Where are both transmission fluid dipsticks
My car has two places for transmission fluid and I am trying to find both. The manual shows that there is one on the driver’s side and also one on the passenger’s side. I want to check the fluid levels to make sure both sides are correctly filled. This turbo model has a sporting shift where I can also shift manually. Where do I find both of the transmission fluid dipsticks and what kind of fluids do I use in each one?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2004 Subaru Baja. There is only one place to check the transmission fluid on your vehicle. There will be a dipstick with a yellow handle near the rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s side. Unless there is a fluid leak, you should not have to add fluid to the transmission. The fluid level should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature. The fluid type is Dexron III. Since checking transmission fluid is more involved than just checking engine oil, I suggest that you have a professional check and service the fluid for you if needed.
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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.
Subaru Outback Model Years – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
The transmission dipstick will typically be in the engine bay or on top or even the side of your Outback transmission. The transmission check plug will typically be on the bottom or the side of the transmission and may also be next to the axle.
Normally on a manual transmission the gearbox oil comes up to the level of the filler plug, so you can either check it visually or stick your finger in the hole to check it. A dipstick is not needed to check the level in the gearbox.
Shift the transmission in each position before setting it in park. Leave the engine idling. Open the hood and then find the looped handle near the back of the engine. That`s the Subaru transmission fluid dipstick.
Yes, even a manual needs transmission fluid. The type of fluid can vary from car to car, however. Some manuals require conventional engine oil, and others function best with automatic transmission fluid. So make sure you`re putting in the fluid that`s specified for your car.
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.
1 quart. It is recommended to check your vehicle owners manual to be sure Valvoline DEX/MERC ATF is right for your vehicle.
Transmission dipsticks are being removed and replaced by clear tubes that still allow you to see the fluid level and coloration, but make it harder for you to just add or replace any fluid in the transmission pan by yourself.
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.
A gear stick (rarely spelled gearstick), gear lever (both UK English), gearshift or shifter (both U.S. English), more formally known as a transmission lever, is a metal lever attached to the transmission of an automobile.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Park on a level surface and set the parking brake. Shift the selector level in each position. Then shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at idling speed. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid level on the gauge.
You`ll need a funnel and a bendy tube that can reach down to the transmission dipstick hole to fill it back up. Stick one end of the bendy tube into the dipstick hole and attach the funnel to the other end. Carefully pour in the transmission fluid. Be careful not to overfill the transmission with fluid.
2005 Subaru Outback Automatic Transmission Fluid WS. ATF WS 5 GALLON Pail – SOA427V1300 – Genuine Subaru Part.
If there is no fluid, there is no hold, the gears cannot spin and therefore the car won`t be able to move. If your vehicle does get to the point of having no transmission fluid, you will likely also be looking at extensive repairs or even a full replacement of your transmission.
Commonly recommended manual transmission fluid formulations include SAE 80W, 75W-90, 80W-90 and SAE 90. In some cases, a multi-grade engine oil or automatic transmission fluid may be recommended. However, a manual transmission fluid is typically the most optimal for manual transmissions.
With a low level of transmission fluid comes low levels of pressure. This can mean that your transmission is slow to engage when you shift gears. If you find that your transmission takes a second to engage into drive or reverse, it`s time to check your transmission fluid level.
Automatic: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
Transmission fluid will become foamy if there is too much fluid. Excessive fluid prohibits proper lubrication and cooling and slows the rotating crankshaft, similar to the effect of running through water.
Red Fluid Leaking From Car
If you notice red fluid leaking from your car, it is most likely a transmission fluid leak. Thankfully, the red color makes it easy to identify the problem.
Most transmission fluids are red, though it is also not uncommon to get some in yellow or even blue. As the transmission fluid ages, the color changes gradually. Therefore, consider changing the transmission fluid when its color has become dark brown.
FRAM – Dexron III / Mercon Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid: 5 Gallon (Part No.
Subaru Outback 2004 Fuel consumption
The Subaru Outback currently offers fuel consumption from 9.1 to 10.9L/100km.
Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission
Sealed transmissions have become popular for several reasons, but they don`t have dipsticks, and you can`t check a sealed transmission`s fluid level at home.
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.
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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.
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Transmission fluid comes up out of the transmission vent tube attached to the transmission dipstick tube
ANSWER : Hi there. Fluid seepage out of the vent tube can sometimes be normal, but can also be caused by overfilling. Has a service been performed recently? Perform a fluid level and condition inspection by having the engine at idle, on a level surface, warmed up engine, and remove the dipstick and cleaning it with a shop towel. Reinsert the dipstick and fully remove to a horizontal position for inspection. Make sure the fluid is not milky, very dark, or has contamination. The level should be in the safe zone marked on the stick.
Have an inspection by a qualified technician determine if any problems truly do exist and provide you with some assurance. YourMechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with a transmission leak inspection and can perform a transmission fluid service if needed.
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Can I use alternative Transmission fluid to the quotes recommended fluid if i’m bringing my own parts?
ANSWER : I would recommend buying the correct fluid. The reason is because I want to make sure your car is taken care of and is running as long as possible. You wouldn’t want to put something foreign in your car that it may not accept unless you’re willing to accept risks. Different fluids have different chemicals in it. It may cost more right now, but you won’t have to spend money buying a new transmission or having one rebuilt.
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Transmission fluid leak dipstick – 1981 Mercedes Benz 240D
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like the transmission may be overfilled and the fluid is being pushed up through the dipstick tube. There may also be a problem with the torque converter leaking or some of the internal parts of the transmission malfunctioning. I would suggest that you take your car to a transmission shop as soon as possible to have the problem inspected and repaired. Alternatively, if you would rather have the vehicle inspected at the car’s location before taking it to a shop, a certified professional from YourMechanic can diagnose the transmission fluid leak and advise you on the best path to repair.
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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.
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Transmission fluid leaked while pulling a car out of mud
ANSWER : From the description you’re giving me, I’m not sure. I know many Fords, including my F150, have a circular seal type bell housing inspection cover near the transmission. Fluid pooled in this area generally indicates an engine oil leak from the rear main seal or a transmission leak from the front pump seal. The only way to know for sure is to have your truck’s transmission leak inspected firsthand by a professional. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option since we make house calls.
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Can too much transmission fluid cause speedometer malfunctions?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.
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