1. Gather your materials. You will need:
- A clean rag or towel
- A flashlight (if necessary)
- A transmission dipstick (usually located near the transmission fluid filler tube)
- A funnel (for adding fluid, if needed)
- New transmission fluid (if needed)
2. Park your car on level ground and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down if it has been running.
3. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is usually a long, thin dipstick with a bright-colored handle. It may be located near the back of the engine compartment, near the transmission.
4. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or towel.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission fluid filler tube until it is fully seated.
6. Pull the dipstick out again and check the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick.
7. If the fluid level is low, you will need to add some transmission fluid. Use a funnel to add fluid slowly, checking the dipstick frequently to ensure you don't overfill it.
8. Once the fluid level is correct, reinsert the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
9. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Shift through all gears while the vehicle is parked and stationary to distribute the fluid evenly.
10. Turn off the engine and recheck the transmission fluid level. If necessary, adjust the fluid level as needed.
It's important to note that the specific location of the transmission fluid dipstick and filler tube may vary depending on the exact model and year of your vehicle. If you have difficulty locating these components, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for assistance.
