Comments on: How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

on 8/12/2008 how can i check atf in toyota starlet

on 12/26/2007 Citroen C5 2.2 HDI How do I check the level of ATF in the automatic gearbox

on 6/19/2007 Help.
My Citroen C5 handbook has no mention of checking/changing ATF in the auto gearbox.
How do I check the levels.

on 6/5/2007 Please help me!!! My husband is deployed and the check transmission light is on my 2002 Ford Explorer. I was hoping all I need to add is Transmission fluid.

on 6/5/2007 What type of fluid should I use for my 2002 Ford Explorer?

on 6/30/2006 ATF+3 (7176) is relatively thin and slippery compared to Dexron and Mercon (both of which are relatively similar; the new Mercon V is, to my understanding, something of an extreme-purity spec). Expect major, potentially damaging and expensive problems substituting the wrong thing in a Chrysler; there's never any reason to use the wrong thing when Wal-Mart has generic +3 by the gallon.

"Universal" fluids are only universal between GM Dexron and Ford Mercon; do not use them in ATF+3/7176-requiring transmissions.

Type F is, to my knowledge, the most sticky/'grippy' of them all, used in (AFAIK) classic Fords.

on 11/22/2005 "Important warning! Do not overfill! Filling above the full line causes the fluid to foam. Also, excessive pressure buildup may damage the transmission. If you overfilled, get a thin hose and the gun from a squirt bottle. Insert it in and siphon excess fluid out."

We used an aquarium air hose and a squirt bottle top, and it worked like a charm! Thanks so much!

on 11/22/2005 There are actually more than two types of automatic transmission fluids currently out there. There is regular "mercon"...also know as "dexron 3", "mopar 3"...also called "7176", and "Mercon 5" along with a multi purpose that is supposed to meet the requirements of each of these. Each fluid has its own "addatives", or chemicals in them designed specifically for different materials used in transmissions. Using the incorrect fluid can possibly lead to damage in automatic transmissions due to the fact that some "addatives" can eat away at certain materials. On many vehicles, the type of fluid can be determined by simply looking at the transmission dip stick. If your vehicles transmission has a dip stick, chances are it will say what type of fluid it takes either on the handle of the dip stick, or on the dip stick itself. If there is any doubt, ask a reliable mechanic,lube center operator or, better yet, a dealership.

on 11/22/2005 While some cars need to be in park to check the ATF, others should be in neutral. You're best off finding out about your cars specifications, so that you know exactly how much fluid is in your transmission.

on 11/22/2005 Most new European cars (since 1992) do not have automatic transmission fluid (ATF) dipsticks at all. The correct procedure to check the oil level is rather complicated, and it is not done by most general auto mechanic shops.

Before programming your day, see if the shop will do this for you.If not, you may need to go to the dealer. Some cars do not require ATF oil change, ever.

on 11/22/2005 These two types are different! Check your vehicle specs before adding Dexron to a Mercon car. If yours requires Mercon V, use ONLY Mercon V. Be careful when interchanging these two fluids!

on 11/22/2005 When ever you change your ATF always use synthetic automatic tranmission fluid. It last up to 5 times longer than conventional fluid. It also protects and cools the tranmision much better. The car companies do not want the averge driver to know this. They want you to sell you a new car every 5 years.

on 11/22/2005 Your first tip says there are two types of automatic transmission fluid. There are three. There is a harder to find ATF+ fluid used in Chrysler products and Jeeps. Using Dexron is acceptable if ATF+ isn't readily, but should be avoided if possible.

on 11/22/2005 ATF should be changed around 40,000 miles while its cherry red. When it turns black, probably the ATF and the filter will need changing. More expensive.

on 11/22/2005 Not all automatic transmissions have a dipstick! Some manufacturers require checking from under the vehicle. Check your manual.