How can you tell how much transmission fluid to pour in the car?

Answer 1

It is very important to not add Transmission Fluid without the appropriate model specific information. If the transmission has a dip stick, start by pulling the dip stick. Wipe it off and look to see if there are instructions embossed on the dip stick. It may say, It may say, Check fluid level with transmission warm, shift lever in Park and vehicle parked on a level surface. DO NOT OVERFILL.

Yes, it will often say, DO NOT OVERFILL.

If you have an owners manual, this information should be in the manual.

Some transmissions do not have a dip stick. They are sealed to prevent owners from overfilling the transmission. This is common with a 4L30E used in an Isuzu Rodeo, Honda Passport, Cadillac Catera and some others.

Any reputable oil change shop will check and add AT fluid during an oil change.

You also need to be sure to use the proper Automatic Transmission Fluid. Ford front wheel drive vehicles and Hondas tend to be very picky about using factory branded or similar fluid.

Once you know you need to add fluid, adding fluid is not a simple task. Add a half quart down the dip stick hole V E R Y S L O W L Y. Then wait 5 minutes for it to drain into the transmission. Wipe then Reinstall the dip stick. Pull it out. If there is fluid on the dip stick above where you expect it to be, keep the dip stick out of the dip stick tube. Wait another 5 minutes for the fluid to finish draining out of the tube then check it again.

Many dipstick tubes take forever to drain so you can get an accurate read. This leads to improperly filled transmissions.

If you have a dipstick in the transmission oil fill, you pour some, check the level on the dipstick, and repeat as needed - just like you'd do with engine oil.

If you're changing out the filter and fluid, or filling up a dry transmission after a replacement or rebuild, you can either get a Chilton's or Haynes manual for your vehicle, you can inquire at an Auto Zone, NAPA, O'Reilly, Advanced Auto Parts, or other auto parts suppliers, or you can simply look it up online (although it'll be a little easier if you actually know which model of transmission you have).