Manual Transmissions

The manual transmission is lubricated by a lubricant that is splashed throughout the transmission by the moving gears. The lubricant must be at the correct level or the transmission parts could wear out in a very short time. The interval for lubrication level check is specified in the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.

1. Some imported cars have a dipstick to check manual transmission fluid level.. The engine must be off to check the fluid with a dipstick. Remove and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Then insert the dipstick back into position. Remove it again and note the reading. Lubricant must be between the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick. When you are done, replace the dipstick.
2. Make manual transmission checks with the engine off. Never put your finger into a transmission fill plug hole. If the drive wheels are turned, your finger could be caught in the gearing
3. For most cars you will need to raise the car up on a jack to check it (you must also be sure the car is level.). Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission. You may have difficulty locating it. If you do, look for an identification diagram like the one shown below. Do not confuse the fill plug with the drain plug, which is located at the bottom of the transmission.
4. Clean the area around the fill plug to avoid getting dirt into the transmission. Remove the fill plug with the correct size wrench. If the transmission is full, you may see lubricant begin to leak out of the fill plug hole. If this happens, replace the plug.
5. You will probably find that the lubricant level is below the level of the fill plug hole. Bend a short length of metal wire and insert it into the fill hole. Pull the wire out and note the lubricant on the end of the wire. The lubricant level should be very close to the level of the fill plug.
6. If the lubricant level is satisfactory, replace the fill plug. If fluid must be added, refer to the Maintenance Services Guide for more information on changing and adding fluid.

    

Automatic transmission or automatic transaxle fluid should be checked at regular mileage and time intervals as specified in the owner's manual.

1. Drive the car onto a level surface. Most cars must have the engine running to make a fluid level check. Some cars must have the transmission in NEUTRAL and others require that it be in PARK for testing. Set the selector in the correct mode. If the transmission is checked in NEUTRAL, block the wheels and set the parking brake. Failure to have the transmission in the correct gear when checking fluid level can cause a large error in the reading.
2. Raise the hood and locate the automatic transmission/transaxle dipstick. Typically you will find the dipstick near the transmission end of the engine at the opposite end of the drive belts.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free rag. (It's important to use a lint-free rag when wiping the dipstick. Lint from a rag could get into parts of the transmission and plug up passages.) Observe the markings on the dipstick. There is no standard marking system, so you may need to look up an explanation of the marks in the owner's manual.
4. Insert the dipstick back into its housing and push it down until it seats. Pull it back out and observe the fluid level in relation to the dipstick markings. While you have the fluid on the dipstick you should observe its color and condition. This information can help you decide if the fluid requires changing. Clean, uncontaminated fluid has a pinkish or reddish color. Fluid that has been overheated turns a darkish brown or black. A white milky appearance can mean that the engine coolant is leaking into the transmission.
5. If fluid must be added or changed, refer to the Maintenance Services Guide for more information on changing and adding fluid.
6. Replace the dipstick and make sure it is seated properly.