Q: How do I check the automatic transmission fluid?

asked by on December 15, 2015

How do I check the automatic transmission fluid?

Your automatic transmission fluid should be checked monthly to ensure that it remains at the right level. Checking it is almost as simple as checking your oil level. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Park the car so it’s level.

  2. Let the engine run until the cooling fan cycles.

  3. Turn off the engine.

  4. Within a minute, check the transmission fluid.

  5. Locate the dipstick with the yellow handle and remove it.

  6. Wipe off the fluid and reinsert it.

  7. Pull it back out and check the fluid level. It should be between the two lines noting minimum and maximum levels.

  8. If the fluid is low, you can top it off at the hole where the dipstick sits.

  9. Replace the dipstick when you’re done.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car having electrical problems
Based on your description, I will assume that absolutely nothing powers on when you open the door, insert the key, or even turn the key to the On position. If this is the case, the vehicle's battery may have died....
Make a clicking noise when accelerating from a dead stop then goes away.
Hi there. Without a little more information, the first things that come to mind are a faulty wheel bearing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), a CV axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement) that is going bad, a brake issue, or any number of other possible causes for the...
Is the catalytic converter clogged if it starts and runs but rattles kind of when it starts and doesn't accelerate very well?
This is a common description of a clogged catalytic converter. If it is the catalytic converter that is rattling, that means the honeycomb lattice inside the cat has come loose. However, this doesn't mean the cat is clogged, but it...
My truck cuts out and jerks when lightly applying accelerator at 45 to 60 mph. If I gas on it hard it doesn't do it
It sounds like you may have either a failing throttle position sensor or potentially a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor, both of which can cause a bit of a jerking reaction when not functioning properly. The mass air...
O2 sensor or EGR valve?
Hi There, There are a few situations that may cause the O2 sensor to produce a false reading. As you may know the [oxygen sensors]((https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement) which are part of your emissions system read exhaust gases to determine whether or not...
I have a 1996 benz c280 care needs throttle body actuator have problems getting this in jamaica
Hello, it is unfortunate you are having issues find parts. You may want to try cleaning the throttle itself, cleaning the idle air control valve, and making sure the air filter and housing is clean. Make sure the throttle actuator's...
Car overheating 2006 Infiniti M35
Hello - the fact that your car maintains a steady temperature near design temp (center of the gauge), suggests the thermostat is working properly. Overheating while idling or at low speeds (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/vehicle-is-starting-to-overheat-at-idle-by-dustin-p) is usually a problem with a clogged radiator,...
my 2013 scion FRS is haaving a rough idle and it almost feels like its just going to shut off what can it be?
Hello, thank you for writing in. If you are receiving a code for the camshaft position sensor, it is likely causing your loss of power. The vehicle must know where the camshaft is to calculate other engine functions accordingly. A...
AC blowing cold air but not cooling
There are various doors and deflectors within the ventilation system in the dash. It is possible that a door or doors are not in the commanded position or there is an obstruction. Another possibility is the blower motor wheel is...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid
Over Over the past few years, we’ve seen a major trend toward people choosing crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) over larger SUVs. The big motivator here, of course, is buying a more eco-friendly vehicle that will also save you a bundle...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
The The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI brings diesel to the family in a big way. This crossover SUV delivers seamless performance in a vehicle that obviously designed for the open road rather than any trails or other types of off-road...
3 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Gear Shifter
The The gear shifter allows the vehicle to be put into different gears on a manual transmission. In an automatic transmission, the gear shifter is known as a gear selector. The gear shifter is normally located between the two front...