Q: Where Is Transmission Fluid Typically Located?
A: Transmission fluid is the lubricant found in your transmission system. It keeps things moving smoothly when your vehicle shifts gears. Transmission fluid runs all throughout your transmission system, and its levels can be checked using the transmission fluid dipstick.
You can usually find the transmission fluid dipstick near where the transmission or transaxle meets the back of the engine. It looks a lot like an oil dipstick.
The location of the transmission fluid dipstick varies. For instance, if you’re looking for where the transmission fluid dipstick is located in a 2007 Honda Civic, you’ll find it below the vehicle’s fuse box. In a 2001 Ford Taurus, on the other hand, the dipstick can be found a bit behind the vehicle’s engine. Certain models won’t have a transmission fuel dipstick at all and will instead have a reservoir cap.
Tips on How To Access the Transmission Fluid
Before checking your transmission fluid levels, park your vehicle on a level surface, engage your parking brake, and warm up your engine. Leave your vehicle in neutral and let your engine run while checking your transmission fluid. Of course, if your vehicle’s manual tells you not to do this, don’t. Some automatic transmission vehicles need their engines off before their transmission fluid levels can be checked.
Wipe the dipstick clean before taking the fluid level. Otherwise, it might still show marks from when the fluid levels were higher. The dipstick might have two “full” markings, one for if the engine is running warm and the other for when the engine is cold. Check the levels, refill as necessary, and reinsert the dipstick once you’re finished. That’s how you can check on your transmission fluid.
Keep in mind that transmission fluid rarely goes down, so if the levels are down, there’s also likely a leak.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
