How to Check Transmission Fluid on a Sealed Transmission

Transmissions are an essential part of any vehicle, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. To ensure smooth operation and longevity of your vehicle’s transmission, it is crucial to regularly check and maintain the transmission fluid.

However, some modern vehicles are equipped with sealed transmissions, which can make the process a bit more challenging.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps of checking transmission fluid on a sealed transmission, providing you with the necessary knowledge and tools to perform this task effectively.

Understanding Sealed Transmissions

Sealed transmissions, also known as closed transmissions, are designed to be maintenance-free, eliminating the need for regular fluid changes. These transmissions are equipped with a fill tube or a dipstick, but no traditional dipstick for checking the fluid level is present.

Instead, they rely on sensors and electronic systems to monitor and regulate the transmission fluid levels. Despite this, it is still possible to check the fluid level manually with the proper tools and techniques.

Sealed transmissions are a technological advancement in the automotive industry. They are designed to be maintenance-free, meaning that you don’t have to change the transmission fluid regularly as you would with traditional transmissions.

Instead, sealed transmissions rely on sensors and electronic systems to monitor the fluid level and ensure optimal performance. This helps to extend the lifespan of the transmission and reduce the need for maintenance.

Prerequisites and Tools Required

Before proceeding with the fluid check, ensure that your vehicle is on a level surface and the engine is running at operating temperature. Additionally, you will need the following tools:

A floor jack or ramps (if required)

If the vehicle needs to be lifted to access the transmission, a floor jack or ramps will be necessary to safely elevate the vehicle.

Wheel chocks: Wheel chocks are essential for preventing the vehicle from rolling while it is lifted.

Safety glasses and gloves

It’s always important to prioritize safety when working on your vehicle. Safety glasses and gloves will protect your eyes and hands from any potential hazards.

A suitable wrench or socket set

You may need a wrench or socket set to remove any components that are obstructing access to the transmission fill tube.

A digital multimeter (if available)

A digital multimeter can be used to measure the voltage of the transmission fluid temperature sensor, which can provide valuable information about the health of the transmission.

A transmission fluid temperature scanner (optional)

A transmission fluid temperature scanner can provide real-time temperature readings, allowing you to check if the fluid is within the recommended operating range.

Having the right tools and equipment is essential for effectively checking the transmission fluid on a sealed transmission. These tools will help you complete the task safely and accurately, ensuring that you maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle’s transmission.

How to Check Transmission Fluid on a Sealed Transmission | Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake: It’s important to ensure that the vehicle is stable and won’t roll while you are working on it. Parking on a level surface and engaging the parking brake will provide the necessary stability.

Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling: Wheel chocks are an additional safety measure that will prevent the vehicle from moving while you are performing the fluid check.

Step 2: Lift the Vehicle (if required)

If necessary, use a floor jack or ramps to elevate the vehicle: Some vehicles may require lifting in order to access the transmission fill tube. A floor jack or ramps can be used to safely lift the vehicle.

Ensure the vehicle is securely supported before continuing: It is crucial to ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and stable before working underneath it. Double-check that the jack or ramps are securely in place.

Step 3: Locate the Fill Tube

Open the vehicle’s hood and locate the transmission fill tube: The transmission fill tube is typically located near the engine. It is a cylindrical tube that is connected to the transmission.

Refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s guide if you are unsure about its exact location: If you are having trouble locating the transmission fill tube, consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s guide for specific instructions.

Step 4: Identify the Fluid Level Sensor

On sealed transmissions, the fluid level is typically monitored by a sensor: Sealed transmissions rely on sensors to measure the fluid level and ensure proper operation.

Locate the sensor, which is usually positioned near the transmission fill tube: The fluid level sensor is typically located in close proximity to the transmission fill tube. It may be attached to the tube or positioned nearby.

Step 5: Checking the Fluid Level

With the engine running at operating temperature, remove the fill tube cap: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to reach the operating temperature. Then, remove the fill tube cap to access the dipstick.

Wipe the dipstick portion of the fill tube with a clean cloth or paper towel: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any residue or debris from the dipstick.

Reinsert the dipstick fully into the fill tube and then remove it again: Insert the dipstick back into the fill tube until it is fully seated, and then remove it again to check the fluid level.

Observe the fluid level on the dipstick: Examine the dipstick to determine the current fluid level. The dipstick may have markings indicating the acceptable range for the fluid level.

Step 6: Interpreting the Fluid Level

Some dipsticks have two sets of markings – Hot and Cold: Depending on the dipstick design, there may be two sets of markings indicating the fluid level for different temperature conditions.

If your dipstick has these markings, check the fluid level against the Hot range: If your dipstick has both Hot and Cold markings, compare the fluid level against the Hot range when the engine is at operating temperature.

If the dipstick only has one set of markings, ensure the fluid level falls within the acceptable range indicated: For dipsticks with a single set of markings, make sure that the fluid level is within the acceptable range specified by the manufacturer.

Step 7: Adding or Topping up Transmission Fluid

If the fluid level is low, it indicates a potential leak or problem: A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the transmission system or another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Check the transmission fluid specifications in your owner’s manual: Consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s guide to determine the recommended transmission fluid for your vehicle.

If necessary, add the recommended fluid using a funnel and recheck the fluid level: If the fluid level is below the acceptable range, add the recommended transmission fluid using a funnel. After adding the fluid, recheck the fluid level to ensure it is within the acceptable range.

Step 8: Monitoring and Maintenance

After checking the fluid level, ensure the dipstick is reinserted properly: Once you have completed the fluid check and any necessary fluid additions, make sure to reinsert the dipstick securely into the fill tube.

Monitor your vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage or unusual transmission behavior: Keep an eye out for any signs of fluid leakage, such as puddles underneath the vehicle.

Additionally, pay attention to any unusual transmission behavior, such as slipping or rough shifting.

It is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a professional if you suspect any issues: If you notice any significant fluid leakage or experience persistent transmission issues, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. They can diagnose and repair any potential problems to ensure the optimal performance of your sealed transmission.

Conclusion

Although sealed transmissions eliminate the traditional dipstick for fluid checks, it is still possible to monitor the fluid level manually.

By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can ensure proper transmission fluid levels and identify any potential problems at an early stage.

Regular maintenance and fluid checks are crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle’s sealed transmission.

FAQ

1. What are sealed transmissions?

Sealed transmissions, also known as closed transmissions, are maintenance-free transmissions that do not require regular fluid changes. They rely on sensors and electronic systems to monitor and regulate the transmission fluid levels.

2. What tools are required to check transmission fluid on a sealed transmission?

To check the transmission fluid on a sealed transmission, you will need a floor jack or ramps (if required), wheel chocks, safety glasses and gloves, a suitable wrench or socket set, a digital multimeter (if available), and a transmission fluid temperature scanner (optional).

3. How do I check the fluid level on a sealed transmission?

To check the fluid level on a sealed transmission, follow these steps:

• Prepare the vehicle by parking on a level surface and engaging the parking brake.
• Lift the vehicle if required using a floor jack or ramps.
• Locate the transmission fill tube under the hood.
• Identify the fluid level sensor near the fill tube.
• With the engine running at operating temperature, remove the fill tube cap and wipe the dipstick portion.
• Reinsert the dipstick fully into the fill tube and remove it again.
• Observe the fluid level on the dipstick and interpret it according to the markings.

4. What should I do if the fluid level is low on a sealed transmission?

If the fluid level is low on a sealed transmission, it may indicate a potential leak or problem. Check the transmission fluid specifications in your owner’s manual and add the recommended fluid using a funnel if necessary. Recheck the fluid level to ensure it is within the acceptable range.