How to Put Transmission Fluid into Your Vehicle: Steps from Car Experts

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Learn exactly where to put transmission fluid into your car
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Transmission fluid is a slick, oily substance that keeps the transmission of your car lubricated, ensuring every gear shift is smooth. If you suspect your transmission fluid is low, or you’re having problems shifting, it might be time to add more fluid to your car. In this article, we spoke with automotive specialist Ed Beery to learn how to check your transmission fluid level and add more if the level is low. Every car is slightly different, so always check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on checking and adding transmission fluid.

Where do you fill a car with transmission fluid?

For most cars, you add the transmission fluid to the transmission dipstick tube underneath the hood. Turn on the car, put it in park, and activate the parking brake. Then, place a long funnel inside the dipstick tube. Slowly add a small amount of fluid into the funnel until the fluid is at the correct level.

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Section 1 of 3:

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    In order to get an accurate transmission fluid reading on most cars, you need to check the level while your transmission is running and the fluid is warm. So, start your car and keep it in park with the handbrake (parking brake) on while you check the transmission fluid. Note that some vehicles are checked in the neutral position. Reference your owner's manual for the proper position of your car's shifter. [1]
    • If you've just finished driving your car for 30 minutes or longer, it's a good idea to let your engine idle a few minutes before you check the transmission fluid. [2] This will allow the temperature of the fluid to normalize.
    • Note : Some cars may recommend a "cold" reading on the transmission dipstick. Even if this is the case in your vehicle, you should still start your engine and get the transmission fluid heated up in order to get an accurate reading.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Without actually driving the car, depress the brake and cycle through all the gears in your car to help circulate the transmission fluid evenly (including Reverse and Overdrive). If you check the transmission fluid cold (i.e., not having driven anywhere and not having run through all the transmission gears), inspecting the transmission dipstick will give you an inaccurate reading. It will appear as if you have far too much transmission fluid in your car. [3]
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  3. 3
    Park your car on a flat surface and check if it needs to stay on. Parking your car on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake helps assure that you get an accurate reading and prevents the car from moving, keeping you safe. Then, Beery recommends checking your car’s owner’s manual to see if you need to keep the car running or turn it off. [4]
    • In general, most car manufacturers advise checking the transmission fluid while the vehicle is parked and running.
    • Some car manufacturers, like Honda, advise that you turn off the car after you allow the engine to warm up. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    The transmission is located under the hood, so open it up to find the dipstick. Just remember to set the parking brake, especially if you're leaving the car in neutral. On some cars, it is easy to mistake the transmission dipstick for the crankcase oil dipstick. So, Beery advises that you make sure you are clear on the location of your transmission dipstick. [6]
    • Look towards the back of the engine, near the firewall. This is where the transmission is located on most cars with rear-wheel drive.
    • On cars with front-wheel drive, the transmission dipstick is usually located near the front of the engine, connected to the transaxle.
    • If you’re having trouble identifying or locating the transmission dipstick, consult your owner’s manual.
    • Note : Beery says some cars, especially new cars, may have a closed transmission system without a transmission fluid dipstick. Check your owner’s manual to see if this is the case for you. If it is, take your car to a mechanic or dealership to get it serviced. [7]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    To accurately check the transmission fluid level, the dipstick needs to be clean. So, wipe it off with a rag once you pull it out. [8]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Stick the dipstick back into the transmission fluid and take it out again, says Beery. [9] Then, check where the fluid line rests on the dipstick. On most dipsticks, there is an upper and lower mark. If the fluid line is between the marks, then the fluid level is fine. If the line is below the lower mark, you need to add more fluid. [10]
    • Different cars may have different dipstick labels. For instance, some may have indicators saying “Full” or “Add.”
    • Some dipsticks may have “Hot” and “Cold” reading indicators. If the fluid level isn’t between the proper indicators, it usually means the fluid level is low. [11]
    • Check your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble reading the transmission dipstick.
    • If your transmission fluid is low , Beery recommends taking your car to a mechanic or dealership, as low transmission fluid can be a sign that there’s a leak. [12]
  7. 7
    Check the color and consistency of the fluid. Hold the dipstick against a white paper towel or cloth. If the fluid is in good condition, it should be a reddish-pink color and appear clear and smooth. If the fluid is a brownish red color and has a sludgy texture, you need to replace the fluid . [13]
    • If the fluid is very dark brown or black or smells burnt, take your car to a mechanic or dealership for servicing. It’s possible that something is wrong with your transmission.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Add Transmission Fluid

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  1. For most cars, your vehicle’s engine should be running when you add fluid to the transmission. Make sure to park the car on a level surface and activate the handbrake for safety. [14]
    • Check your owner’s manual to see if your car’s engine needs to be running. Some vehicle manufacturers might recommend that you keep the engine off, instead.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Your car’s owner's manual will tell you what brand and type of transmission fluid to add to your vehicle. It’s very important that you only use the fluid indicated in the manual, as other types might damage your vehicle. The manual will also tell you if there are special instructions for adding fluid. [15]
    • The transmission dipstick itself might also tell you what kind of transmission fluid the transmission takes. Note that there are several different kinds, each with specifications that make it favorable for that engine's transmission.
    • Also, look for instructions on how frequently to change your transmission fluid. While you can add fluid when it gets low, many car manufacturers recommend a transmission fluid change every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 161,000 km), depending on the make and model of your car.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Most cars need a long transmission fluid funnel to accurately add the fluid. Simply remove the dipstick and insert the funnel into the hole. [16]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Add a little bit of fluid at a time so you do not overfill—you can always add more, but it’s very difficult to take fluid out. How much transmission fluid do you add to your vehicle? It depends on what you're doing: [17]
    • Are you topping off the fluid level? If you notice the transmission fluid is a little low on the dipstick, start with ½ to 1 quart (473-946 ml) of transmission fluid. Recheck the level and add ¼ quart (or less) at a time until the level is up to the full or max mark.
    • Are you doing a transmission service where you drop the pan and replace the filter? This kind of service usually needs 4 to 5 quarts (3.8-4.7 L) of transmission fluid in order to replace what was lost in the pan.
    • Are you replacing all the transmission fluid? It could take anywhere from 9 to 13 quarts (8.5-12.3 L) of transmission fluid to replace the old transmission fluid.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    This helps circulate the transmission fluid and make sure you're getting the correct reading. [18]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Take out the dipstick, wipe it off, and check the fluid level again. You may not need to add more transmission fluid but, if you do, you'll want to add a small amount of fluid at a time. At this point, most vehicles will not need more than 1 pint (0.5 liter) of additional fluid. [19]
    • Cycle through each gear after adding more fluid and check the level again. Just keep repeating this process until the fluid level is at the correct level.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Add Transmission Fluid
    Place the dipstick back into the transmission dipstick sleeve and make sure it is seated well. You may need to turn it until it locks or press down a latch on the top of the dipstick to lock it into place. Then, turn off your car—you’re all finished! [20]
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Section 3 of 3:

When to Add Transmission Fluid to Your Car

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  1. 1
    You notice issues when shifting gears. Transmission fluid lubricates your car’s transmission, helping it to shift gears smoothly. According to Beery, if you notice “hard shifting between gears or when moving the gear selector, your vehicle is “slipping in and out of gear,” or it’s difficult to shift into some gears, the transmission fluid may be low. [21]
    • If adding more fluid doesn’t fix the problem, or the fluid wasn’t low in the first place, take your car to a mechanic or dealership. Another issue may be affecting your transmission.
  2. 2
    You notice fluid pooling under your car. If your transmission has a leak, Beery says you’ll most likely notice spots of red transmission fluid pooling under your vehicle. Bring your car to a mechanic or dealership to get the leak fixed. [22]
  3. 3
    You hear unusual noises. If there isn’t enough transmission fluid to lubricate the transmission, you might notice clanking or grinding sounds as you drive. This indicates that parts of the transmission are rubbing against one another, so it’s time to add more fluid. [23]
  4. 4
    You smell a sweet or burning odor. Most transmission fluid has a sweet smell. So, if you notice this smell when you’re around your car, it might indicate that the fluid is leaking. On the other hand, a burning odor can mean the transmission is overheating because there isn’t enough fluid to lubricate the parts. [24]
    • If you still smell a burning odor after checking and filling the transmission fluid, take your car to a mechanic or dealership to diagnose any other potential issues.
  5. 5
    The fluid level is low on the dipstick. Of course, if you check the transmission fluid dipstick and the fluid level is low, this is an obvious sign that the fluid needs to be topped off.
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      Tips

      • Some transmissions do not have a dipstick to check and fill the transmission, says Beery. [25] These are what the manufacturers call tamper-proof. The manufacturer only wants the fluid checked and filled during major service intervals. Some manufacturers do not want the fluid changed at all. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations for checking and servicing your transmission.
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      • Follow the transmission change intervals recommended in your owner's manual.
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      • Ask your mechanic to check your transmission fluid whenever you have your car serviced. If you are not comfortable adding transmission fluid on your own, ask your mechanic to do it.
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      Warnings

      • If you do not flush your transmission at the recommended intervals, you can risk your transmission wearing out prematurely. If you are hard on your transmission or regularly pull heavy loads, consider changing the transmission fluid more frequently.
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      • Make sure you do not pour the wrong type of fluid into your transmission. Doing so can damage your vehicle, and it’s likely that the repairs will not be covered by your warranty.
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      • Consider having your mechanic look at your transmission if you notice yourself adding fluid regularly. If you regularly lose transmission fluid, Beery says you may have a leak. [26]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a28200003/transmission-fluid-check/
      2. ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/IS9393/IS9393O00111A.pdf
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/0ueLyYK-lKA?feature=shared&t=25
      4. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      5. ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/IS9393/IS9393O00111A.pdf
      6. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      7. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      8. ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/IS9393/IS9393O00111A.pdf
      9. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      1. ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/IS9393/IS9393O00111A.pdf
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/KlFrNZYl9oo?feature=shared&t=41
      3. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a28200003/transmission-fluid-check/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/WAyVKrbN5EU?feature=shared&t=74
      6. ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/IS9393/IS9393O00111A.pdf
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/0XYnJfH6V8I?feature=shared&t=113
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/0XYnJfH6V8I?feature=shared&t=146
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/WAyVKrbN5EU?feature=shared&t=85
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/WAyVKrbN5EU?feature=shared&t=89
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/0XYnJfH6V8I?feature=shared&t=158
      12. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      13. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      14. ↑ https://www.phillipstoyota.com/signs-your-transmission-fluid-is-low-leesburg-fl.html
      15. ↑ https://www.phillipstoyota.com/signs-your-transmission-fluid-is-low-leesburg-fl.html
      16. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.
      17. ↑ Ed Beery. Automotive Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To add transmission fluid to your vehicle, first check your owner’s manual to be sure you know what kind of transmission fluid to use. When you’re ready to add the fluid, keep your engine idling and put the transmission in park. Make sure to set the hand brake for safety. Remove the dipstick from the transmission fluid reservoir and insert a funnel into the hole. Pour the fluid into the funnel slowly, taking care not to overfill the reservoir. The amount of fluid you need will depend on whether you’re topping off the fluid or completely replacing it after draining the old fluid. Then, push down on the brake pedal to help distribute the fluid through the car’s gears while the engine is still idling. Check the transmission fluid level one more time using a dipstick and add a little more to top off the reservoir if necessary. Put the dipstick or cap back in place when you’re done.

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