New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
How come modern cars no longer have transmission fluid dipsticks and recommended fluid change? Can you still change the fluid without one? If not–how long transmission fluid can last with the original fluid?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
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Transmission dipsticks are slowly becoming a thing of the past. In just about any vehicle built prior than a few years ago, you`d find a dipstick that would allow you to check and measure the level (and quality) of your transmission fluid. It works just like the engine oil dipstick and it`s very easy to use.
Many new vehicles are doing away with the transmission dipstick and easily accessible tubes for adding fluid to your car`s transmission. Here is the reason for the change: a vehicle owner can damage a transmission by overfilling or putting the wrong transmission fluid in the car.
Consult a service professional immediately to have it addressed to avoid possible damage to the transmission. Also, some automatic transmissions do not have dipsticks or may require that a service professional inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Check the vehicle`s owner`s or service manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It`s also used in some more modern manual transmission cars. Automatic transmission fluid meets the requirements of automatic transmissions and helps with various functions, including: Gear lubrication. Torque converter operation.
Some newer cars have an electronic oil monitor and don`t have a traditional dipstick for manual inspection. If you`re checking the oil yourself, make sure that the car is parked on level ground and, with most cars, that the engine is cold, so you don`t burn yourself on a hot engine part.
Some CVTs have a dipstick, some have two plugs, while others have three plugs. If your CVT has plugs instead of a dipstick, you need to find the fill/level plug. On plug types, the fluid should be level to the bottom of the plug hole threads.
If you own a front-wheel drive car, the transmission fluid dipstick should be found to the right of the oil dipstick.
Transmission Fluid
It gets checked to make sure it`s full and clean.
Many vehicle fluids have been dyed for easy identification, and transmission fluid is no exception. Newer transmission fluid is a translucent dark red color, but over time, it will become even darker through use.
There are many fluids that run throughout your vehicle, but one of the most important to keep track of is the transmission fluid. Whether or not you should change it is not a matter of debate: Yes, you should.
It`s advised to have the fluid changed in your transmission around every 30,000 miles. This will help keep your transmission constantly running smoothly and preserve its lifespan.
If you don`t replace your transmission fluid, it will break down much like engine oil and lose its lubricating and cleaning properties. This leads to high temperatures, sludge buildup, and excess friction, which can damage the internal clutches that shift the gears.
Every automobile engine needs oil, but not just any oil will do. Modern engines are designed and built to exacting standards and require oils that meet very specific industry and automaker specifications to ensure a long service life.
Many owners will check their oil weekly when they purchase a new vehicle. This helps ensure the engine operates as it should and that there are no issues from the factory or the previous owner.
If you own a front-wheel drive car, the transmission fluid dipstick should be found to the right of the oil dipstick.
The process for checking manual transmission fluid differs from the automatic. This is specifically because rather than a dipstick, a manual vehicle has a fluid fill plug located underneath the car.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
is it safe to change Transmission Fluid. Hasn’t been changed in a long time. Currently the Transmission is working fine; no slip
ANSWER : I agree with the other mechanic. If the fluid looks dirty then this means the transmission was not serviced for a long time and if you service it then the new fluid will wash out all the clutch material that is being held together by the old fluid. You would be taking a big chance that the transmission will start slipping within a week after you service it.
A 75-point safety inspection is a good idea after long-term storage, and a qualified technician from YourMechanic can perform this for you at your home or office.
Do I need to get the transfer case fluid and transmission fluid changed?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I looked at your maintenance schedule for your vehicle and found that for up to 150,000 miles, it only says to inspect the fluid level and not change it. The fluids are special fluids and if you did need any work done (i.e. if there is a leak present or other mechanical problem) then make sure the correct Ford certified fluid is used.
When it is time for you to have your transmission fluid serviced, consider having a certified automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to perform the service for you.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.
If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.
Should I change the transmission fluid?
ANSWER : Generally, when the transmission fluid turns a brown color, it has been broken down and is no longer providing the protection needed for the transmission. As you know, the transmission fluid is designed to provide lubrication, protection and hydraulic pressure. As it breaks down over time, it may lose these qualities and lessen the effect on the transmission potentially resulting in transmission problems. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to perform a transmission fluid service.
Everytime I put car into gear it shuts off the car but idles fine
ANSWER : This sounds like a faulty speed sensor problem. Most cars have two speed sensors (one monitors input shaft and one monitors output shaft) which tell the computer what the gear ratio is of the transmission while in use. If either of these are not working properly, they will cause the computer to shut the car off for safety reasons. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose your stalling issuee and help you repair it.
Should I change my transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This may be a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take the car for a test drive to more specifically determine the cause for this shifting issue.
