If you’ve just finished driving your car for 30 minutes or longer, it’s a good idea to let your engine idle a few minutes before you check the trans fluid. [1] X Research source This will allow the temperature of the fluid to normalize. Note that some cars may also have a “cold” reading on the transmission dipstick. Even if this is the case in your vehicle, you should still start your engine and get the transmission fluid heated up in order to get an accurate reading.
Look towards the back of the engine, near the firewall. This is where the transmission is located on most cars with rear-wheel drive. [3] X Research source On cars with front-wheel drive, the transmission dipstick is usually located near the front of the engine, connected to the transaxle. This isn’t universally true, however, so you should look at your owner’s manual or for labels around and on the dipstick to positively identify that it is the right dipstick. [4] X Research source
Look towards the back of the engine, near the firewall. This is where the transmission is located on most cars with rear-wheel drive. [3] X Research source On cars with front-wheel drive, the transmission dipstick is usually located near the front of the engine, connected to the transaxle. This isn’t universally true, however, so you should look at your owner’s manual or for labels around and on the dipstick to positively identify that it is the right dipstick. [4] X Research source
The transmission dipstick itself might also tell you what kind of transmission fluid the transmission takes. Note that there are several different kinds, each with specifications that make it favorable for that engine’s transmission. Also look for instructions on how frequently to change your transmission fluid. While you can add fluid when it gets low, many car manufacturers recommend a transmission fluid change every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 161,000 km) depending on the make and model of your car.
Are you topping off fluid level? If you notice the transmission fluid is a little low on the dipstick, start with a half a quart to a quart of transmission fluid. Recheck the level and add ¼ quart (or less) at a time until the level is up to the full or max mark. Are you doing a transmission service where you drop the pan and replace the filter? This kind of service usually needs 4 to 5 quarts of transmission fluid in order to replace what was lost in the pan. Are you replacing all the transmission fluid? It could take anywhere from 9 to 13 quarts of transmission fluid to replace the old transmission fluid.
