How to check the oil level of the automatic gearbox

Many drivers overlook check engine oil level, something vital for the correct lubrication of the engine and its durability. That is why it becomes even rarer for some drivers of automatic cars checking the oil levels of an automatic gearbox. Also called transmission oil.

El correct operation of an automatic transmission, as well as its reliability, will be directly linked to maintenance. For this reason, it is important to check the transmission oil level from time to time, as well as to replace it, along with the filter, respecting the maintenance cycles scheduled by the manufacturer.

How to check the transmission oil level in an automatic gearbox?

The automobile market is increasingly diverse and there are different automatic gear types or robotic, but not all of them have a way to check the oil level of a gearbox transmission in an easy and fast way.

FOR check transmission oil level in an automatic gearbox there may be different procedures. Again, it is advisable to make sure of the proper way to carry out the checks by resorting to the user manual, in order to avoid possible errors in the measurement.

Where is the automatic transmission dipstick?

If we talk about traditional automatic gearboxes, torque converter, it is usually quite common to find a second dipstick in the engine compartment.

One is used to measure the engine oil level, while the second corresponds to the gearbox. It is usually bright in color and may have some kind of indication. When in doubt, consult the vehicle's user manual.

Bring the gearbox to service temperature

Normally, it will be necessary to walk about 25 or 30 kilometers for the gearbox fluid reaches optimum service temperature. After that, we will stop the car on a completely flat surface.

without turning off the engine, We will pass the selector of the automatic transmission through all the possible positions, remaining about 5 seconds in each of them. important to have the Parking break lying down and brake the car with your foot to avoid displacement.

Check transmission oil level

After these manoeuvres, we will leave the engine idling for about 5 minutes and proceed to check the level, with the engine running. We will remove the dipstick and clean it with a rag or towel. Then, we will re-insert the dipstick and remove it to check the level.

What is ATF transmission oil?

You have probably heard of ATF oil before. This fluid is usually the one contained in automatic gearboxes. of the torque converter, and the one that must be replaced periodically. When filling the gearbox with ATF or replacing the fluid, it is important to use an ATF oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications.

A good example is the brand transmission fluid Liqui Moly or the brand Motul. You just have to make sure it's the right one for your vehicle.

How to fill the transmission oil in the automatic gearbox?

If after measurement, it turns out that the transmission oil level in the automatic gearbox is low, it will be convenient to replenish, using an ATF oil recommended by the manufacturer. It is also very important not to overdo the amount.

Gearboxes do not have a filler cap like engines do, so we will pour the transmission oil, with patience and care, through the duct of the dipstick of measure. Then we will make the appropriate checks until the level is adequate.

If the transmission fluid level is low, it is likely that there is a small fluid leak somewhere in the box, or that a previous oil change did not bring it back to the proper level. Automatic gearboxes do not consume oil.

Change the automatic gearbox oil

To ensure the reliability of our automatic gearbox, it is important to change the transmission oil every so often. Each manufacturer will specify how many kilometers the ATF oil and the gearbox filter must be replaced.

They are usually long intervals, over 160.000 kilometers, although if the car is given severe treatment (such as pulling a trailer), they can be shortened considerably.

To replace the transmission oil, it will need to be hot. With the engine off, it will be necessary remove the gearbox housing (or where appropriate, use the drain plug). Hot oil will overflow and is usually a dirty operation. After allowing the gearbox to drain well over a container, the old filter will be removed, placing a new one. To replace the filter it is usually necessary to remove the crankcase.

The assembly process is reversed. It will be precise replace the crankcase gasket and tighten to the proper torque, to prevent possible transmission oil leaks. Then, we will pour the necessary amount of ATF oil through the dipstick tube and make the appropriate level checks.

When changing the transmission oil, it is important to check for metallic particles in the oil or in the magnets that may be in the crankcase. If so, they could indicate a wear problem in our gearbox...

And remember, it is very important to follow the steps indicated by the manufacturer to change gearbox oil.

How much does it cost to change automatic gearbox oil

The first thing to keep in mind is that if you want to do this maintenance well, it doesn't just mean changing the automatic transmission fluid. As in other jobs that are done to a car, usually involves the change of some elements such as filter, crankcase gaskets and the drain screw. In addition, to do a round job you have to clean well with specific products.

The price of this entire process varies a lot depending on the exchange rate and the workshop where you do the repair. That's why it is worth asking for a quote in several places so as not to pay more than the bill. As usual in mechanical matters, the price difference between an official workshop and a generic one can be quite large. In the first, depending on the make of the car usually varies between 200 and 350 euros, with some exceptions. Within seconds this price can decrease up to 150 euros.

If what you want is to do the change yourself, you have to take into account all the elements to change and how much liquid is needed. The car manual should specify the fluid type and liters. Although in cases of need you can also do the trick of measuring the amount of liquid that comes out when emptying the box.

Depending on the type of liquid indicated by the brand, the price per liter is usually between 8 and 15 euros. To this must be added the hydraulic filter, which usually costs between 10 and 40 euros, the crankcase gasket transmission, which costs between 10 and 50 euros, and the drain screw gasket that is usually sold together with the screw itself and that costs a few euros.

Check buy the right components for your model. In the stores they know which ones you will need and if you buy it online they usually include the information of the cars that are compatible with each part.

Council: it is recommended to have a torque wrench with which to know how much you tighten each screw. The manuals of the car usually indicate it and it is something important because if it is tightened too much you can deform the crankcase causing leaks. In addition, it is necessary to tighten all its screws with the same force for the same reason. The price of the key required for the gearbox is usually around 20 or 30 euros, because it does not require measuring a large torque.