How to check the oil in an automatic transmission

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission: general principles and operating procedure

Most automakers pour lubricant into automatic transmissions, expecting that it will not be changed throughout the entire life of the car. Experienced drivers monitor fuel data and regularly monitor its level.

Extraneous sounds, vibration, sticking and other problems in the operation of an automatic transmission often arise due to insufficient lubrication. A substance may be in short supply due to leakage, production, oxidation, or precipitation.

When problems arise, the first suspicion falls on this cause. For many, going to a workshop to check it, wasting time and money, seems impractical. But when the problem arises far outside the city, there is simply no such opportunity.

Therefore, every owner of a car with an automatic transmission should know how to check the oil level in the automatic transmission.

First, refer to the vehicle's operating instructions. In it you will find the answer to the question of how to properly check the oil level in the automatic transmission of a specific model of car. If the manual is not at hand or is written in a foreign language, the operation procedure can be understood using the simple instructions given below.

Why check the amount of fluid or why is there lubricant in the automatic transmission?

The question may seem funny. But many people believe that lubricants are simply designed to reduce friction between parts.

If there is not enough product, the clutches will wear out against each other faster.

In fact, lubricant not only reduces friction, but also removes excess heat, prevents the deposition of contaminants on the metal and cleans parts. If there is a lack of ATF in the box, the following processes take place:

• Accelerated wear of parts due to increased friction.
• Clogging of all surfaces and gaps between clutches leads to jamming during switching and incorrect operation.
• An increase in temperature means parts expand, their mechanical strength decreases, and polymer parts begin to wear out especially quickly. Because of this, the box does not work correctly, may not respond to switching, change gears incorrectly or late.

Problems and the strength of their manifestation are gradually increasing. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the slightest deviations in the operation of the aggregate unit. If they occur, the first thing you should do is check the oil level in the box.

If there are no leaks and the material is not worn out, urgently go to the nearest service station - the sooner you can do this, the less the problem will develop, and the cheaper the repair will be.

An excess of lubricating fluid is also bad.

It results from incorrect filling and leads to the following problems:

• The composition will reach the rotating parts of the box and begin to foam. As a result, the performance characteristics of the substance will decrease and its production will accelerate. The same problems will appear as with a deficiency.
• Leakage of lubricant through the breather, flooding of the entire box and other parts from the outside.

Safety rules when checking fuel and lubricants

The first thing you need to become familiar with when performing any operation on a machine is the safety rules. Neglecting them is a direct path to injury.

When checking the amount of lubricant and replacing it, remember:

• The motor warms up before operation and remains on during operation, so you can get burned by oily liquid.
• Even a cold product has a bad effect on the skin, leading to irritation or chemical burns, depending on its composition.
• Engine parts are hot.

General principles and operating procedures

It is impossible to universally describe how to check the oil in an automatic transmission - general rules do not reflect the specifics of working with a particular machine. Such instructions turn out to be useless in practice. If you don’t have operating instructions at hand or they are written in unfamiliar languages, you need to be guided by logic and basic principles.

Basic principles of fluid testing:

1. Checking the oil level in the automatic transmission is done using a dipstick - a special device that is immersed in the oil compartment.
2. In most cases, the dipstick is located under the hood and has a yellow cover. Nearby there is a cover of a different color - most likely this is a dipstick for checking the transmission fluid.
3. Most often, measuring devices have marks for “cold” and “hot” testing. That is, to check when changing the automatic transmission oil and when the engine is warm. The latter method is used only during repairs, when it is not possible to start the engine.
4. The lubricant composition is checked with the engine turned on - the pump must fill the compartment to the operating level. When the engine is turned off, there is less fluid in the system.
5. The engine is warmed up by driving the car 10-15 kilometers. This is the most reliable way. Simply idling or switching the lever to different positions will not give the desired results.

The oil level in the automatic transmission is checked using the following algorithm:

1. Warm up the car. After the trip, switch to parking mode and wait 2-3 minutes.
2. Find the dipstick, clean the area around it with a soft, lint-free cloth - there should be no inclusions in the lubricant in the form of pieces of fabric, dirt, or dust. They will further clog the filter.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it dry with a clean cloth (not the same one that was just used to wipe the area around it).
4. Insert the dipstick back and wait 4-5 seconds.
5. Repeat pp. 2–4 and compare the results. If they disagree, trust the latest data.

Features of checking cars of different brands

BrandFeature

Audi	The manufacturer does not equip its automatic transmissions with dipsticks. Instead, viewing windows are used. Most often they are located on the bottom. Therefore, you need to check the oil level by driving the car onto an overpass or pit. If the model is equipped with a dipstick, then the oil level in the gearbox is checked when the gear is engaged in neutral, and not in park.
Volkswagen
BMW	Like Audi, the German concern often equips its automatic transmission with a viewing window. If there is a probe, then the check is performed according to the described algorithm.
Dodge	The check is carried out in neutral gear
Hyundai
Jeep
Mazda
Mitsubishi
Honda	On some models, the amount of lubricant must be determined when the engine is cold.

Not only a lack of lubricant can cause problems with the gearbox. Its functioning is also affected by production and oxidation. The quality of the composition can be determined by color and smell. Drop a little liquid from the dipstick onto a clean rag. What else to pay attention to

What to pay attention to:

• The composition must be transparent and not have any inclusions. If there are metal particles, the filter is dirty, for some reason there is increased wear of parts, or the magnet at the bottom of the oil compartment is not working.
• A black coating on the dipstick may indicate that the device has not been used for a long time. Therefore, you need to wipe it and repeat the test. If the plaque appears again, there is a problem.
• An unpleasant, rotten smell indicates spoiled liquid. But you should trust this indicator only if you know exactly what fresh machine lubricant smells like.

Source: http://MotorOilClub.ru/poleznye-sovety/kak-proverit-uroven-masla-v-akpp.html

Checking the oil in a car with an automatic transmission

A high-quality check of the transmission oil level in an automatic transmission affects the service life of the vehicle. Moreover, this will save your budget by avoiding costly overhauls of the transmission or, even worse, the engine.

Most problems of this type are associated with a lack or excess of lubricant in the gearbox.

The Internet provides countless recommendations from specialists and car enthusiasts on how to quickly carry out inspections, use auto repair life hacks, and choose a high-quality lubricant product for your car.

Verification steps

But most of the specialized materials give too vague an idea of ​​this process, so you should consider in more detail and systematically the step-by-step check of the oil in an automatic transmission, the possible negative consequences of an incorrect level and the rules for controlling the quality of the fluid.

It is worth remembering that checking the oil level in an automatic transmission does not require special skills and knowledge, but if low-quality lubricants are used or basic rules are not followed, this can lead to transmission breakdown, requiring huge financial investments in repairs. Car owners are increasingly ignoring the recommendation to periodically monitor and replace oil products in the box, backing up this action with instructions from the car manufacturer, which states that the oil does not need to be changed during the entire service life of the vehicle.

First you need to understand the correct sequence for checking the fluid level.

Below are the key stages of this process and their characteristics, namely:

• Warming up the car: you should drive the car for a few minutes, then park the car on a flat surface without slopes, let the engine idle and only then proceed to the next step.
• Finding the location of the oil dipstick in an automatic transmission. In foreign-made cars, the dipstick for checking oil is red, while the dipstick for checking engine fluid is yellow.
• Cleaning the circumferential surface of the dipstick to prevent foreign particles from entering the transmission system. This is important because these particles can cause wear and tear on the components of the mechanism.
• Take out the dipstick to check the fluid and wipe it with a dry cloth, checking that there are no tissue particles on the dipstick after wiping.
• Checking the gradation on the dipstick for two control methods (cold and heated methods) with marks of the maximum and minimum levels for each of the two methods.
• Make sure that the checked fluid level is on the dipstick between the maximum and minimum markings of the “Warmed” area. It is also necessary to remember that the “Cold” method is used when replacing fluid.
• Inspect the surface of the fluid for the presence of contaminants or metal particles, which may be due to wear of gearbox parts.
• Inspect the color of the oil: darkening of the fluid due to overheating is a clear sign of the need to urgently change the oil.
• Re-check the oil level in the automatic transmission, starting from the fourth stage to the seventh. The whole point is that there is a possibility that the received data will be incorrect.

As a rule, these steps do not take much time, but it is important to remember not about the speed of checking the oil level, but about how to correctly check the oil level in an automatic transmission.

Consequences of the wrong level

There are two possible conditions under which the functioning of the gearbox is disrupted, namely: a lack of fluid or its excess.

In the first option, the harmful consequences may be:

• violation of the temperature regime of the fluid, which provokes the need for replacement and entails unjustified costs for the purchase of lubricating oil products and auto mechanic services;
• air entering the system, which will turn the oil into a state where it can be compressed. Accordingly, this reduces the pressure in the mechanism, which provokes a violation of heat removal from the box, gear skipping and a deterioration in the lubrication properties of parts;
• inappropriate increase in oil consumption.

In this case, the car owner is dealing with the oil level in the gearbox below the minimum mark.

But in practice, there are cases when the oil level in the box exceeds the maximum mark, which leads to the following:

• filling the box with oil due to the appearance of foam on the surface of the liquid and, accordingly, an increase in its value;
• flooding of the gearbox rotating mechanism, which can damage the elements of the box.

It should be remembered that a low level of lubricant can be corrected by completely replacing it, and not by simply adding fluid to the required level. The reason is metal shavings that the magnetic device cannot handle. In a situation where it exceeds the norm, it is important to let the car cool and then pump out the excess fluid.

When the owner of the car hears a knocking sound in the box or it is not functioning correctly, which reduces the performance of the car, it is necessary to promptly contact a service station. It is important not to carry out repair work without special knowledge and practical abilities.

General rules for checking lubricating fluid

To begin with, it makes sense to clarify that different types of oil have their own color, chemical properties and peculiar smell. But there are a number of universal recommendations that car enthusiasts need to adhere to in order to avoid unnecessary damage to the transmission system.

Basic Rules:

• control the transparency of the oil, the absence of burning odor and small foreign particles in it;
• you need to remember the properties of the oil when changing it in order to contact a mechanic in time if these properties change;
• Check for dark deposits on the dipstick. If there is plaque after repeated inspection, you need to urgently go to a service station to determine the causes and resulting breakdowns;
• periodically check the availability of oil of the required quality;
• monitor gauges on the dashboard.

Information on how to check the oil in an automatic transmission is important for every owner, because no one is immune from forgetfulness, which can provoke negative consequences for the car or sudden gearbox breakdowns.

Owning a foreign car and filling only high-quality oil, the driver does not have to worry about checking the automatic transmission oil too often. Oil changes are often carried out for such machines every two years. This, however, depends on driving style, brand of lubricant and age of the car.

The quality and durability of a car directly depends on its owner, who monitors and controls the oil level in the gearbox. Therefore, you should approach the operation of the machine responsibly.

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission. Video instruction

Source: http://AvtoTehnar.ru/proverka-masla-v-avtomobile-s-korobkoj-avtomat/

How to check the oil level in a machine?

An automatic transmission is more complex than a manual transmission, it has both pros and cons, you can read about automatic or manual here. The key to reliable operation of the machine is a sufficient oil level. That is, if the oil is fine, then there is nothing to worry about. But here the question arises: how to check the oil level in the machine? There are some nuances here, read below.....

Check the oil level in the machine?

To begin with, I want to say that there are serviceable and non-serviceable gearboxes. You can check the oil level in serviced ones, but not in unserviced ones. For example, my Chevrolet Aveo has a maintenance-free automatic transmission, it does not have an oil dipstick, but there is a sensor that will start signaling when this level drops.

But in serviced automatic transmissions you will have to monitor the oil level yourself. Moreover, you cannot “miss” it!!! Otherwise, there will be a serious breakdown, and it’s not cheap to repair the machine.

We will check the oil level in the machine on a Nissan Almera Classic car, in this example you can do the same on your car, I don’t think that the differences will be serious if only the oil dipstick is located in a different place.

So, in order to check the oil level, you need to remember a few points.

1) Checked on a warm car. That is, you must warm up the automatic transmission so that the oil reaches operating temperature. Usually a trip of 10 - 15 kilometers is enough.

Warm up the oil in the machine

2) Then place the car on a flat surface. Otherwise, you will not be able to determine the level correctly.

Place the car on a flat surface

3) Next, the engine should be running (do not turn off the car), move the automatic lever to the “P” position (parking).

4) Open the hood and take out the oil dipstick for the automatic transmission, not the engine, but the automatic, don’t confuse it. Usually it is lower. After pulling it out, wipe it dry with a rag, in order to correctly determine the oil level in the machine, insert the dipstick back, and after 10 seconds pull it back out. Now you can determine the oil level.

Pull out the oil dipstick

Wipe the dipstick

5) There is a “HOT” mark on the dipstick, which means it is hot, there are also two marks, the upper one is above the “HOT” level and the lower one is below the “HOT” level. Ideally, the oil should be in the middle, between the upper and lower marks. That is, clearly on the “HOT” inscription, if the oil is below the lower mark, this is very bad, you urgently need to add oil.

Oil starvation of the machine can lead to breakdown. It is also not very good when the oil is overfilled, that is, above the “HOT” level, the upper parts of the automatic transmission will foam it, the excess oil will be thrown out with a “sniff”, the entire automatic transmission will be covered in oil. And if the outcome is bad, it can squeeze out the seals in the machine.

The oil level needs to be lowered. Everything is fine on our machine.

HOT mark

Oil levels

It is also worth noting that on some models with automatic transmissions, the oil is checked slightly differently. For example, you don’t need to put the machine in “P” mode, but you need to set it to “N” mode (neutral speed). And on some cars, but rarely, the oil is checked with the engine turned off.

That is, you also warm up the oil, but before you pull out the oil dipstick, you must turn off the engine. A little hint: for boxes in which the oil needs to be checked with warm oil, with the engine running, “HOT” (hot) is written on the dipstick; for those boxes in which the engine needs to be turned off, “COLD” (cold) is written.

Also, sometimes the brand of oil that needs to be poured into the machine is written on the dipstick.

That's all. I hope it has become a little clear.

Source: http://avto-blogger.ru/texchast/proverit-uroven-masla-v-avtomate.html

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission

Even the presence of an automatic transmission in a car will not save the car owner from automatic transmission maintenance, although it will be minimal. We are talking about changing the oil in the gearbox.

It is necessary not only to remember to control the lubricant level, but also to measure it correctly.

Also, using the owner's manual for your vehicle, find out exactly what kind of oil and in what quantity your “automatic” requires.

1

Checking the oil level in the automatic transmission

Sequencing:

• Start the engine and warm up the oil in the automatic transmission. To do this, in the warm season you need to travel about 15-20 km.
• Next, place your car on a flat, horizontal surface. This requirement is mandatory, otherwise the measured level will be inaccurate.
• Next, move the gearbox lever to the “Parking” (P) position. In some models of “automatic machines”, to determine the oil level in the box, the handle of the latter is moved to the neutral position (N).
• Without turning off the engine, open the hood and go check the dipstick (most often it has a red or orange handle). Remove it and wipe dry with a piece of cloth.
• Then insert it back all the way for 3-5 seconds and remove it again.
• Now we have to evaluate the measurement results.

Interpretation of measurement results

In most cases, the dipstick has several notches indicating the permissible oil level when the engine is warm and cold (for example, Cold and Hot). At the same time, the Cold mark is more of a “reference” mark, indicating the amount of oil poured into the box. The main assessment is carried out regarding the Hot notch.

• After removing the dipstick again, determine the lubricant level. This will be the bottom dry edge on the dipstick.
• You also evaluate the color of the oil, the presence of impurities and sediment. The presence of the latter may be a sign of wear or damage to the mechanisms. But darkening of the lubricant often indicates overheating of the latter.
• You conclude that you need to change the oil. Even if the lubricant level is normal, but there is sediment present, and the color of the oil has changed, the lubricant must be replaced and the reasons for the deviations must be found out.

2

The oil level in the automatic transmission is above or below the normal level

So, you have carried out the test and are familiar with its result. If the oil is transparent, has no impurities, and its level corresponds to the markings - everything is in order, no action is required from you. What to do if the oil level is higher or higher than normal and what does this mean?

Both high and too low lubricant levels lead to airing of the pump. As a result, the latter “picks up” not only oil, but also air.

The resulting mixture of oil and air no longer has the properties necessary for the correct operation of the transmission. The result is rapid wear of the latter.

If, after checking the lubricant level, you find a lack of lubricant, you should simply top it up.

Source: http://SovetClub.ru/kak-proverit-uroven-masla-v-akpp

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission?

Oil in an automatic transmission plays a very important role: it reduces the friction of parts inside the mechanism, removes heat from the friction surface, and also reduces shock loads. Therefore, it is very important to promptly monitor the level and condition of the oil in order to prevent gearbox failure.

Checking the oil level (automatic transmission with dipstick)

In order to check the oil level in an automatic transmission, first of all, you need to warm up the oil to operating temperature (it is approximately 80 degrees Celsius) and place the car on a flat surface. Warming up the oil to the desired temperature can be achieved by warming up the engine at idle speed or by driving 15-20 kilometers. Checking the oil should be done with the engine turned off.

Near the engine there is a dipstick designed to check the oil level. Before you start measuring, you need to wipe the probe and put it in place. Then you should remove the dipstick again and inspect it.

If the oil line is above the minimum mark and below the maximum, then the level is considered acceptable. If the oil level is below or close to the minimum level, the oil should be added.

It is also worth remembering the other extreme: do not exceed the permissible norm - the oil will begin to foam during operation and pour out through the breather.

It is also worth mentioning that on some dipsticks there are two marks (or two holes) designed to check the cold oil level. Such marks will be indicated by the word “Cold”. The word “Hot” is used to indicate the operating oil level.

Oil level below minimum mark

If the oil level in the automatic transmission is too low, a kind of emulsion can form from oil and air captured by the pump. This will lead to a decrease in pressure in the control system, low heat removal from the mechanism, and a decrease in the quality of lubrication of rubbing elements. All these consequences will soon cause the automatic transmission to fail.

Oil level exceeds maximum mark

As noted earlier, if the oil level is above the maximum level, it will cause the oil to foam while driving. The results of foaming, as well as at a minimum level, will lead to rapid breakdown of the gearbox.

To avoid spending a lot of money on expensive repairs, you should treat your car with care. It is worth monitoring the oil level in the automatic transmission at least once every 2-3 weeks, or every 1000 km. Timely monitoring and care will save you money and time.

Checking the oil level in an automatic transmission without a dipstick

Regular oil checks are extremely important for motorists. First of all, after checking, the driver has an idea of ​​the oil level in the gearbox and the need to add fluid.

Also, by checking the oil, you can detect leaks in a timely manner (it is worth noting that this is one of the common reasons for expensive transmission repairs). The test can show the consistency and condition of the oil.

If the oil is very dirty, then it’s time to change it, but if the fluid changes its consistency too quickly after replacement, then it’s time to think about the proper operation of the gearbox itself.

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission without a dipstick?

Automatic transmissions without a dipstick are equipped with a special tube in the drain hole in the pan, which is closed with a control plug. If more oil is poured into the automatic transmission than necessary, it flows out to the required level through an open hole in the tube.

To begin the procedure, you need to place the warmed-up vehicle on a lift. After unscrewing the plug, a small amount of oil will flow out of the tube, collecting which you can study its consistency.

After this, you need to add 100-200 grams of oil into the automatic transmission neck. If it drips through the drain hole, then the procedure was carried out correctly; if not, then you should slowly add oil until it begins to flow out in drops.

Checking the oil level without a dipstick is quite difficult if you compare the procedure with a dipstick, so it is best to contact a specialized automotive service center.

Source: https://www.rekpp.ru/kak-proverit-uroven-masla-v-akpp.html

Checking the oil level in the automatic transmission

A frequent question that arises, including among car owners with extensive experience, is how to check the oil level in an automatic transmission? The whole process is elementary if the car owner knows well what to look for and where to look. But for a beginner or a person who has recently purchased a car, checking the transmission fluid level can cause certain difficulties.

How to correctly check the oil mark in an automatic transmission?

• After the motorist determines the location of the gearbox on the car, he will need to determine its type, namely, see if there is a dipstick or not.
• This is done easily - there are bright probe handles under the hood.
• If there are two handles (as in the photo), this means that the gearbox has a dipstick with which you can easily set the fluid level. On front-wheel drive cars, the dipstick, which is located on the right in the direction of travel, shows the fluid level in the engine, and the dipstick, which is on the left, shows in the gearbox.

Location of oil dipsticks

• If there is only one dipstick handle, this means that your box does not have a dipstick and the fluid level in it can only be set by lifting the car on a lift and unscrewing the control plug. Carry out this procedure yourself very carefully, as you risk being left without oil at all.
• The first thing you need to do to check the fluid level in any type of transmission is to place the car on a perfectly flat surface, and then set the “Parking” mode.

All instructions regarding the operation of a car recommend checking the fluid level in the gearbox “hot” - when the car is warmed up to a temperature of 90 degrees (on some models it is even recommended to check with the engine running).

Boxes with probe

Oil dipsticks in automatic transmissions have four “notches” - Max and Min for hot and Max and Min for cold liquid (these “notches” can be on different sides of the dipstick, or on one).

Types of probes, from top to bottom: for hot testing, for cold testing, universal probe.

• If you are checking “hot”, then the level should be between the upper “notches”.
• If you check “cold”, then the norm should be between the lower ones.

On some cars, the oil dipstick has only two notches - Max and Min.

In this case, the oil level should be above Min and below Max during both “cold” and “hot” checks.

Note that on individual boxes, for example, DP0 or AL4, the fluid rate can sometimes “change randomly”. This effect is associated with a significant number of cavities inside the gearbox, which are sometimes filled with oil, and sometimes not.

To be sure of the level, the check must be carried out not just once, but several times and at fairly long intervals, for example, after one or two days. If, during three or four checks, the oil level moves between the Min and Max marks during both “hot” and “cold” checks, this means that there is exactly as much fluid in the box as needed.

Checking the fluid level with a dipstick

Boxes without probe

Checking the oil in transmissions that do not have a dipstick may take longer. In essence, it is simply impossible to “determine the level” in a box of this type; it can only be “set”.

An automatic transmission without a dipstick has a special “overflow system”, which consists of:

• tube located in a special drain hole;
• plug closing the hole.

Transmission diagram without dipstick

The height of the tube determines the rate of transmission fluid in the automatic transmission. If the control plug is unscrewed, excess oil will flow, which was above the level of the upper hole.

This system was invented to protect against possible fluid overflow during its replacement (which is extremely harmful for the gearbox).

However, it creates many problems for the car owner, who does not have the ability to determine the level of fluid contamination in the “traditional way”.

To carry out the check, you need to drive the car into a hole or “lift” it using jacks (the position of the car must remain horizontal). At the same time, it must be warmed up.

Gearbox plug placement

When unscrewing the drain plug, you must prepare for the fact that a small amount of liquid will flow out of it, which got into the tube during operation of the gearbox. The leaked oil can be collected in a container to determine its contamination throughout the entire box, as well as the need to replace it.

Fluid leaking after removing the plug

Next, you need to add 100-200 g of oil to the filler neck of the gearbox and watch it flow out of the drain hole. If the oil begins to drip, this means that the level is correct, if not, you need to add until it starts to drip.

Due to such complications, almost all owners of cars with gearboxes that do not have a dipstick set the required oil level in automatic transmissions in the service during a systematic change - for example, once a year. This approach makes using the car more expensive, but saves the owner from unnecessary “fussing” with the automatic transmission.

What to do if the oil level in the automatic transmission is high?

Overfilling is a high level of oil in the gearbox, which can lead to virtually the same negative consequences as a shortage.

The only difference is that if the liquid is poured, it will foam only by the rotating elements of the box and not at idle, as at low levels, but at high speeds.

The foamed liquid increases significantly in volume and there is no longer enough space for it in the gearbox; it begins to flow out through the ventilation system. After the part merges, its real level decreases. As a consequence: repetition of the situation with a low level.

What are the dangers of a low oil level in an automatic transmission?

Underfilling or lack of fluid is dangerous (especially if the automatic transmission is DP0 or AL4), as the pump begins to capture air. This creates a kind of air-oil mixture, which is characterized by low heat capacity and easy compressibility, as a result of which it loses its operating features. The result is overheating of the box and rapid wear of parts.

Optimal amount of oil in automatic transmission: recommendations

On any automatic transmission, the norm is the FULL mark on the dipstick. It is correct to carry out measurements only with the engine turned off, that is, “cold”.

If the car has been operated for a long time at high speeds or in the heat, then you can start checking the oil level in the box 25-40 minutes after stopping the car. This is exactly how long it takes for the car to cool down.

Optimal fluid level on the dipstick

Systematic checking of the oil level in the automatic transmission is necessary for several reasons:

• with constant checks, the car owner can timely notice and prevent an oil leak, due to which the gearbox, which is very expensive, often fails;
• During the inspection, the degree of oil contamination is noticeable, which is partly considered an “indicator of the correct operation” of the gearbox. If it suddenly turns out that several months after the change the oil turns out to be dirty, this may mean that something in the box is not functioning correctly and its operation needs to be diagnosed.

Video “Measuring automatic transmission fluid level”

Source: http://AvtoZam.com/kpp/smazka/proverka-urovnya-masla-v-akpp/

Consequences of a high or low oil level in an automatic transmission: how to correctly check the amount

If inexplicable malfunctions, noises uncharacteristic of normal operation, jerks when switching gear modes or while driving are observed in the operation of the automatic transmission, then checking the oil level is the first thing to start diagnosing the car with. Perhaps measurements of the amount of lubricant will immediately indicate that the cause of problems in the operation of the gearbox is associated with an excess or lack of fluid.

Failure to comply with inspection deadlines often leads to the fact that the only solution to the problem of a faulty automatic transmission is to install a new one.

General rules and procedures

In order to find out the oil level in the automatic transmission, there are several checking options:

1. Fluid control via oil dipstick. This is the most common method. Using it you can not only see the volume, but also determine by the color of the lubricant how much it has been used up.
2. If the machine is not equipped with a dipstick, then you can check the amount of the substance through the drain plug or at a service station using special sensors.

Optimal amount of oil in automatic transmission

Information about the exact amount of lubricant that should be in the automatic transmission is collected in the documentation for a specific car brand and a specific gearbox. In practice, the amount of oil in an automatic transmission can only be measured at a service center, after the waste fluid has been completely removed from the box.

How to correctly measure the oil in an automatic transmission, watch the video filmed by the AutoGid channel.

Boxes with probe

Automatic transmissions with a dipstick are convenient because they can be used to correctly monitor and set the oil level in the box by adding or draining the fluid. However, despite the simplicity of diagnostics, it is necessary to know some technical subtleties in order to understand how much grease should be on the dipstick.

Determining the oil level in an automatic transmission begins with finding the transmission dipstick. For those who do not know the structure of their car too well, it should be said that there are two oil dipsticks.

One is used to assess the condition of the fluid in the engine, the other - in the automatic transmission. Having found the transmission dipstick, you need to read what is written on it: HOT or COLD.

The first option means that the oil is checked when it is hot, the second - when it is cold.

The oil dipstick shows what level of oil in the automatic transmission should be when cold or hot.

The inscription COLD does not mean that the engine should be cold. In fact, you need to start it, let it run for a while, and then turn it off and take measurements. Thus, the actual temperature of the “cold” oil should be from 30 to 50 degrees.

The “hot” HOT measurement differs only in that during it the engine must be warmed up well and not turned off. Therefore, the temperature of the transmission oil will be slightly higher - 50-80 degrees.

You need to check the lubricant level in the automatic transmission as follows:

1. Start the engine and let it idle for a while or drive 15–20 km.
2. Stop on level ground and shift the gear lever to park mode. Attention! Transfer to the “Neutral” state is unacceptable.
3. If there is a COLD mark on the dipstick, then you need to turn off the engine, HOT - measurements are taken with the engine running.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the oil mark well with a rag. This is necessary in order to avoid false readings. The instrument prepared in this way is placed in the gearbox for 10 seconds and then inspected.
5. There are two notches on the dipstick indicating the minimum and maximum oil level. Normally, the amount of lubricant should be between these two marks.

Without dipstick

Checking the oil level in boxes without a dipstick is best done at service centers, because it will be difficult for a simple car enthusiast to figure out the adequacy of the amount of lubricant and its condition.

You can check the amount of oil in the automatic transmission, if there is no dipstick, as follows:

1. Start the car and warm up the engine at idle speed or while driving.
2. Stop over the diagnostic pit or lift the car on a lift to gain access to the automatic transmission drain hole.
3. With the engine running, set the automatic transmission shift lever to the park position.
4. Unscrew the drain cover. If the liquid does not drip, there is not enough oil in the box. You need to open the filler plug and add lubricant little by little. As soon as it begins to flow out of the drain hole, screw the caps on. An important feature of this type of gearbox is that it is impossible to overfill the lubricant, since the excess amount is removed through the drain system.

Automatic transmission drain system

Consequences of high or low oil levels

An increased amount of lubricant is dangerous due to the following consequences:

1. The volume of oil will become large when heated. And since, due to the overflow, it will have nowhere to go, it will begin to be squeezed out, at best, through the outlet for the dipstick, at worst, through the breather and oil seals.
2. There will be malfunctions in the functioning of the automatic transmission. This will be manifested by a drop in operating speeds or the inability to change gear. In addition, the Check Engine error light on the dashboard will light up.
3. If grease gets on the air flow sensor, fuel consumption will increase.
4. If oil gets on the spark plugs, it will cause cylinder block failure.
5. Excessive lubrication will cause the seals to fail.
6. If timely measures are not taken to eliminate the overflow, overheating of individual components of the box will occur. This will lead to malfunction of the friction discs and other components of the unit.

A lack of oil in the automatic transmission will provoke the following consequences:

1. The lubricant will boil and the friction elements will begin to slip. When switching the automatic transmission, this will appear jerkily, while the car will not move.
2. The torque converter will fail.
3. The clutches will slip when changing gears.
4. If there is insufficient oil, the pump will begin to capture air along with the liquid, and foaming of the lubricant will occur. Operating the machine in this situation will damage the automatic transmission.
5. A lack of oil will increase the friction of the moving components of the unit, which will lead to their malfunctions.

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Video “Oil level in automatic transmission”

You can learn about checking the oil level in an automatic transmission in the video from the Alexandr Potapkin channel.

Source: https://autodvig.com/kpp/kak-proverit-uroven-masla-v-korobke-avtomat-21836/

Why do you need to check the automatic transmission oil and how to do it?

Important stages of car maintenance include regularly checking the oil in the automatic transmission - the condition of the box, the comfort of driving the car and even fuel consumption depend on it. Often, machine breakdowns are associated with poor condition of the transmission oil or a decrease in its level.

Therefore, you can avoid many problems with the gearbox without even changing the fluid, but simply by maintaining its level at a normal level. It is recommended to check it at least once a month, and you can do it yourself.

The oil level in the automatic transmission of many modern cars is checked simply - using a dipstick.

Some motorists still do not know how to check the oil level in an automatic transmission, especially for beginners. The main thing is to figure out where to look, and all this is described in detail in the operating manual for a specific car model.

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Symptoms of low oil

Markings on the dipstick

It is necessary to urgently check the oil in the machine if certain signs are detected that indicate its lack. Experts advise performing a complete fluid change every 60-80 thousand kilometers.

In this case, adding lubricant may be required earlier. According to the recommendations of automakers and automatic transmission developers, the level needs to be monitored approximately every five thousand kilometers.

This way you can add fluid in a timely manner, detect worn gaskets or prevent other troubles.

If you do not control the engine oil level, and it drops noticeably, certain symptoms will appear:

• Noise will be heard from the transmission when the car is stationary and the engine is running when you press the gas pedal;
• When changing gears the car will twitch.

Do not let the machine run until these signs appear - this is harmful for it. Timely checking the level and topping it up will extend the service life of the mechanism. If you are interested in the consequences of overfilling an automatic transmission, read an article about it on our website.

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Where is the automatic transmission oil dipstick located?

Location of automatic transmission probes

If you have a car with an automatic transmission, you can check the oil level in it using a dipstick, but you need to find it first. This is not difficult to do - just open the hood and inspect.

If you see two bright loop handles, one of them is designed to check the oil level in the machine, and the second is needed to control the fluid in the engine. If there is only one handle, there is probably no dipstick for checking the oil in the machine on your car model (this happens).

On cars with front-wheel drive, the dipstick located on the right in the direction of travel is designed to check the engine oil, and the dipstick on the left is responsible for the oil in the machine.

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Checking oil in boxes with a dipstick

Dipsticks for checking the oil level in an automatic transmission usually have four notches:

• min and max for hot;
• min and max for cold.

Normal level

These marks can be located on one side of the probe or on different sides. When checking the oil level in a hot automatic transmission, the level should be located between the upper notches, and when checking a cold gearbox, the level should be between the lower ones. It's simple: when warming up, the transmission fluid rises slightly.

On some cars there are only two marks on the dipstick - min and max. In this case, the fluid in the box can be checked both when the transmission is cold and when it is hot. In both cases, the grease should be between the two marks.

On some automatic transmissions, for example, models AL4 and DP0, the oil level can be varied arbitrarily within certain limits. This is due to the large number of cavities in the transmission, which can be filled with liquid or empty.

To accurately and correctly check the oil level in an automatic transmission, it is better to repeat the procedure at least twice at certain intervals (1-2 days). If after three or four checks the level is between the minimum and maximum marks, there is exactly as much fluid in the machine as is required for its normal functioning.

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Automatic transmission without a dipstick - how to check the oil?

Automatic transmission overflow hole

Correctly checking the oil level in a machine without a dipstick is a little more difficult, but you can also handle this task yourself. Such mechanisms usually have an overflow system consisting of two elements:

• a special tube in the drain hole;
• plug blocking this hole.

The height of the tube determines the amount of lubrication in the machine. When you unscrew the control plug, excess oil that is above the level will flow out.

This system was invented to prevent overflow when replacing lubricant in the transmission (this is harmful to the mechanism).

At the same time, such a system creates inconvenience for the car owner, who is deprived of the opportunity to check the fluid level using a dipstick.

To check the level in this case, you will have to drive the car into a pit or use a lift. When unscrewing the drain bolt, be prepared for some grease to leak out of the hole. The leaked oil can be collected in a clean container and the degree of contamination of the transmission fluid and the entire assembly as a whole can be assessed.

If necessary, you need to add the required amount of liquid through the neck and monitor its flow. If the oil starts to drip, the level is normal, but if not, you need to add a little more. Thus, owners of a car with an automatic transmission without a dipstick are forced to contact a service station to check the level.

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Subtleties of checking oil in gearboxes of different cars

Box Mercedes 722.6

How to properly check the oil level in an automatic transmission largely depends on the car model, namely on the modification of the installed transmission. For example, owners of Hyundai cars should check the fluid in the machine when setting the lever to the neutral position. The fluid is checked in the same way on a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee with automatic transmissions from Chrysler.

On vehicles with an Aisin Warner transmission, the lubricant level is checked when the gear selector is in the Park position. On Jeep cars, you can tell what kind of box you have by looking at the shape of the tray: Aisin's is rectangular.

The tube with the dipstick is welded to the pan, and there is a drain plug in the back of it.

In most Chrysler automatics, the pans are square, and the dipstick tube is built into the crankcase - these boxes do not have drain plugs, that is, the level is checked with a dipstick with the selector position N.

All ZF modification boxes, installed mainly on BMWs, are equipped with lubricant overflow plugs. This is very convenient, since in this case it is impossible to pour more fluid into the transmission than required.

There are also automatic transmissions in which it is simply impossible to measure the oil level inside. These include the Mercedes 722.6 automatic transmission, which is installed on almost all modern Mercedes. The thing is that the container for filling with oil is connected to the sump by a bypass valve, which makes it possible to control the liquid level in the sump.

Video: How to correctly measure the oil level in an automatic transmission? | AutoGuide

Video: How to correctly measure the oil level in an automatic transmission on a Mazda Demio (Ford Festiva Mini Wagon)

Video: how to properly check the oil level in an automatic transmission

Video:

Source: http://Driving24.ru/kak-proverit-uroven-masla-v-akpp-svoimi-rukami/