Learn How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

For Portland car enthusiasts who prefer DIY car care, while many are familiar with basic service tips, some rarer tasks aren’t quite as well-known. Learning how to check your transmission fluid is as simple as checking your oil or checking the variance on your tire treads to rotate them. In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through how often to check your transmission fluid and how, so your car will stay running at its best. Consult your owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle has a dipstick or sealed transmission, then follow the Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda guide below!

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid with a Dipstick

1. If your vehicle has a dipstick, start the engine and let the car idle for a moment.
2. If you’re unfamiliar with your engine block, your owner’s manual will tell you if you have a transmission dipstick and where it is located.
3. Find the dipstick and remove it. Touch the transmission fluid and inspect the color.
4. If your fluid is clear with a pink hue, you’re all set. If it is dirty or burnt looking, you should schedule a service.
5. Wipe the fluid off the dipstick with a clean rag and replace it. Pull the dipstick out one more time and check the level.
6. If the level falls under the “Full” indicator, simply add more fluid with a funnel and you’re ready to go.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid with a Sealed Transmission

Although with a dipstick it can be quite simple to check your transmission fluid, a sealed transmission is much different, and overwhelmingly Sherwood drivers prefer to have their local service center technicians handle it. Newer vehicles may have a sealed transmission design to decrease maintenance and increase the fluid’s lifespan, and while this is effective, it means you run the risk of damaging your Honda if you attempt it yourself. Schedule a service for a transmission check every 5,000 miles as part of your regular maintenance to keep your vehicle running in peak condition. If you happen to see any of these warning signs of low or aged transmission fluid, schedule a service today:

• Significant delay in gear changes during shifting
• Significant delay during acceleration
• Grinding sound during gear shifts

Your Local Service Experts at Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda

While knowing how to check your transmission fluid is a useful tool in keeping your West Linn travels as smooth as possible, there’s more to maintaining your Accord or CR-V. Explore our service specials to save on your regular maintenance, then stop by Wilsonville to have our technicians help you make the most of all your travels. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your service needs, to learn about brake pad replacement costs, or even to learn how to open the Honda key fob to replace the battery, about the Honda CR-V maintenance schedule, and other service tips!