How to Check Transmission Fluid in Denver, CO

• An automatic transmission depends on the transmission fluid for transferring engine power to the wheels, shifting gears, lubrication moving parts, and cooling down the transmission.
• Properly checking the automatic transmission fluid is not as easy as one would think.
• Vehicles use different procedures and getting a correct reading can be tricky. You need to know the proper conditions of the engine before checking the fluid level.  For instance: Car engine running, or Not?; Engine Cool or warm?
  
• Some manufacturers have eliminated the dip stick and checking fluid levels require specialized tools and procedures.

• Drive vehicle to let transmission fluid warm up
• Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
• Make sure transmission is in the "P" - Park position
• Leave the engine running
  
• Check owners manual for location of transmission dipstick
• Pull out dipstick and wipe with clean lint-free rag

• Insert dipstick fully and pull out to check fluid level
• Transmission fluid expands when warmed up (driving for 20-30 minutes) Transmission level should be between the "HOT" marks
• If the vehicle is cold the level will be between the "COOL" marks
• Check the fluid condition: a very dirty fluid with a burnt smell is a sign of transmission problems
• Normally the transmission fluid should be clear and transparent

• On most new cars the new transmission fluid comes red, as in the photo
• Overtime it becomes brownish as in the photo below

• This is how synthetic transmission fluid looks after two years of driving; it's still clear and transparent
• If fluid looks dark or dirty, and burnt smell, it is time to change it (refer to Owners Manual)
• Some manufacturers  require it to be changed at 30,000 to 50,000 miles, others specify it never needs to be changed (refer to Owners Manual)

• Using a thin funnel add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe
• Wait a few minutes to let the fluid drain down
• Re-check level
• Don't overfill