Transmission fluids must be routinely replaced because they have a finite lifespan, just like all engine fluids. We will answer how to add transmission fluid and how to check your transmission fluid.
To add transmission fluid, you need to keep your engine idling, check the owner’s manual for instructions, place a funnel, pour the correct fluid, depress the brake and run the transmission, and check the fluid level once more.
Keep reading.
How to Add Transmission Fluid?
Here are the details：
Keep Your Engine Idling
Keep the parking brake engaged, the transmission in park, and the engine running. When you add fluid to the transmission, your car’s engine should be running, but for safety’s sake, you should have the transmission in park and the handbrake engaged.
Check the Owner’s Manual for Instructions
For guidance on choosing the right transmission fluid for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual. If there are any special instructions for adding fluid, your owner’s manual will tell you what kind of transmission fluid to use.
- What kind of transmission fluid the transmission uses may also be indicated by the transmission dipstick. There are numerous different types, each with characteristics that are advantageous for the transmission of that engine.
- The frequency of transmission fluid changes should also be specified in the instructions. Depending on the make and model of your car, many auto manufacturers advise changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 161,000 km). You can add fluid when it runs low, but most manufacturers advise changing it every such interval.
Place a Funnel
Insert a funnel into the transmission’s dipstick hole. Most cars need a longer “transmission fluid” funnel.
Pour the Correct Fluid
In the funnel, slowly pour the appropriate liquid. To avoid overfilling, add a small amount at a time. How much transmission fluid do you add to your car? It depends on what you’re doing:
- Are you refueling the fluid level? Start with a half-quart to a quart of transmission fluid if you notice the fluid level is a little low on the dipstick. In order to raise the level to the full or maximum mark, check the level again and add ¼ quart (or less) at a time.
- Are you replacing the filter and dropping the pan as part of a transmission service? To replace the transmission fluid that was lost in the pan during this type of service, 4 to 5 quarts are typically required.
- Do you replace the transmission fluid entirely? 9 to 13 quarts of transmission fluid may be required to replace the old fluid.
Depress the Brake and Run the Transmission
Depress the brake and let the car idle while you shift the transmission through the gears. This will ensure that you are getting the right reading and help the transmission fluid circulate.
Check the Fluid Level Once More
It’s possible that you won’t need to add more transmission fluid, but if you do, you should add it gradually. Most vehicles won’t require any more fluid than 1 pint (0.5 liters) at this point.
Make sure the dipstick is properly seated before reinstalling it in the transmission dipstick sleeve. You might have to turn it until it locks or depress a latch on the dipstick’s top to secure it.
Types of Transmission Fluid
There are generally two types of transmission fluid, formulated for either manual or automatic transmissions, and they are not interchangeable. Transmission fluid is used differently by manual and automatic transmissions, which is the cause of this. While automatic transmissions also use transmission fluid as hydraulic fluid for pressure-operated valves, clutches, and brakes, manual transmissions primarily use it for lubrication and heat management.
Depending on the transmission type, gear type, and automaker, there are different types and additives within each group of transmission fluids, whether manual or automatic. Although a heavy gear oil like 75W-90 or GL-5 is the most basic type of manual transmission fluid, some manual transmissions also need additive friction modifiers to ensure that gear synchronizers operate without interruption. Similar gear oil is used by differentials, but different additives may be used for limited-slip clutches and other devices of this nature. Depending on the YMM (year, make, and model) of the vehicle in question, different automatic transmission fluid types exist, such as Mercon V, T-IV, and Dexron 4.
Use only the transmission fluid designed for that application, regardless of the vehicle. A manual transmission that needs 75W-90 gear oil can get by with 100-weight gear oil in a pinch, but you might notice slower shifting and reduced fuel efficiency. On the other hand, adding Mercon V to an automatic transmission that needs T-IV could be disastrous; although it might function for a while, any incompatible seals or clutch materials would eventually be destroyed, costing thousands of dollars in transmission rebuilding expenses. For transmission fluid specifications, always consult a repair manual or owner’s manual specifically for your YMM.
Checking Your Vehicle’s Transmission Fluid
- Engage parking brake, then start engine after parking on level ground. Park your car or leave it in neutral. Unless the owner’s manual for your car specifically instructs you to do otherwise, let the engine warm up and run throughout the operation.
- Find the automatic transmission fluid dipstick, which is typically located close to where the transaxle or transmission meets the back of the engine. It resembles the oil dipstick in appearance.
- Dipstick for automatic transmission fluid should be removed. Clean up, completely re-insert, and then remove. Be careful, the fluid might be hot!
- The dipstick’s markings should be observed. Your dipstick might have two markings for “full”—one warm, one cold. If the automatic transmission fluid level does not come up to the “warm” line, you’ll need to add automatic transmission fluid.
- Fill the automatic transmission fluid dipstick hole with a long funnel. Carefully add automatic transmission fluid in small increments and recheck level each time until fluid level reaches “warm” line. WARNING: A/T fluid should not be spilled or overfilled on hot engine components!
- Fully reinstall the dipstick for the automatic transmission fluid. You’re done!
Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission
Your vehicle won’t have a transmission fluid dipstick if it has a sealed transmission. Avoid attempting to open a sealed transmission to check the fluid; a professional inspection is required. If you come in for routine maintenance, we can finish it then. Although a sealed transmission saves you money on wasted fluid, Ridgeland drivers are occasionally left in the dark about the condition of their transmission fluid. You should have it professionally checked if you notice any of these signs:
- When the gears shift, strange noises are audible.
- Prior to changing, the gears pause. This might also be a precursor to more serious issues.
- There is a definite lag when the gears shift during acceleration.
Depending on the type of transmission and your driving habits, you should change your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
FAQs
Can You Just Add Transmission Fluid?
You can add more by inserting a funnel into the tube the dipstick was withdrawn from and pouring a small amount of automatic transmission fluid into the pipe. As you add more, make sure the level stays exactly between the two lines.
Can I Just Add Transmission Fluid Instead of Changing It?
While you may be able to get by with a simple transmission fluid change instead of a full flush when you need a quick fix, it won’t protect your transmission for too long. In other words, it’s not the best strategy for extending the life of your car. You require a full fluid flush and replacement because of this.
What Happens If You Drive With Low Transmission Fluid?
It is dangerous for both you and the car to drive with low transmission fluid levels. Failure to top up the fluid is a hazard that might cause extreme damage to the transmission, the engine, and essential components that keep the car running.
Can I Mix Old and New Transmission Fluid?
As long as it is relatively particle free, they will mix. There will be an introduction of new detergents and friction modifiers, which may have an impact on shifting and clean the transmission.
Summary: How to Add Transmission Fluid?
To add transmission fluid, you need to keep your engine idling, check the owner’s manual for instructions, place a funnel, pour the correct fluid, depress the brake and run the transmission, and check the fluid level once more.
These procedures are merely suggestions, as with everything automotive. For details, consult your owner’s manual or repair manual for your specific YMM model. The specifics can differ, requiring various fluids, additives, and techniques, but the majority of do-it-yourselfers ought to be able to handle adding transmission fluid to most vehicles. However, if in doubt, be safe and safeguard your investment by visiting the experts at your neighborhood dependable auto repair shop.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
