Transmission oil plays a critical role in the overall operation of your vehicle’s performance. Obviously, without a properly working transmission, your car or truck isn’t going to get anywhere (at least anywhere fast).

 

Because of the importance of this fluid, it is a good idea to check it every once in a while to ensure it is at the proper level, allowing it to do its job effectively and efficiently.

 

But what do you do if your vehicle doesn’t have a dipstick for checking the transmission fluid? Keep reading to find out.

 

What is Transmission Fluid, and Why is it Important?

Transmission fluid is a necessary and critical lubricant to keep your vehicle safe and the transmission working properly.

 

This oil lubricates all of the essential components of your car’s transmission for optimal performance, as well as a coolant to keep high operating temperatures manageable.

 

This product is also a cleaning agent, and it protects metal surfaces in the transmission from wear and tear.

 

Lastly, transmission fluids increase rotational speed and temperature ranges for better performance and an optimal life span.

 

Why is it Important to Check the Transmission Fluid Level?

 

The importance of checking your transmission fluid is equivalent to checking the oil in your engine. While the engine oil helps maintain all the moving parts of your vehicle’s motor, the transmission fluid keeps everything in working order in the, well…transmission.

 

If your transmission fluid is low, it can decrease the power and performance of your vehicle and can damage it beyond repairs.

 

How to Check Transmission Fluid Without a Dipstick?

 

There are many reasons you may not have a transmission oil dipstick. You could have lost it, can’t find it in the vehicle, or it simply didn’t come with one.

 

No matter the reasoning behind not having a transmission fluid dipstick, you can still check your transmission oil level without it; it’s just going to be a little more time-consuming and a lot more laborious.

 

To do this, you will have to have your vehicle lifted with all four tires off of the ground. Then with the car running and the oil warm, cycle the fluid through the vehicle. While the engine is still idling, you want to open the fill plug (located on the side of your vehicle’s transmission); if a stream of fluid spurts out, you have enough fluid in the tank; If not, you need to add more in.

 

You may also want to check the condition of the fluid to make sure it is still in good shape. Transmission oil should be red, or a close variety to it. If it is dark brown, smells bad or burned, or has bubbles in it, something is going on that needs to be looked at immediately.

 

Discoloration could mean the car’s coolant is mixing with the transmission oil, burnt oil means the transmission is overheating, and foamy bubbles are a good indication you have too much transmission oil in the car, or you used the wrong type of fluid.

 

How to Add Transmission Fluid to Your Vehicle

 

If you find your vehicle is low on transmission fluid, you can simply add more into the fuel pipe located under the hood of your vehicle. Most of these will be labeled and pretty simple to find. Pour the needed amount of fluid into this pipe and close the lid back up tightly before closing the hood.

 

Signs Your Transmission Fluid is Low

 

The biggest sign your car’s transmission fluid is low is the difficulty or inability to shift gears. You will notice a delayed response, and the changes won’t be as smooth. While this may be more noticeable on a manual transmission, it is obvious on any vehicle.

 

Another indication your trans fluid is low is the pounding or grinding sounds that come from the transmission bands and clutches rubbing together due to lack of lubrication.

 

There is also that annoying red light that blinks at you, indicating low transmission fluid or service engine. This is designed to appear when it recognizes the vehicle’s transmission fluid is low.

 

Other indications your fluid is low include transmission slippage, noticeable transmission fluid leaks, and your transmission will start to overhear.

 

Summing Things Up

 

Although the above steps to checking your transmission oil are a good way to tell if the levels are low, it isn’t always the best option, and if possible, you should consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic and having it serviced by professionals.

 

If you are checking your tranny fluid levels because you are unable to find your transmission fluid dipstick, you can refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see where it should be located. If it is missing, you can order a new one online or through the manufacturer.