Here’s How You Should Check Your Transmission Fluid.
- total performance
- Sep 6, 2022
- 2 min read

Most car owners are aware that they must keep a check on the transmission fluid, and other Maintenance activities, such as oil changes and tyre replacements, in order to maintain their vehicle roadworthy. However, you should also pay attention to your automatic transmission—that gearbox with which you frequently change into drive, reverse, and park. Since the gearbox is one of the most expensive parts of your automobile to fix or replace, keeping it in good working order may pay off.
Thankfully, it's not as difficult, time-consuming, or expensive as you would anticipate checking the health of your transmission. How? Read on.
Checking the Fluid
Similar to how an engine uses oil, automatic gearboxes utilise specialised transmission fluid. Consult your owner's handbook if you're unclear about which fluid to use; specifications for transmission fluid are often located there. You must check the quantity and quality of your transmission fluid.
Locate the Dipstick
Find the transmission first, which might be further back in the engine compartment or under the hood. Don't panic if you can't find the dipstick; many contemporary cars employ sealed-for-life transmissions and lack a dipstick. Usually, the transmission is identified by a certain color or a transmission symbol.
If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, you’re good to go, but in case you’re unable to find the dipsticks, here’s what you need to do next.

Check the level
Leave the car in park on a flat surface until the engine is warmed up. The dipstick should be removed, cleaned, replaced cautiously, and then pulled back out again. Compare the fluid level to the "full" & "low" or "fill" lines on the dipstick to determine how high the fluid rises on the stick.
Condition of the fluid
The colour represents the state of your transmission fluid as well as a portion of the transmission itself. Your fluid should be reddish-pink in hue if it's in good health; if it has to be replaced, it will turn brownish red. The worst-case scenario involves finding small metal particles in the dark, burnt-smelling fluid.
Do you feel the fluid is low?
A simple technique to gauge the gravity of a possible leak is to fill up the transmission and then check it regularly to see how rapidly the level drops. Although a low fluid level doesn't always portend doom, it most usually indicates that there is a leak somewhere in the system. Additionally, attempt to visually check your transmission by checking underneath the vehicle for any fluid leaks. If the liquid is dark in colour, it is either water or motor oil; if it is condensation, it is most likely an air-conditioning leak.
Re you facing problems checking your transmission fluid? The best way is to get in touch with experts at total performance and get genuine and certified products. Visit the Total Performance website and check out the ford ranger transmission dipstick.
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