How long can you go without changing transmission fluid?
The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn’t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles.
Can a transmission go bad just sitting?
A car can sit for years and the transmission still work as long as there’s fluid in the transmission. The dipstick tube seal leaks and fluid leaks out. Fill it to the full mark and start the engine.
When do you check the transmission fluid level?
Since the engine is barely warm at this point, you want the level to be somewhere in the “Cold” range. To get an accurate transmission fluid level reading when the engine is hot, you will need to check the level after normal driving (idling in the driveway is not enough).
What to do when your transmission fluid is low?
The first thing to do is check your transmission fluid level. Put your jeep in park and level ground and leave it running. Check the transmission fluid level and condition on the dip stick. If the fluid isn’t up to the “high” mark and bright red it may be time for a fluid flush which could get things back to normal.
Do you need dipstick to check transmission fluid?
These days, because so many cars no longer have a transmission dipstick, the process can be complicated. On many modern cars, you must go underneath the vehicle and remove a plug to check the ATF. What’s more, some transmissions now require a scan tool to check the fluid level.
What to do when your transmission is not working?
Put your jeep in park and level ground and leave it running. Check the transmission fluid level and condition on the dip stick. If the fluid isn’t up to the “high” mark and bright red it may be time for a fluid flush which could get things back to normal.