Table of contents: Checking Transmission Fluid Level -…↓ Drain plug ↓ Checking Transmission Fluid Level -…↓ Checking the condition of the…↓
Note: To accurately determine the transmission fluid level, the engine and transmission must be warmed up to normal operating temperature (approximately 70°C).
Checking Transmission Fluid Level - Engine/Transmission Warm
1. Note that if the vehicle has just been driven at high speeds, in heavy traffic or in hot weather, towing a trailer, etc., the transmission fluid temperature will be too high, wait at least 30 minutes for the fluid to cool down. Check the level as described in step 3 below.
2. To check the fluid level correctly, drive the car a short distance (at least 10 minutes) until the engine/transmission has warmed up to normal operating temperature.
3. Place the car on a level surface, apply the handbrake, the engine should be idling. Keep the brake pedal pressed with your foot, move the gear selector lever through all positions, to the "P" position.
4. Open the hood, remove the dipstick to measure the level (Figure 7.2.).
Figure 7.2 Location of the level measuring probe and the probe/filler pipe
5. Wipe the dipstick. Reinsert it completely, remove it again and check the level.
6. The level should be between the "Hot" marks on the front of the dipstick (Figure 7.3). If necessary, add liquid to the desired level through the filler tube.
Figure 7.3 Fluid level markings on the dipstick and the corresponding fluid temperature
7. Never operate the vehicle if the transmission fluid level is below or above the normal level; in either case, serious damage to the transmission may occur.
Drain plug
8. When the level is correct, check that the dipstick is fully inserted into the pipe.
Checking Transmission Fluid Level - Engine/Transmission Cold
9. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
10. Check the fluid level as described in the points above, but between the "Cold" marks on the back of the dipstick (Figure 7.3).
11. This procedure is a preliminary check only. Once the vehicle is ready for operation, perform the full procedure described in points 2-8 above to ensure accurate checking.
Checking the condition of the transmission fluid
12. Each time you check the level, check the fluid condition, color, smell and texture, comparing with new fluid.
13. If the fluid is dark, almost black, and has a burning smell, the transmission friction material may be worn out.
14. If the fluid is milky and pink in colour, it may be due to the presence of suspended water droplets. This may be caused by water entering through the dipstick tube or breather.
15. If the fluid is dark brown and sticky, it is oxidized due to overheating or low level.