Your car with automatic transmission contains various hydraulic systems, the system of the automatic gearbox is one of them. To ensure proper operation, you should regularly check the level of the automatic gearbox oil. In this article you can read how to check the automatic gearbox oil and top it up if necessary.
Steps
Step 1. Park your car on a level surface and run the engine
Move the lever through all gears before returning the lever to the P position.
Step 2. Open the hood
Usually there is a lever under your steering wheel to open the hood, usually on the left side. If you can't find the lever, get the user manual.
Step 3. Locate the nozzle that holds the automatic transmission oil
Most newer cars clearly indicate which reservoir it is. If necessary, check it in the user manual.
- On a rear-wheel drive car, you will usually find the dipstick on the back of the engine, above the oil reservoir.
- On a front-wheel drive car, the dipstick is usually found on the front of the engine, it's connected to the transaxle. On most cars this is located to the right of the engine oil reservoir.
Step 4. Pull out the automatic transmission oil dipstick
Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag or paper towel, then reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir and pull it out again. The fluid level should be between either "Full" and "Add" or "Hot" and "Cold".
Normally you would not need to top up automatic gearbox oil. If the level is below "Add" or "Cold" you may have a leak and need to take the car to the garage
Step 5. Check out the automatic transmission oil
If automatic transmission oil is in good condition, it should be red (or pink or light brown), with no bubbles or odor. If you notice any of the following, take your car to the garage.
- If the automatic transmission oil is dark brown or if it smells like burnt bread, it has probably boiled and is not working properly. It is then no longer able to dissipate the heat from the automatic gearbox. You can also test the oil by putting some on a clean paper towel and seeing if it spreads. If it does not spread, the oil must be replaced, otherwise damage to the automatic gearbox may occur.
- If the oil is milky brown, it is contaminated with coolant. Then there is a leak in the cooling system of the automatic gearbox. Then take your car to the garage immediately.
- If the oil foams or has bubbles in it, there is either too much liquid, the wrong oil has been used, or a gearbox outlet is clogged.
Step 6. Add automatic transmission oil if necessary
Do this little by little, checking the level and then top up a little if necessary.
Once you have drained and refilled the oil, you can initially add between three and four liters of oil. Otherwise, check the dipstick regularly to see how much to add
Step 7. Start the engine and go through all the gears
This way you distribute the oil evenly through the system and each gear is well lubricated. Start the engine and put the car in P position, if possible with the wheels off the ground. Cycle through all modes: first gear, second gear, third gear, Drive, Overdrive and Reverse, idling the engine for one minute at a time in each position to ensure proper lubrication. After you're done, let the engine run for a few minutes before returning to the P position.
Step 8. Check the dipstick again to determine how much oil to add, if at all
Inspect the dipstick as the level may now have dropped after you have properly lubricated the gears.
Step 9. Add oil until you reach the correct level
The amount largely depends on whether you need to top up a little or change all the oil.
- If you just top up, a liter of oil may be enough, or even less.
- When you have drained all the oil you will need to add between 4 and 11 liters of oil, depending on the brand and type.
Step 10. Done
The automatic transmission oil is now at the correct level and you are on the road again.
Tips
- Check in the user manual how often you should change the automatic gearbox oil. If you often drive in the mountains or tow heavy trailers, you will have to change the oil more often. When you drain and change the automatic gearbox oil, you also have to replace the filter.
- Always use the type of oil prescribed for your car by the manufacturer.