How can you tell if your transmission fluid is hot or cold?
How can you tell if your transmission fluid is hot or cold?
Pull out the dipstick once you’ve found it and the engine has warmed up. Wipe it clean with a rag and reinsert it all the way in. Now, pull out the dipstick again and observe the markings. There are two marks spread out on the dipstick and are usually labeled “Cold” and “Hot”. Sometimes they may be labeled “Add” and “Full”.
When do you check the transmission fluid level?
Since the engine is barely warm at this point, you want the level to be somewhere in the “Cold” range. To get an accurate transmission fluid level reading when the engine is hot, you will need to check the level after normal driving (idling in the driveway is not enough).
What happens when the transmission temp is too high?
When the temperatures rise above the normal transmission temp, the transmission fluid will lose its viscosity, and this causes it to oxidize. The fluid varnish starts destroying the internal components of the engine like the valves.
When to add more fluid to the transmission?
When you look at the measurement, you’ll want the level to in the “Hot” range. If the fluid level was below the “Cold” range on the dipstick when the engine is cold, then you need to add more transmission fluid to the transmission.
Why do you check both hot and cold transmission fluid?
The reason for checking when both hot and cold is transmission fluid expands as it is heated. Note that if you drive the car at highway speed for a long period of time and then attempt to check the fluid level “hot” after that you WILL get a false reading (the fluid level will appear “high”, when in fact, it is perfectly OK).
Why do you need a transmission temperature gauge?
With the use of a transmission cooler, installing an aftermarket transmission temperature gauge is a great way to prolong the life of your transmission. The purpose of a transmission temperature gauge is so that you can quickly and easily check transmission fluid temperature.
Since the engine is barely warm at this point, you want the level to be somewhere in the “Cold” range. To get an accurate transmission fluid level reading when the engine is hot, you will need to check the level after normal driving (idling in the driveway is not enough).
How do you accurately check your automatic transmission F.?
Typically, the fluid level is checked both hot and cold in order to provide a cross check. Checking initially when cold is easier as you are not hovering over a hot engine holding a hot dipstick. Basically, on a flat level surface, start the vehicle’s engine and immediately run through each gear, pausing just momentarily.
