Posted by ike moya on Tue, Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:36 PM
Taking an interest in your transmission and it's life is important to the longevity of your automobile and your wallet! I want to help you understand the steps needed to check your transmission fluid -- a thorough check can mean the difference between a reasonable fluid change and expensive repairs! Let's help you take charge...
Find the transmission dipstick. On rear wheel drives, if you are standing in front of the car facing the hood, it is usually on the left side of the engine. On a front wheel drive vehicle, it is usually found on the right side of the engine. Th proper time to get a reading is at normal operating temperature. (1/2 mile to a mile will suffice). Have a towel handy. When you pull the dip stick out, you should hold it with the reading end down. (Keeps the fluid from running up the dipstick, giving you an inaccurate reading).
- First, you look at the color of the fluid. Should be red cherry colored.
- Second, smell it. You will detect a burnt odor if something is wrong.
- Third, wipe fluid between fingers (a hot fluid would mean the transmission is running hot). Caution: The fluid can truly be hot! (This is not a good sign -- could indicate poor transmission cooling).
- Fourth, when you wipe the dipstick with your fingers you will also be checking for any contamination or gritty feeling or metal flakes in the oil.
- Fifth, wipe the dipstick clean on a rag.
- Sixth, re-insert the dipstick and pull it back out to check fluid level. Keep the tip of the stick in a downward position while checking. (Otherwise it may run up the stick and give you an incorrect reading.)
- Seventh, if the fluid level is low this may indicate that you may have a leak in your transmission.
- Eighth, by turning the stick over and looking on both sides you need to observe if the fluid level is the same on both sides. If it is low on fluid, the backside may be dry.
If the fluid level is at the add mark, you would only add 1 pint (not one quart as in adding engine oil). Fluid specification is in your car manual.
Some vehicles do not have dipsticks. Some require special procedures to check fluid levels.
We are here to help you make transmission maintenance and repair the last thing to bother you in your busy world! It is our goal to treat you like family and friends -- the Austin, Texas way! You'll like IKE'S. Here is recent testimonial:
"We decided to take a chance on Ike's Transmissions and drove the car there. Through several phone conversations (Ike or one of his guys always answer the phone and are so friendly it's amazing), Ike actually figured out it was the starter instead of the transmission. We paid way less than 10% of what the dealership had quoted us, and were outta there with a smooth-running car."
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