- 1). Reference the vehicle owners manual for transmission fluid type. Do not use a substitute.
- 2). Check the owners manual to find out if the car should be running to check transmission fluid level. Most vehicles require transmission oil to be checked with the motor running.
- 3). Put on safety goggles--especially if the engine is running. The moving parts in a running motor and the resulting breeze can throw debris.
- 4). Pick up the hood of the car, and locate the transmission fluid cap. The cap may be marked "transmission fluid," "transmission oil" or "gear box oil." The owners manual will show its location with a diagram.
- 5). Remove the cap and pull out the dipstick. Dipsticks are either long flexible metal sticks or short plastic stubs. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag and stick it all the way back into the trough.
- 6). Pull the dipstick out and look at the level of fluid collected on the end. Measure that against the marks on the stick for a cold or hot engine.
- 7). Add fluid if the level is low. Use a funnel to pour a small amount at a time, and re-check the level with a freshly wiped dipstick. In many models, two ounces is the difference between full and not moving.
- 8). Replace the dipstick. Securely tighten the cap.
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