Checking Your Car Fluids - Automatic Transmission Fluid

Park your car on a level surface.  Start the engine.  Set the transmission level to the "P" (Parking) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this process may differ, check the owner's manual for details). Pull the transmission dipstick and dry it with a lint-free clean rag or tissue.  Then, set it back carefully all the way down into its place.  Pull the dipstick again and check the fluid level.  If the engine is cool, it should be at the upper end of the "cold" mark.  If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the "hot" mark.  If it reads lower than these respective marks, you should add some automatic transmission fluid. 

 Check the fluid condition also.  If it is too black and has a burnt smell, then your transmission is not going to last.  Normally, it should be clean and transparent. Its color may vary from red to brown.  Wipe the dipstick with clean white paper and look at the paper.  There should be no black deposits, not medal partials, and no dirt left on the paper. 

 This is how to add the transmission fluid: Check the transmission fluid type in the owners manual.  For example, some Chrysler transmissions need only a specific type of fluid and regular fluid, like Dexron 3, can even destroy the transmission. Add a little amount of fluid and wait for a minute to let the fluid flow down.  Start the engine then check the level again. Add more fluid in small amounts as needed.