Things You'll Need:
- Jack
- Safety stands
- Socket wrenches
- Wrenches
- Allen wrenches
-
Step 1
Park your car on a level surface and start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Depress the foot brake. At the same time, select each gear range momentarily ending in park.
-
Step 2
Open the hood of your car and secure it with the prop rod.
-
Step 3
Locate the transmission dipstick. Wipe away any dirt on the stick and tube to prevent it from entering the transmission. Pull the dipstick out of the tube and wipe it clean. Install the dipstick back into the tube, and then remove it again. Read the level of fluid on the stick to determine the level of fluid in the transmission.
-
Step 4
Smell the dipstick. Deteriorated or burnt fluid will have an unpleasant odor.
-
Step 5
Look at the color of the fluid. Most automatic transmission fluids will be reddish.
-
Step 6
Feel the fluid on the dipstick. Gritty fluid might be a sign of trouble and should be checked out further by a mechanic.
-
Step 7
Remove the prop rod and close the hood of the car if the fluid level is correct, there is no unpleasant odor and the fluid is reddish-brown.
-
Step 1
Jack your car up and secure it with safety stands.
-
Step 2
Locate the transmission fill plug on the transmission housing.
-
Step 3
Remove the plug and look to see the level of the fluid. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the hole, or no more than 3/16th inch below it.
-
Step 4
Draw some fluid from the transmission and feel it. Check for metal particles in the fluid. Metal particles indicate abnormal wear on the gears or bearings. This could indicate that a repair is needed.
-
Step 5
Install the fill plug back onto the transmission if the fluid level is correct and the condition of the fluid is normal.
-
Step 6
Raise the car, remove the safety stands and lower the car to the ground.
