How to Put In Automatic Transmission Fluid
If an automatic transmission has difficulty shifting between gears, the problem may be a low transmission fluid level. Automatic transmissions operate under hydraulic pressure, and the fluid is what delivers that pressure. Automatic transmission fluid also has the secondary purpose of preventing the transmission from overheating. For these reasons, the transmission fluid level should be regularly checked, and fluid should be added if necessary.
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Instructions
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1
Apply the parking brake, then turn the engine on and allow it time to warm up.
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2
For most vehicles, shift the transmission into the "Park" position. Some vehicles need to have the transmission in "Neutral" to check the fluid. This information will be in the owner's manual and inscribed on the dipstick.
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3
Raise the hood and pull the transmission's dipstick out of the transmission. Transmission dipsticks typically feature the word "TRANSMISSION" on the end of the handle, although some transmission dipsticks will instead read "TRANS. FLUID." Consult the vehicle's owner's manual for the dipstick's location, if necessary.
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4
Wipe down the tip of the dipstick with a lint-free cloth, then reinsert the dipstick fully into its tube and pull the dipstick out again.
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5
Locate the fluid level on the end of the dipstick, then determine whether the fluid level is between the two stamped marks on the dipstick, which are typically labeled "HOT" and "COLD," although sometimes "FULL" and "ADD" are used instead. If the fluid level is below the COLD or ADD mark, add transmission fluid.
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6
Insert a clean funnel into the opening of the dipstick tube.
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7
Pour a small amount of transmission fluid into the funnel, to avoid overfilling the transmission.
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8
Remove the funnel and check the fluid level using the same method described in steps 4 and 5.
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9
Pour transmission fluid into the dipstick tube in small increments until the fluid level reaches the "HOT" or "FULL" mark, then insert the dipstick into its tube and turn the engine off.
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