Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake and start engine. Should the engine be running or shut off? Low transmission fluid may cause much damage to your vehicle. Look on the dipstick and there should Most drivers overlook the throttle system's significance in their vehicles, and they pay less attention to the system. Below are the 5 steps for checking your automatic transmission fluid when the engine is hot or cold. When checking the dipstick, the level of fluid should be on the Hot or Max range. It is, therefore, prudent to check the transmission fluid regularly to ensure its neither too low nor too high. With the transission cold, it will read low. Dots, notches, or lines next to each label provide a fluid level range you want to be in. To determine if the vehicle is on its normal operating temperature, look at the temperature gauge at the dashboard. Dip it in the transmission fluid and get the reading. If the manual suggests different mileage, then go with that number. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). All That You Need to Know! Read Also: All You Need To Know About Power Steering Fluid Color. Look in the owners manual as there is a step by step method for properly checking the transmission fluid level. Learn how to check Honda transmission levels in your car without getting an incorrect reading. 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). Therefore, it is advisable to consult the car owner’s manual first to confirm when they recommend your vehicle. This redness is the color of the transmission fluid. Read: Can I use 10w30 Instead of 5w30? Transmission oil expands with increased temperatures. As far as checking the fluid, check it while it's hot (engine running)! The process of checking transmission fluid when hot is almost the same as when checking it when cold. Hi There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. In fact, do this before you even go to the mechanic because they may try to sell you an unnecessary service. Learn how to check fluid levels in your car, truck or SUV, what fluids to add and where to add them: engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid. It should read between cold and hot. Wipe the dipstick on a clean rag or paper towel, reinsert it and pull it out again to check the transmission fluid level. Be very careful when checking transmission fluid when hot since both the engine and the fluid is hot. Pull the dipstick out again and check the fluid level. So when their vehicle begins to exhibit symptoms of a failing throttle system, a... link to Electronic Throttle Control Light: All That You Need To Know. 3. Below are the 5 steps for checking your automatic transmission fluid when the engine is hot or cold. Be very careful when checking transmission fluid when hot since both the engine and the fluid is hot. There may be times when you’ll want to check the fluid level earlier. Transmission fluid shows … In the ranges, you find to add and full markings on the dipstick. Others have told me to check it hot, running in park. Put the vehicle on parking mode and start the engine. In case you notice anything amiss, then it is time to replace the fluid. How to Check Transmission Fluid Level Unfortunately, unless you make a regular visual inspection, you won't notice a low fluid level, accumulation of harmful particles, or other problems with your transmission until it's too After the first reading, do not settle on it without confirming. The transmission fluid dipstick has two markings on it. The car needs to be parked in order to check the fluid level, so find a level surface on which to park. Sometimes they may be labeled “Add” and “Full”. Any type of fluid leak would cause major problems for the transmission’s components and for the vehicle itself. The process of checking the transmission fluid is easy and quick. Checking Transmission Fluid (Hot or Cold), 3) Check the Fluid Level (When Engine Cold), 4) Check the Fluid Level (When Engine Hot). If it fails to spread, the fluid is too thick and needs to be replaced. Remove and take the reading. If you have to check it when hot, then you do not do that after driving for a long period. Just make sure that the vehicle is parked on a stable surface and start running when on parking mode. The decision on whether to check transmission fluid hot or cold depends on the type of vehicle you are using. Some vehicles recommend you check the fluid when the engine is off; thus, it is crucial to consult your owner’s manual. Checking the transmission fluids regularly is the only way to ensure that you have the right fluid in the system. Part 1 of 2: Checking automatic transmission fluid Materials Needed: Gloves Paper towels or rags Step 1: Park on a level surface. Since the engine is barely warm at this point, you want the level to be somewhere in the “Cold” range. Affiliate Disclosure:  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here is more information on how to check if you check transmission fluids hot or cold. Once the engine is hot, repeat the same process as step 3 above. All That You Need to Know! The handle of the dipstick should have a red or orange ring on it. You could go for a little more mile during winter and a little less mile when driving on the highway. Should the fluid be hot or cold? For them to keep their performance and maintain their functioning, then lubricating them with transmission fluid is the only secret. The transmission system has several moving components rubbing together, just like in the engine. Many vehicles require you to check transmission fluid while the transmission is cold, but not Honda transmissions. Step-By-Step Instructions For Checking Your Vehicle's Transmission Fluid. How to Check the Transmission Fluid in a Harley Step 1 Run the engine until it is warm, shifting through all the gears. You will also have to put new transmissio… Having excess transmission fluids may cause annoying sounds and gear slippage. Check the thickness, smell, and color of the fluid. Is brake fluid flammable? Now that you know how and if to check transmission fluid hot or cold, you can comfortably check the transmission fluid. To determine if the vehicle is on its normal operating temperature, look at the temperature gauge at the dashboard. If you see this under your car, then you need to repair the leak immediately. You will notice when these leaks are happening because there will be red fluid on the ground or road underneath your car. When the engine is hot, begin the process of checking and repeat at least three times for accuracy. NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below the operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room temperature). The best way to figure out which fluid to use is to check your owner’s manual. Add Fluid - Determine correct fluid type and add fluid Author Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. You'll need to consult your car's manual (the original or a Chilton's) to determine the amount of fluid the car holds. The vehicle should be on parking or neutral mode. In today’s video, our friend Eric the Car Guy shows us the proper way to check automatic transmission fluid. 1) Prepare the Vehicle The first thing you need to do is find a flat and firm surface for your vehicle to park on. Most mechanics recommend checking the transmission fluid when both hot and cold. Put a little transmission fluid on a paper towel and see if it spreads. Low transmission fluid level may be as a result of leaking. Also on level ground and running in park. 3. Insert it fully back into the reservoir, then remove it and check that the fluid level is between the upper and lower level markings. You should know exactly when to change your oil and avoid any complexities. If the fluid level was below the “Hot” range on the dipstick when the engine is hot, then you need to add more transmission fluid to the transmission. The fluid level will rise when it is hot so if you add when cold it may overfill. After checking the level, the first time, wipe the transmission fluid dipstick with a clean cloth and repeat the process. Before you finalize the transmission fluid check, look at its consistency. Finally, if there is too much fluid, I have read Therefore, you check it when it is normal hot as if you have been traveling for around 10 miles or a little longer during the winter season. This helps you to cross-check on the levels of the fluid when both hot or cold. Can I use 10w30 Instead of 5w30? Give your knowledge on what could happen if it’s high mark .cold an hot? Well, you should do the Can you check the transmission fluid without the car running? If the color in your fluid has a darker or lighter shade of red, then it is okay. If the engine has been running, some engine components may be hot enough to burn you. Transmission fluid should be checked when the vehicle is running. Regular check-up makes you aware of the arising problems in the vehicle. The same way an engine relies on motor oil, an automatic transmission needs to be lubricated with transmission fluid. If it's lower, you should add some amount of automatic transmission fluid. If it is dark brown or has a burnt odor, then it is overheated and needs to be changed. It does not cost much, but having the right amount could save you severe vehicle damages. Checking this fluid should be a regular task. However, some vehicle manufacturers suggest that you check the transmission fluid when the vehicle is not running. Make sure that the transmission fluid is hot before you check it. If the level, color, odor, and consistency of the transmission fluid is good, then put back the dipstick completely and close the car hood. You should check your transmission fluid after it has been driven and hot. Mechanics recommend that you should check the transmission fluid when the vehicle is running. Run the engine for about five minutes, cycling through all the transmission settings at least once before you shut it off. Of course, you can look in the owner’s manual for your vehicle to confirm the number of miles. This is a fan requested video that I wish I’d have thought of years ago. Pull out the dipstick once you’ve found it and the engine has warmed up. Curb Weight vs Gross Weight (What’s the Difference?). Drive the vehicle for 20 to 30 minutes to fully warm up the fluid and then check it again. If the engine seems to hesitate or stall before shifting from one gear to the next, that could point to a maintenance issue, and potentially to a mechanical problem. There are hot and cold ranges. Should you check your oil hot or cold? Some of the symptoms of low transmission fluids are gear slippage, delayed gear engagement, surging transmission, unusual shifts, trouble shifting gears. 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