Transmission Fluid Level
Checking your automatictransmission fluid levelon a regular basis is key to maintaining the unit in good shape. In most cases, you need to use a different procedure to check the level than the one you use for your engine oil. So, how do you know if your transmission needs oil and how much you need to add? Even more, knowing how to “read” your transmission oil can reveal much about the transmission condition and prevent expensive repairs. Here's how you can do it.Checking the transmission fluid levelStart the engine, apply the parking brake and let the transmission oil warm up for ten minutes. Then, move the shift selector through each gear. Set the transmission to park and let the engine idle. Now, you can open the hood and look for the transmission dipstick. Usually, you'll find it towards the back of the engine, close to the front of the transmission.Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean using a shop rag. Completely reinsert the dipstick into its tube and pull it out again. Now, rest the tip of the dipstick on the shop rag in a horizontal position and read the oil level. The oil should reach between the Add and Full marks. Or around the middle of the crosshatch area.If the level is at the Add mark or at the bottom of the crosshatch area, add only a fraction of a quart of oil. It takes about one quart of oil for the level to go from the Add to the Full mark, or to cover the crosshatch area completely. Use the transmission oil recommended in your car owner's manual. Check the oil level again and turn off the engine.Checking the oil conditionTo check thecondition of the oil, pull out the dipstick and wipe the oil form the tip using a clean, white paper towel. Inspecting the oil on the paper towel, look for particles that might indicate contamination. Over time, small particles from friction material and metal components begin to mix with the oil.If you find particles in the oil, you need to replace the oil to prevent internal components from wearing prematurely and avoid transmission performance problems.Now, examine the color of the oil on the paper towel. Good transmission oil has a clear, reddish color. If yours looks dark brown or black and smells burned, this might be a sign of problems with the friction material on bands and/or clutches inside the transmission. If you've noticed one or more gears slipping, your transmission might need major service or repair.Another sign of potential problems is oil that has acquired a light pink or white color . Usually, this is a sign ofcoolant contaminationof the transmission oil. The oil cooler tank inside the radiator might have developed a leak, allowing coolant to mix with the oil. You need to repair the leak as soon as possible to prevent damage to oil seals, bands and clutches.In other cases, you may notice a light coat of varnish on the oil dipstick. At this point, the oil properties have worn out, turning the oil into a sticking substance that has began to cover internal components. If the oil just began to break down, you may be able to fix the problem by replacing the oil. In extreme cases, the varnish has already reached sensors, valves and other components, causing transmission performance problems. In this case, you might need to rebuilt the transmission.Check the transmission oil every three months or before, if you experience transmission problems. Being able to catch potential problems on time will help you avoid major repairs. However, a good maintenance program will prevent many serious issues with the transmission. Check your car owner's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule for your particular transmission model and type of service required.
