How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid
Checking your automatic transmission fluids monthly is a quick DIY maintenance trick that can help you avoid costly repairs. Find out how to do it here.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Checking your vehicle’s automatic transmission fluid levels is easy—all you need is a level surface and a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel.
Most of us know we need to keep up with our car’s routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotation. But how many of us remember to check up on our transmission? It’s easy to forget about your automatic transmission when it’s running smoothly, but unless you keep tabs on it, it can become one of the most expensive repairs you’ll ever had to pay for.
Luckily, checking your automatic transmission fluid is both quick and easy.
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, is here with this quick tutorial to help you do it right.How to check transmission fluid for an automatic transmission
Your vehicle uses transmission fluid in much the same way as it uses engine oil—as a lubricant and coolant for the transmission system. That’s why it’s important to ensure you have the right type of transmission fluid at the right levels to keep everything running smoothly.
Locate the transmission fluid dipstick
You can find your vehicle’s transmission dipstick in the engine compartment. Unlike the engine-oil dipstick, which is usually toward the front of the engine, the transmission fluid dipstick is usually more toward the rear of the engine, near the firewall separating the engine from the passenger cabin. It will likely be marked with a specific color or with a transmission symbol.
If you can’t find your vehicle’s transmission dipstick, don’t panic. Just locate your car’s owner’s manual and follow these steps:
- If you have a newer vehicle, your owner’s manual may tell you your transmission is sealed for life. If that’s the case, there’s nothing more for you to do—the manual will give you the schedule for when you should take your car in to be serviced by a professional.
- If your transmission is not sealed, the service manual section of your owner’s manual will point you to the location of the dipstick, so you can continue checking your transmission fluid levels.
Check the fluid level
Once you know where to find your transmission fluid dipstick, it’s time to check your fluid level. Pull your vehicle onto a level surface and let it run for about 5 minutes so the engine can warm up. Then, leave it idling with the parking brake on and follow these steps:
- Pull out the transmission dipstick
- Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free, clean rag or paper towel
- Replace the dipstick slowly
- Pull the dipstick back out and check the fluid level and condition
Under normal circumstances, your transmission fluid should be reddish-pink and free of debris, and it should reach the level that indicates “full” on the dipstick. If this is the case, reinsert the dipstick fully, slam your hood, and be about your business until it’s time for your next check. If this isn’t the case, keep reading.
Pro Tip While most vehicles should have the engine running while you check your transmission fluid, some require the vehicle to be off. Check your owner’s manual before you begin checking your automatic transmission fluid levels to find out which type of transmission you have, and whether your engine should be running when you check your fluid levels.
What should the transmission fluid level be?
Your transmission dipstick will have markings at the end to indicate where your fluid levels should be. Your dipstick may have two levels for full—one warm and one cool. Since you should always check your fluid when your engine is warm, the fluid level should reach the line to indicate “full,” or “warm.” If it doesn’t come up to this line, you need to add automatic transmission fluid.
To add automatic transmission fluid, you’ll need a long funnel and the proper fluid type for your vehicle, which you can find in your owner’s manual. Carefully add more fluid in small increments, being careful not to overfill or spill the fluid. Once the fluid level reaches the “full” or “warm” line, reinsert the dipstick fully, and you’re on your way!
Pro Tip when operating normally, your transmission should not lose automatic transmission fluid, so if the level is low, you probably have a leak somewhere. Top off and head to your mechanic ASAP to have your transmissions assessed and avoid costly repairs down the road.
When to schedule a mechanic service appointment
Since a properly-running transmission will not lose fluid, if your levels are low it’s time to head to a mechanic to find out what’s causing your leak. Aside from this, there are a few other things that indicate it’s time to head to a service center.
If the transmission fluid is brownish red instead of reddish-pink, it’s time for a fluid replacement. If the fluid is
- Dark brown or black
- Has a burnt smell
- Contains fine metal shavings
you’ll likely be replacing a lot more than just your transmission fluid. These are all signs of possible damage to your transmission’s internal components.
In short—if your transmission fluid is low or any color other than reddish-pink, it’s time to schedule an automotive service appointment.
MORE: What to do if you have a car breakdown away from home
Why is it important to check your transmission fluid?
Your car’s transmission fluid does the same thing for your transmission that engine oil does for the engine—it keeps it cool and lubricated. If you’re running on low transmission fluid, you could be causing serious damage, not only to your transmission but also to your engine as a whole and other vehicle components.
Transmissions are, by far, one of the most costly items to fix, rebuild, or replace on a vehicle. Do yourself, and your wallet, a favor by ensuring you keep tabs on yours.
MORE: When should I change my transmission fluid?
Finding cheap car insurance to protect your car
Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to extend your car’s life. It’s also a great way to help you avoid the hassle of unscheduled maintenance and repairs—not to mention the unexpected costs.
Another way to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for car-related expenses is by adding regular
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for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1,000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.What are the signs of low transmission fluid?
The most obvious sign of low transmission fluid is a warning light on your vehicle’s dash, but other symptoms include:
Transmission overheating
Difficulty shifting gears
Transmission fluid leakage (reddish stains under your car)
Unusual or grinding sounds when shifting
Transmission slipping out of gear
How often should you check automatic transmission fluid?
All main fluid levels in your vehicle should be checked once a month, so include checking your transmission fluid levels on your monthly car maintenance schedule.
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