If transmission fluid levels are low, it can prevent the vehicle from operating safely in Syracuse and Baldwinsville. There are some steps that can be taken to check the fluid levels if your car has a dipstick.
Checking Transmission Fluid Levels
Shift through the gears and give the transmission the opportunity to spend a few seconds in each gear range. Then, put the car back into park and set the parking brake.
Open up the hood and locate the transmission dipstick. The owner's manual is a good place to look for instruction if you can't find it. Typically with a rear-wheel-drive car, the dipstick will be closer to the passenger side near the engine. Front-wheel-drive cars will have the dipstick on the driver's side, closer to the transmission.
Take the dipstick out, wipe it down with a clean rag or paper towel, then put it back into the transmission fill tube. Pull the dipstick back out of the tube, and check the fluid level against the markings near the end of the dipstick. Fluid can be added if necessary.
Every vehicle is different, which is something you'll want to keep in mind. Recently, some manufacturers have decided to remove the dipstick and replace it with a sealed-off unit, which requires electronic testing or a computer scan. If you don't want to check transmission fluid levels at home, or your car has one of these sealed units, our service team will be happy to do it for you.
Transmission Repair Service
If a transmission is struggling, it may make a thud noise if the gears aren't shifting properly. If the car isn't accelerating or reaching highway speeds easily, that may also be a sign transmission repair is necessary. Learn more about our service offerings by reaching out to our maintenance team today.
Ensure Your Transmission Runs Smoothly
Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for all of those important parts inside the transmission. When it comes to transmission fluid flushes and other transmission repairs, visit Maguire Dealerships near Ithaca, Trumansburg, and Watkins Glen.
It's our goal to ensure your transmission is running as it should in Syracuse and Baldwinsville. Contact us to schedule a service appointment today.
How Do I Check My Transmission Fluid Level?
By Mister Transmission
If your vehicle is experiencing any issues, such as hesitating when it shifts gears or if it makes noises while shifting, you don’t necessarily have to get a new transmission. It could be as straightforward as just checking your ATF, or Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Your transmission depends entirely on this distinctive fluid, hence a low fluid level can have a disastrous effect on transmission operation. We recommend you check the level at least once a month. This will enable you to catch a slow fluid leak you may not know you had potentially saving a lot of money in damaged transmission parts. Your car’s owners manual should provide a detailed description on how check your transmission fluid level. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, here’s the basic procedure that will work on just about any car that has a transmission dipstick.
WARNING: Checking the transmission fluid level requires working under the hood of your car with the engine running. This can be very dangerous if you aren’t careful. Watch out for moving components, such as fans, fan belts, pulleys, etc. If you aren’t comfortable with this procedure, always take your car to your local service station to have the transmission fluid checked.
- Make sure your car is on level ground.
- Start the engine (and don’t turn it off until finished!)
- Bring the engine and transmission to normal operating temperature.
- Hold your foot on the brake, and work the shifter slowly through the gears.
- Put the shifter all the way back into park.
- Set the parking brake.
- Carefully open the hood.
- Find the transmission dipstick.*
- Remove the dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Slide the dipstick all the way back down into the transmission fill tube.
- Pull the dipstick back out, and check the fluid level against the markings on the end of the dipstick. (It should be pinkish & almost clear but if it smells burnt or has particles in it, have a mechanic drain and change it).
- If the transmission fluid is clear but doesn’t reach the “Full” line on the dipstick, use a funnel to pour just enough transmission fluid down the dipstick tube to reach the line. Don’t overfill!
REMEMBER: Always use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer (see ‘Choosing the Right Transmission Fluid’). Also, if the transmission requires more than a quart, or is using fluid regularly, take your car in to have it checked for leaks.
If you’re ever unsure of the procedure or where to find the transmission dipstick, check with your local Mister Transmission shop. They’ll be happy to show you where the dipstick is, and how to check the fluid level.
LASTLY: Unfortunately, in recent years, many manufacturers have started to eliminate the transmission fluid dipstick. Referred to as sealed units, these transmissions require a much more involved process to check fluid levels than in days gone by. The process often involves electronic testing devices, such as a computer scan tool. This puts checking the transmission fluid level beyond the capabilities of the average car owner. So if your car doesn’t have a dipstick, you should have your local transmission shop or dealership check the transmission fluid level at least a couple times a year, even if you don’t notice a problem with transmission operation.
A FOOTNOTE: It’s also worth mentioning that a faulty transmission and one that’s just low on fluid share many of the same symptoms. But obviously, adding transmission fluid is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole transmission system! Either way, we’re always here to help in any way we can.
*Rear wheel drive vehicles — the dipstick will usually be on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment, near the back of the engine.
Front wheel drive vehicles — the dipstick will usually be on the driver’s side of the vehicle, on either side of the transmission.
Visit your nearest Mister Transmission location today!
- 15903 Stony Plain Rd. NW
- Edmonton, AB
- T5P 3Z7
- 587-786-6465
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Recently had the transmission of...Gui Gagnon
Recently had the transmission of our RV replaced there. Amazing garage, would highly recommend! Staff is knowledgeable, understanding and very accommodating. You can see that the mechanics there are professionals, the repair-shop is so clean that I would almost say it looks cozy!
Date: November 7, 2022
Website: Google
Great environment to growDirector, Operations
A niche market in the automotive repair industry that makes a huge impact in people's lives. New technology and advancement in the vehicle market make the everyday more exciting.
Date: November 7, 2022
Website: indeed
Great Managment with a Fun and Productive Work EnviromentAdministrative Assistant
Working at Mister Transmission has been great. The workplace culture is fun and upbeat, my coworkers are kind and knowledgeable, and the management truly wants to see everyone succeed and do well. There is a nice mix of fast-paced and slow-paced work, meaning you are always busy but not always stressed about a deadline. There is a good amount of work-life balance and management is understanding.
Date: November 7, 2022
Website: indeed
Just wanted to say a...Marilyn Cowie
Just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU! to Kris, Dawn and the entire team for taking the time to help us with our VW Eurovan Camper. Your willingness to take us on and put back on the road was much appreciated. Our vehicle has never run better. Five Star all the way. Marilyn, Al and Bella (the Bouvier)
Date: November 6, 2022
Website: Google
They were awesomeJack Freda
They were awesome
Date: November 6, 2022
Website: Google
I called another transmission shop...Fred Howitt
I called another transmission shop before Mister Transmission & was told maybe on 3 weeks. Mr. T got me in on Monday & my truck was ready Thursday morning. Very good & friendly service. I would use their services again.
Date: November 4, 2022
Website: Google
If you ever need a...Sean Marvill
If you ever need a reliable, no BS mechanic, this is the place to go
Date: November 4, 2022
Website: Google
I recently had a transmission... Chris Parr
I recently had a transmission problem and everyone I spoke to told me the vehicle isn’t worth repairing as the transmission was done, it was a write off. Until I spoke with Ken and his team. They made me feel comfortable and confident that I didn’t need a repair that I can’t exactly afford. They were the only ones to really listen to my description of the issue and ensured me that it can be fixed and not to panic. The honesty and integrity this business showed me is so refreshing. I would recommend Ken and this Mr. Transmission to anyone. Thank you so much guys. My problem has been fixed and at a very reasonable price. Absolutely excellent
Date: November 4, 2022
Website: Google
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