Is there a way to check the transmission fluid?
If so, print out the procedure, along with fluid type and drain/fill plug torque settings. Yes, you read that correctly. This is what messes up most DIYers. Since you have to access the fill and drain plugs from under the vehicle, this means you may have to let the transmission cool before you crawl under to check the fluid.
What happens if you put the wrong oil in the transmission?
Topping up with the wrong fluid can damage the transmission. (In some smaller automatic gearboxes, such as those used in BL cars, the transmission fluid is the same oil as that which lubricates the engine, and is drawn from a common sump.)
Do you have to drain automatic transmission fluid?
Some car handbooks recommend draining and refilling automatic gearboxes at certain fixed mileages. However, most automatics fitted to recent and current cars do not need regular draining, and do not have a drain plug.
What should the fluid level be on a sealed transmission?
The manual states that the fluid must be below 104°F for proper level checking. If you check this transmission when it’s hot, the expanded fluid will spill out of the check plug hole and the transmission will be low of fluid if you immediately reinstall the plug!
What’s the best way to drain transmission fluid?
Drain the fluid. To drain the fluid, you’ll either unscrew the drain bolt or remove the pan and the fluid will start draining immediately. It’s likely that you’ll get some fluid on your hands (it’s almost impossible to avoid this), but you can make sure that you keep your face and chest out of the way to minimize the spillage.
Can a transmission fluid be contaminated by dirt?
Manual and automatic transmission vehicles both must have transmission fluid that is clean and able to flow freely inside of your transmission. If your transmission fluid is contaminated by dirt or other material, then its response will be very laggy and sluggish.
What should the color of transmission fluid be?
New transmission fluid should appear red and almost transparent. If the color is brown or darker, you may have internal problems. See our transmission fluid color chart to see what the color of your fluid says about its condition.
When to leave the transmission fluid alone for a repair?
Knowing when to leave the transmission alone at a certain point can help squeeze in a little more life out of it while preparing for a major repair: The transmission fluid has a burnt odor. Aging transmission fluid can easily deteriorate under the extreme heat generated by the transmission itself.