How to Find & Check Low-Level Transmission Fluid in a Car Low transmission fluid can cause multiple issues with your automobile's transmission. Keeping a sufficient level of transmission fluid is crucial. If you do not, you're likely to see symptoms such as the ones discussed in this article. Low levels of transmission fluid can cause all sorts of problems. Being able to notice these symptoms early could save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Automatic transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the automatic transmission. It is also used in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and occasionally in manual transmissions, though the latter more commonly uses transmission oil. In any event, all these fluids play similar roles: they lubricate and cool the transmission. Having not enough fluid can cause or contribute to a whole host of problems. These include:
Slow gear engagement With a low level of transmission fluid, there is a low level of pressure. This can mean that your transmission is slow to engage when you shift gears. If you find that your transmission takes a second to engage into drive or reverse, check your transmission fluid level.
Problems shifting gears The problems you experience with low transmission fluid go beyond simply slow gear engagement. There are more problems you might encounter when your transmission tries to shift gears. These can include resistance. If you find it difficult to shift gears and/or you experience grinding or other friction, your transmission might be low on fluid.
Slipping gears Sometimes low transmission fluid causes the opposite problem. Instead of it being too hard to shift gears, it can be too easy. If your transmission slips out of gear all on its own, this is a dangerous problem. This usually occurs shortly after you have switched gears and it usually slips into neutral, but not always. Again, low transmission fluid can cause this because of low hydraulic pressure.
Funny noises Your transmission will often tell you if something is wrong with it. But you must listen to it. Odd noises such as whirring, clunking, grinding — any of which are accompanied by shuddering sensation — are signs of faulty transmission, often one with low transmission fluid.
Spilled transmission fluid Another way you can tell if you have low transmission fluid is if the fluid is not where it's supposed to be, e.g., on your driveway. If you see patches of reddish liquid underneath where your car used to be, then you have a leak and, therefore, low transmission fluid.
How to check the transmission fluid Regular checking of your transmission fluid is a vital practice to keep up the health of your transmission. Regular transmission fluid checks could save you a lot of money in the long run. But how do you do it? Not every transmission problem is caused by a problem with the transmission fluid. However, pretty much any transmission problem could be caused by a problem with the transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid is vital to the health of your transmission. You need to make sure you have enough of it and you need to make sure it's in good condition. You should check your transmission fluid about once a month or whenever you suspect a problem. Here's how to check your transmission fluid. Step 1 Shift your vehicle into neutral or park and put the parking brake on; let your engine run. The engine has to be warm, so don't turn it off. Pull out your dipstick. Don't confuse the transmission fluid dipstick for the oil dipstick. In an inline engine, the transmission fluid dipstick is further in, closer to the body of the vehicle. In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it is on the driver's side. Check your manufacturer's booklet to find out exactly where your transmission fluid dipstick is. Step 2 Check the fluid. Insert your dipstick into the fluid and then remove it. Look to see if it comes up to the "full" line on the dipstick. If not, use a funnel to top up your transmission fluid. Do not overfill it. If you find you have to add fluid every time you check it, something is wrong. Bring your vehicle in for inspection. Step 3 Touch your finger to the fluid on the dipstick and rub the fluid between your fingers and thumb. Good transmission fluid is mostly clear with a reddish tint and neutral odor. The dark-colored or foul-smelling fluid is bad. These qualities indicate a problem with your transmission. Do not ignore these impurities. Step 4 Wipe the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag. Congratulations, you're done! You just checked your own transmission fluid. Step 5 Most new vehicles do not have an accessible dipstick in this case you need to bring your vehicle into a car service center for an inspection.