How to Check Transmission Fluid

How often do you check your transmission fluid? You might know how to check your motor oil, but learning how to check transmission fluid is another valuable skill for the Santa Ana driver to learn. Not only can it help you stay up-to-date on your Nissan maintenance, but it can also help you spot any minor problems before they become big headaches. Not sure how to check your transmission fluid like a pro? Find out the basics of the Nissan transmission fluid change, and schedule your next service with Garden Grove Nissan. 

How to Check Transmission Fluid: Conventional Transmission

Before you begin, it’s important to know what type of transmission you have. A standard transmission system will have a dipstick that is easily visible, while a sealed transmission will not. You can also check your owner’s manual for more information – or just call our service department! For a conventional transmission system, follow these steps:

1. Warm up your car by running the engine for a few minutes. Then, park your car and pop the hood.
2. Look for the transmission fluid dipstick. On FWD models, it’s generally to the right of the oil dipstick. Check out your owner’s manual for a diagram.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, paying attention to the color and consistency. The fluid should be nearly clear with a pink hue, and it should feel slick. If it smells burnt or feels gritty, schedule your service appointment for a transmission fluid flush.
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag, place it back in the reservoir, and pull it back out. Check the level. If it’s under “Full”, use a funnel to add more fluid – but don’t overfill!
5. Relace the dipstick, close the hood, and you’re ready for more Anaheim travels.

How to Check Transmission Fluid: Sealed Transmission

If you don’t have a dipstick and your owner’s manual says you have a sealed transmission, this is a different type of design than a standard transmission. This requires a visit to the service center, so a technician can utilize specialty tools to access the system. While a sealed transmission is designed to keep the transmission fluid cleaner for longer, it also makes it much more difficult to access the reservoir. How often do you check your transmission fluid for a sealed transmission? We recommend scheduling your service appointment as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change. 
• The gears hesitate before changing. 
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

How often do you check your transmission fluid on a standard transmission? Checking your transmission fluid monthly is a great way to keep tabs on your car’s performance, and it doesn’t take long to do. You can establish a quick routine checking the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil to keep your car in top condition. But as always, double check your owner’s manual to see what your specific model needs.

Other Transmission Fluid Tips and Tricks

• Different cars need different types of fluids. Automatic transmissions need different fluid than manual, so check your manual or ask our staff what you need if you’re buying more transmission fluid at the parts department. 
• Checking an automatic transmission is straightforward, but checking a manual transmission vehicle requires a jack to access a plug beneath the vehicle. Most Orange County drivers prefer to schedule a service appointment instead of tackling the task at home.
• Low transmission fluid can cause a car to shift gears unevenly, hesitating before each shift. Check your transmission fluid levels if you notice this, but schedule your service to make sure it’s nothing more serious.
• Replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This can vary depending on your driving habits, transmission type, and other factors.

Schedule Your Nissan Transmission Fluid Change with Garden Grove Nissan

Are you ready for your Nissan transmission fluid change or do you have any questions about maintaining your transmission? Feel free to contact us at Garden Grove Nissan and book your next maintenance visit in GARDEN GROVE. You can also check out our rotating service specials to save even more!