How to Check Transmission Fluid

Knowing how to check your transmission fluid regularly helps prevent maintenance issues from becoming expensive issues down the road. Your transmission propels your vehicle forward, so it’s essential to make sure it remains up-to-date on routine maintenance. If you’re unsure about how to measure the transmission fluid in your new or used vehicle, our certified technicians can help! Learn how to check transmission fluid in a few easy steps today!

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking the Transmission Fluid

To check your vehicle’s transmission fluid, follow these simple steps:

1. Turn the engine on for a few minutes. You want the engine to be warmed up before properly checking the fluid level. Park your vehicle before getting out and opening the hood.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you can’t locate it.
3. Remove the dipstick and move the fluid between your thumb and forefinger. The fluid should be nearly clear with a pink hue. If you notice that it’s dirty or has a burnt smell, bring it to our service center near Beckley to have the fluid replaced.
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag. Then insert it back into the vehicle. Pull it out again and check the fluid level. If it’s under the “full” mark, then more fluid is needed.
5. With a funnel, bring the fluid level up to the right spot without overfilling it.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Don’t see a dipstick under the hood? That may be because your car is equipped with a sealed transmission, which means no dipstick allows you to measure the transmission fluid level. If this is the case, do not check the transmission fluid, as you can damage it as a result. Schedule a service appointment and our technicians will check the fluid level for you.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

The sealed transmission is meant to limit the amount of wasted transmission fluid, which saves you money. With that said, you can still experience issues, resulting in the fluid needing to be replaced. Watch out for the following red flags that could indicate an issue with the sealed transmission:

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change.
• The gears hesitate before changing.
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

It’s recommended to check your main fluid levels monthly, this includes the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for a more specific maintenance schedule.

Transmission Fluid Basics

Your transmission is a complex part. Explore these helpful service tips before checking the transmission fluid:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same. There are different types for recent models as well as manual and automatic transmissions.
• Checking the fluid on a manual transmission requires a jack to access a plug that’s located under the car. If it’s more convenient, make the short drive from the Huntington area to our service center.
• If your car hesitates before shifting gears, this could be due to low transmission fluid. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Check the fluid level first, and if it’s fine, schedule a service appointment with us.
• It’s recommended to replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this number varies depending on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors.

Visit Mercedes-Benz of Charleston for All Your Service Needs

Our service team is standing by to help answer any questions that you have about vehicle service or maintenance. Want to know how often to change the engine air filter? Contact our service center today! Be sure to explore our service specials to use on your next visit.

Service Specials at Mercedes-Benz of Charleston

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