DIY: How to Check Transmission Fluid

When you know how to check your transmission fluid and do so on a regular basis, you can prevent maintenance issues before they become more serious. So what is a transmission and what does it do? Your vehicle’s transmission is what propels it forward. If you’re unsure how to measure the transmission fluid level in your car, our service team at Springfield Mitsubishi can help. Learn more about how to check transmission fluid and more with us today.

Checking Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step Guide 

Simply follow these steps:

1. Turn the engine on for a few minutes before proceeding, since the engine should be warmed up to properly check the level. Make sure your car is in park before getting out and opening the hood.
2. Find the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel-drive cars, it’s usually located to the right of the oil dipstick. Check your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. The fluid should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If it looks dirty or gives off a burnt smell, take it to a service center for replacement.
4. Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick. Then insert it back into the vehicle. Pull it out again and check the level. If it’s under the “Full” marking, you’ll need to add more.
5. Use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to the right spot. Be sure not to overfill it.

If you run into any issues, feel free to check with Springfield Mitsubishi, providing service to customers from Morton, PA and beyond.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission 

Typically, you’ll find a dipstick under the hood. If there isn’t one, chances are your car is equipped with a sealed transmission. So what is a sealed transmission? When a transmission is sealed this doesn’t mean it can’t be accessed. However, if you do have a sealed transmission, do not try to check its fluid level as this could cause damage. Bring your vehicle in and we can check for you.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission 

A sealed transmission limits the amount of wasted transmission fluid. This saves you more money in the long run. Even so, you can still find issues popping up and the fluid will need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for the following red flags that will indicate an issue with your sealed transmission:

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change. 
• The gears hesitate before changing. 
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

It’s recommended that you check the main fluids in your car once a month. This includes checking your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil as well. For more specific maintenance schedules, consult your owner’s manual.

Transmission Fluid Basics

It’s important to check your transmission fluid as this is one of the most complex parts of your vehicle. Before you get started, check out these tips:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same, with different types for recent models, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions. Your owner’s manual will recommend a particular type of transmission fluid.
• Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will usually require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. For most drivers, a visit to our service center near Delaware County is more convenient.
• If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, it might be due to low transmission fluid. However, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Check the fluid level first, but if it’s fine, schedule service with us today.
• You’ll want to replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The actual amount depends on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors. Check your owner’s manual for a more specific replacement interval.

Rely on Springfield Mitsubishi For All Your Service Needs

If you have any questions in the meantime or want to have our service experts take a look, contact our team at Springfield Mitsubishi. We can help you get your vehicle back on Philadelphia roads in no time.

Service Specials at Springfield Mitsubishi