How to Check for Bad Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission components to keep the transmission working and from having its internal parts contacting and damaging one another. This post explains how to check for bad transmission fluid, how to check the fluid level, and what to do if it needs to be changed.

How to Check the Transmission Fluid’s Condition

Dirty transmission fluid

Bad fluid will look brown and dirty.

If what is drained from the transmission looks brown and dirty, the fluid is contaminated and overheating, which means it’s time to flush and replace the fluid.

Clean transmission fluid underneath dirty transmission fluid

Clean fluid will look red and clear.

The fluid may also be in between those two colors, but the fluid should be more red and clear than it is dirty and dark.

How to Check the Transmission Fluid Level

Steps for Checking the Transmission Fluid Level

  1. Warm the Engine Up to Running Temperature

    Drive the vehicle and warm the engine up to running temperature. The vehicle will need to be at running temperature to accurately check the transmission’s fluid level and condition.

  2. Park the Vehicle on Level Ground

    Park your car or truck on solid, level ground, like asphalt or concrete.

  3. With the Engine Running, Remove the Transmission Oil Dipstick

    With the vehicle running, find the transmission dipstick under the hood. It usually has a red handle. Some vehicles may have a red or black cap and fill plug.

  4. Clean the Transmission Oil Dipstick and Reinsert It

    Clean any fluid from the transmission oil dipstick with a cloth or paper towel and fully reinsert it into the dipstick tube.

  5. Check That the Fluid Level Is Between the Two Marks

    Remove the dipstick. Confirm the fluid measures between the upper and lower markings on the transmission oil dipstick. It is better if the fluid is near the upper marking. If the fluid is below the markings, the fluid level is low.

Check Your Vehicle’s Transmission Fluid or Replace It Yourself

There may be a different process for checking the fluid level on some vehicles, like in the video below. Find out how to check and service your own transmission with a video specific to your year, make, and model from 1A Auto’s how-to video library.

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Summary
How to Check for Bad Transmission Fluid
Article Name
How to Check for Bad Transmission Fluid
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Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission components to keep the transmission working and from having its internal parts contacting and damaging one another. This post explains how to check for bad transmission fluid, how to check the fluid level, and what to do if it needs to be changed.
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1A Auto
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