Transmission fluid is extremely important if you want to drive your vehicle, rather than sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. This is why it’s so important that you know how to read a transmission dipstick. So let’s dispel all of the misconceptions about this simple process and learn the right way to read a transmission dipstick.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Transmision fluid 101
An automatic transmission uses hydraulic pressure to translate the rotational energy created by the engine into movement. To do this, the transmission pump pressurizes the transmission fluid so it can move the different gears and clutch packs that send power to the output shaft, and ultimately the drive wheels. The transmission fluid is also responsible for cooling and lubricating all of the moving parts inside of the transmission. This is why it’s so important that you regularly check the level and condition of the transmission fluid.
How to read a transmission dipstick
In order to check your transmission fluid, the vehicle needs to be on level ground, running and in park. Ideally, the transmission should be up to operating temperature before you check the fluid. On many vehicles, there will be a cold & hot level notch. The cold level will tell you whether or not there is enough ATF to safely drive the vehicle until the transmission is up to operating temperature and you can get a hot reading.
To check the amount of ATF in your transmission, remove the dipstick, wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel, then replace it in the transmission tube. Remove the transmission dipstick again and make note of the level. Wipe the dipstick off push it back in and check the level one more time.
When you are looking at the fluid on the dipstick, it should be a solid column of fluid coming from the bottom. If there is a gap between that column and another closer to the top, ignore the upper level. The top column is blow by, or a splash if you will. The level denoted by the lowest column of fluid on the dipstick is the actual level fluid. If the fluid on the transmission dipstick resembles this, wipe it off and check the level again.
If your vehicle has the cold & hot levels on the dipstick, only add enough fluid to reach the appropriate level based upon the transmission temperature.
What Transmission Do I Have?
