How to Check Transmission Fluid | Kolosso CDJR Service Tips & Tricks

Appleton and Manitowoc drivers alike often come to us with service questions. From "how often do you need an oil change?" to "how often do you check your transmission fluid" and more, we get asked lots of things. Just one such question is, "how do I check my transmission fluid?". Well, if you're wondering, now's the time to find out! Read on for additional information on how often to check your vehicle's transmission fluid and how to complete the process step-by-step. Still have questions after reading? Just contact us!

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How to Check Transmission Fluid in 5 Steps

Looking for more information on how to check the transmission fluid in your new Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, or Jeep? Just follow these 5 easy steps:

Turn the engine on and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. Doing so will be important in ensuring you get a proper reading. Next, be sure you've put your car in park, and pop the hood.
Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel-drive cars, it's most often found to the right of the oil dipstick. (Consult your owner's manual if you're unable to find it, or better yet, contact our service experts for Mopar Express Lane service). It could also be the case that you have a sealed transmission if you can't find a dipstick. Learn more about how to check the fluid level in those below.
Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, sliding it around between your fingers. The fluid should have a pink hue but be mostly clear. Is it dirty? Does it smell burnt? If either of these is true, you're due for transmission service and should book an appointment now.
Use a rag to wipe off your dipstick. Then re-insert it and remove it once again. Check the level one more time. If it's under the "Full" marking, you'll need to add more fluid.
To add fluid, use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to the right spot. Do not overfill.

Well, there you have it -- you've now successfully learned how to check the transmission fluid and top it off! If you run into any issues, though, you're always welcome to consult us at Kolosso CDJR near Green Bay!

How to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you go to find the dipstick in your car and there isn't one, your vehicle may have a sealed transmission. While sealed transmissions can be accessed (they're not impenetrable), it means there isn't a dipstick. In this case, though, you should contact us to get an accurate reading of your transmission fluid level.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Sealed transmissions limit the amount of transmission fluid in your vehicle that gets wasted, saving you money on fluid in the long-run. Still, sometimes issues with these types of transmissions do crop up. Keep an eye out for the following red flags, which could be harbingers of bigger transmission issues to come:

You can hear strange noises when the gears change.
Your gears hesitate before changing.
During acceleration, you notice a delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

You should check all main fluid levels in your car on average once a month. By extension, that means yes; you should check your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil, and even windshield wiper fluid roughly every 30 days or 12 times annually. Not sure what to do? Check your owner's manual for guidance! Of course, you can also always defer to the expert service technicians here at Kolosso CDJR!

Transmission Fluid Basics: Here's What You Should Know

Your transmission is one of the most complex parts of your vehicle. Before you check your transmission fluid, explore these tips:

There are different types of transmission fluid. Some are made for recent models. Others are made for older models. Some are specific to manual transmissions, others to automatic transmissions. Your owner's manual will recommend a particular type of transmission fluid for your vehicle.
Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will usually require a jack to access a plug found underneath the vehicle. For most drivers of cars with stick shifts, a visit to our service center near Green Bay is most convenient.
If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, it might be due to low transmission fluid. It could also, however, be a marker of worse things to come for your transmission. So be sure to bring your vehicle in for service if you experience this.
You'll want to replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The specific interval will ultimately depend on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors. Check your owner's manual for additional information.

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