Checking Your ATF Level
*VERY EASY*
Automatic transmission (or transaxle) operation is sensitive to incorrect fluid levels. Therefore, you should check your automatic transmission fluid every two weeks using the following procedure:
- Park the vehicle on level ground in a well-ventilated, outdoor area with the engine ON, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK. Be certain the transmission has reached normal operating temperature prior to parking the vehicle. {This temperature, generally 150° F. to 170° F., can be achieved by driving the vehicle about 15-20 miles in the city if the outside temperature is above 50° F.} Raise the hood.
- Keep the engine idling and foot brake applied. Move your gearshift lever through all positions, allowing enough time for the transmission to become momentarily engaged in each gear. Place the transmission in PARK and set the parking brake. {Note: Some cars require the gear selector to be in NEUTRAL instead of PARK, or the engine to be OFF. Consult your owner's manual to confirm which condition is appropriate. Have the transmission in the correct gear when reading the fluid level, otherwise the reading could be very inaccurate. If NEUTRAL gear must be used, block the tires as well.}
- Locate the transmission or transaxle dipstick using your owner's manual. On automatic transmissions, the dipstick has a looped end and is located at the rear of the engine, right in front of the firewall. On transaxles, the dipstick is located at the front of the engine.
- Remove the transmission (or transaxle) dipstick and wipe it on a clean, lint-free rag. Insert it again into the filler tube and firmly seat dipstick on filler tube. Remove the dipstick and hold it horizontally or upright to read, but not upside-down (this may permit automatic transmission fluid to drip towards the FULL mark, giving a false reading). Repeat a second time for confirmation. {Note: Transmission cannot be above normal operating temperature when checking fluid level or inaccurate fluid reading will result. Excessive heat is generated in the transmission while driving 1) with outside temperature above 90° F., 2) at prolonged high speed, 3) in heavy stop and go traffic, or 4) with a trailer or other significant load. If your vehicle has experienced any of these conditions, allow the transmission to cool for about 1/2 hour before checking fluid level.}
- Dipstick markings vary by manufacturer, so consult your owner's manual for
interpretation. However, the fluid level at operating temperature should fall
within a cross-hatched area between the "ADD" or "LOW" mark
and the "FULL" mark. The level should not be permitted to fall below
the "ADD" or "LOW" mark or the transmission may overheat or
fail. Likewise, the level should not exceed the "FULL" mark or the
transmission fluid may foam and cause erratic transmission performance.
Pay attention to the fluid's color and condition as well. If it is not transparently pink or red, see Reading Your ATF. - If your fluid level is too low, add additional automatic transmission fluid in small amounts through the dipstick filler tube until the dipstick reads FULL. Use the automatic transmission fluid specified in your owner's manual along with a clean, wide-mouthed, long-necked funnel to avoid spilling fluid on other components of the engine. Recheck your transmission fluid level after a few minutes. It usually takes only one pint (1/2 quart) of fluid to raise the level from operating ADD or LOW to operating FULL.
- If your transmission fluid level is checked at room temperature (vehicle not driven), the level should be below the cross-hatched area. The transmission dipstick may have two small holes to define an acceptable fluid level range for a room temperature check. The two holes would be below the ADD or LOW mark used to check the hot transmission fluid level.
- Wipe any spilled automatic transmission fluid from engine components. Close the hood.
