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.

  1. Make sure your car is on level ground.
  2. Start the engine (and don’t turn it off until finished!)
  3. Bring the engine and transmission to normal operating temperature.
  4. Hold your foot on the brake, and work the shifter slowly through the gears.
  5. Put the shifter all the way back into park.
  6. Set the parking brake.
  7. Carefully open the hood.
  8. Find the transmission dipstick.*
  9. Remove the dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.
  10. Slide the dipstick all the way back down into the transmission fill tube.
  11. 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).
  12. 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!

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  • 15903 Stony Plain Rd. NW
  • Edmonton, AB
  • T5P 3Z7
  • 587-786-6465

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Customer Reviews
Took my car in a...
Matt Kremer
Took my car in a couple weeks ago for a second opinion on a clutch problem, Casey was incredibly helpful in addressing my concerns. Problem was dealt with quickly, and I was kept well in the loop about the status of the fix. Definitely recommend them for their service and excellent customer care!
Date: February 16, 2025
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They take care of several...
Tamara Barker
They take care of several of my vehicles. The boys accommodate my time lines and talk through issues and best case scenario. Always looking for the best deal. And they know a lot about tires as well. Very happy with my winters this year.
Date: February 16, 2025
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The shop technical expertise is...
Rob Collins
The shop technical expertise is top-notch. They fixed our 2008 Mazda3 perfectly. Frank is a great communicator about the status of the work being done.
Date: February 15, 2025
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In late December I got...
John Clark
In late December I got my oil changed at the Mr Lube on Henry St. All through January, whenever I drove I could smell oil burning. With the snow, I saw that the oil was leaking. I took it back to Mr. Lube and explained that it was leaking. They examined it, and told me it was transmission fluid. I believed them, and took it in to Mr. Transmission. Mr. Transmission looked and quickly diagnosed that the leak was engine oil, coming from around the filter. Mr. Transmission was fast, courteous, and didn't even charge me for their time. Thanks! You have my business if I need it down the road!
Date: February 14, 2025
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Long overdue review! Top level...
Neil MacMillan
Long overdue review! Top level summary, bring your vehicle to Mike and Rabih, they provide exceptional service. Huge thanks to them for helping me through a complex challenge and being able to get my vehicle back on the road and me trusting it is fixed properly! They worked through an expensive challenge, as Stellantis dishonoured my extended warranty and I had to have the transfer case on my SRT Grand Cherokee rebuilt. Throughout the process he consulted with me, always advising on options cost-wise and reliability. 3 weeks ago I had an issue start in the same drivetrain space, so I first brought it back to Mr. Transmission. Mike has gone above and beyond in working through the cascade of issues: just picked the truck back up today and its driving like new! Thanks again guys, will be sending everybody I know your way.
Date: February 14, 2025
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Top notch service. They got...
Tara Dowding
Top notch service. They got me fixed and on my way. Great communication - I would recommend
Date: February 14, 2025
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Kyle and his team did...
Wayne Orlick
Kyle and his team did another perfect job for me! This time on an import piece for my Spitfire. Excellent service and timing while sticking to the quoted price, again :)
Date: February 13, 2025
Website: Google
I’m incredibly impressed with the...
Katie Tremblay
I’m incredibly impressed with the service I received at Mr. Transmission! They quickly diagnosed and fixed the issue with my car, getting it running like new. Professional, efficient, and extremely well priced. Highly recommend them for any transmission needs!
Date: February 13, 2025
Website: Google
Kyle is one of the...
Greg Allen
Kyle is one of the nicest business owners that I've ever met. Noah and Mike were polite and knowledgeable, they explained my repair and got it done in the estimated time. I would definitely return and will recommend them. Thank You.
Date: February 12, 2025
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Great experience with Mr T...
Sharron Mulvey
Great experience with Mr T on Bank Street. Noah has always friendly and helpful. Transmissions is their specialty but he was helpful in giving me information on a few other areas of concern with my vehicle (brakes and worn out tires). It was a quiet week, so he was able to assist with both, in addition to the transmission repair. Appreciated this!
Date: February 12, 2025
Website: Google
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