decided to remove the dipstick and replace it with a sealed-off unit, which requires electronic testing or a computer scan. If you don't want to check transmission fluid levels at home, or your car has one of these sealed units, our service team will be happy to do it for you.

Transmission Repair Service

If a transmission is struggling, it may make a thud noise if the gears aren't shifting properly. If the car isn't accelerating or reaching highway speeds easily, that may also be a sign transmission repair is necessary. Learn more about our service offerings by reaching out to our maintenance team today.

Ensure Your Transmission Runs Smoothly

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for all of those important parts inside the transmission. When it comes to transmission fluid flushes and other transmission repairs, visit Maguire Dealerships near Ithaca, Trumansburg, and Watkins Glen.

It's our goal to ensure your transmission is running as it should in Syracuse and Baldwinsville. Contact us to schedule a service appointment today.