Transmission Fluid Check

This sealed transmission has no dipstick.

Many of today's automatic transmissions do not have a dipstick. They are sensitive, which discourages people from accidentally adding the wrong fluid. Some transmissions contain a fluid level check or overflow plug instead of a dipstick. Remove this plug to check the fluid level.

Check with the manufacturer's specifications for any special procedures before proceeding:

  1. Bring the transmission to operating temperature, safely raise the vehicle, and remove the plug.
  2. The transmission is overfilled if fluid pours from the check port. Allow the fluid to drain, and the level self-corrects.
  3. If a trickle or drip of transmission fluid comes from the port, the fluid level is correct.
  4. If no fluid drips from the port, the fluid level is low; add some ATF and recheck the level. It should be at the base of the fluid level check port with just a drip or trickle dripping out.

Automatic transmissions contain a dipstick with hot and cold level markings. Cold is room temperature of 60° to 80° and hot is 160° to 180°. The vehicle must be on a level surface, bringing the transmission to operating temperature.