The ATF I saw on a customer's Chevy Aveo was like used motor oil at 75k miles. They wanted it done after I recommended it. I made the machine flush 8 quarts through it. Still brown. Another 4 quarts and it was reddish brown. And finally after 4 more quarts it was clean on the dipstick. Totaled 16 quarts of ATF to flush that tiny transmission. Thing shifted like a dream after that too lol.
I like to show family members and people I know how to check these fluids and do basic auto maintenance. Surprisingly some believe you need a certified mechanic to even just check fluid levels(new cars like to hide everything under the hood so I can see that issue). I use your videos Eric to leave as a reference if they get lost again! Even I learn new things from watching your channel. Take care!
Great video with very good explanations about checking transmission fluid levels on different vehicles. I do NOT want to be within 10 Light Years of a car without a transmission or engine oil dipstick. Whoever came up with the idea of doing away with dipsticks in cars should be ashamed imo.
I had a 95 Hyundai Elantra that needed to be warmed up, running and in NEUTRAL, not park to check the transmission fluid level. Thank you Eric for your videos.
Those locking dip sticks were a recall on 89 or 90 trucks. They originally had a standard dip stick but had some sort of issue with them sealing or puking fluid or something. I had a new 89 and I'm pretty sure remember getting the actual stick in the mail via gm.
I am a Veteran and I perform Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services on my Personal Owned Vehicles. I will always start at the front and go in either a clock/counter clock pattern checking for damage and any fluid leaks. Before running the engine I will check coolant and oil levels. After doing that I will start the engine and run it until the temperature starts to climb. I will then apply the brakes and shift through each gear and hold for 45-60 seconds in each gear. After do that, operating temperature is reached and then I check the transmission level.
Thank you for your sacrifices for this country and its people. I’m so sorry for what this country has become. May god be with you and I hope you live a long and healthy and happy life ❤️
Thanks Eric... I appreciate it. That’s why I follow you and Eric O. Of south main auto.. two individuals that are good at what they do.... Oh and can not forget DE boss garage... HERE WE GO!!
It’s pretty ridiculous that today’s vehicle manufacturers try and pass off a sealed transmission, with no way to even check level or change fluid, to vehicle buyers like it’s as good or even in the same category as a properly maintained conventional automatic transmission where you can check and change the fluid. Good video Eric.
We had a 2016 Mazda 6. There was no mention of any way to check the fluid in the Mazda 6 transmission. It simply said it was a sealed unit as I recall. Upon further investigation it does have a dipstick but you have to remove the air filter including the housing for the filter to find it. Then you have to remove the bolt that bolts it to the transmission and you'll find it. They just don't want us to know. Duh?
Good video and happy to be a premium member (again). I guess I'm just too old, but I am still not sure sealed transmissions are smart. But that's the way most auto makers seem to be going.
Just doing some google searching and apparently a lot of sealed transmissions still have ability to change transmission filter which would mean you also are changing (most of) the transmission fluid. Would love other info.
'Sealed for life' is normally only 100k km/miles still needs to be looked at. They were getting more and more failures with people using the wrong fluid or fill marks, plus gives the dealers another income stream.
If i see a "sealed" unit among the cars i service for friends and family, i always chop them up and put a fill and drain bung in them. That stuff is just the manufacturer making money on you. Sure, excuses can be made that "but they put gas in that hole" or whatever, but at the end of the day, THAT, would've meant more money in their pocket, so when you clear away the bullshit, it's always "yeah, let's see how much more money can we make off poor sods by incesting a system where they can't deal with arguably the most important component and they have to replace it or service it somewhere WE get revenue". F*ck'em. F*ck'em long and hard.
Thank you Eric for an intuitive how to properly check transmission fluid on a level surface at operating temperature . Always remember to use vehicle specific ATF ie: dexron, mercon, multi vehicle synthetic, CVT and type F (old Fords 1970's. If your transmission slips and reengages making a bump feeling it might be low on fluid . Always keep at least a quart on hand to add as needed but NEVER overfill . ATF fluid expands with heat which is why it needs checking at operating temp .
I always check my automatic transmission fluid when the engine is cold like oil check. So I was doing the wrong thing all the time. Thanks for the tip👌
Great Video As Always Eric.. I Have A Citroen C4 Auto EGS Box 6 Speed ... But This Auto Box Takes 70/80w Gear Box Oil And Not Auto Transmission Fluid ... Just Because You Have An Automatic Box ... Make Sure That You Understand Or Your Going To Have A Very Costly Bill When You Get It Wrong ! Thanks For All Your Great Tips Eric..Much Love N Peace
You should also run it through all the gears with your foot on the brake and park brake set. And then put it back in park to check it that gets oil until all the passage ways so so that you don't come up short.
It’s crazy how far you’ve come in terms of subscribers! Just watched a video of you thanking your 100 subs lol! Congrats man! You’ve helped me and continue to help me a lot! 🤙
Remember that a transmission warms up to temperature at or above 160 degrees up to 200 degrees and the motor will be up to temperature much faster than transmission fluid and you can start your engine and let it idle to bring automatic transmission fluid and it can take over a hour for it to reach operating temperature so make sure to drive the vehicle for 10 to fifteen minutes and in cold weather even longer it gets operational much after motor temperature.
Thanks for this video. Its nice hearing that on Honda Odyssey you do not have the engine running. This went against everything I learned about GM vehicles.
Wow....no dipstsick is one thing...but sealing a transmission permanently? That's one of the most underhanded, conniving things the engineers could have done. So simple to engineer in two threaded holes, but no..seal it off completely so the only options the customers have when the transmission blows are -buy a new car -replace transmission. They're designed to fail soon after the manufacturers warranty expires too. Seriously, why dont they just sell cars with no opening hood or accessible engine compartment, no engine oil drain or fill cap, no coolant reservoir or radiator cap, heck, no gas cap! Car rolls off the line with a full tank of gas, and when it runs out you gotta buy a new car! Basically the same thing. Disgusting.
None of them are truly sealed. They just want you to believe they are. They have drain plugs and fill plugs and they have ways of making sure they are filled and not overfilled. It just isn't simple. They only want trained technicians to do the service. Keep searching and you should find the videos.
Thanks for helping me understand the dipstick of the transmission. I changed our transmission fluid today and I put a full gallon into our car. I may need to drain some fluid.
Eric inspires me. His knowledge and personality is perfect for TH-cam! I can only hope to be half the personality. I've got some very cool projects in the works. Thanks for being amazing, hope to meet you someday!
When i fill auto-f the first time i do it with one of those horse sized syringes. Makes it easy to figure out the graduations on the dip stick, which i then mark with a fine scribe on one of the sides. Subsequent changes make life soooo much easier.
Sir Carguy.... Sometimes the manuals are wrong or dont give nearly enough information. Even the FSM doesn't seem to give you the details you want. Like in the case of my 2010 Acura RDX, the manual says a drain and fill is 3.0qt, but nobody ever seems to get less than 4qt out of a warm transmission on a level surface. The car community is not sure why, but I think they were assuming the front was lifted and you were going to get relatively less fluid out on a change. I find that when I check my Toyota fluid, the level is high when its cold and not running thus it needs to be brought up to operating temperature before reading the dipstick, but it has a cold and hot reading on the stick. I find that Honda reads low and has to be brought up to temperature to measure the expansion, but they dont have a cold reading on the stick either so its more akin to checking oil in a honda lawnmower. Sealed transmissions with stand pipes are a frigg'n joke imho they're trying to use to keep people out of them but the guy over at Mercedesresource .com thinks that the tiniest bit of lint from a paper towel going into your gearbox will mess up shifting so the engineers sealed customers out of it to reduce warranty cases. He might have a point, but that seems kind of extreme. I dont go to mechanics because I find nobody treats your car better (or worse) than its owner and I'm gonna save a buck where I can. However, for the first time in 25 years and due to an emergency, I had to use a local transmission shop who I've been told does good and fair work. They replaced a pitch mount on my RDX and I only asked them to _check_ the fluid level. I was told it was fine. I just discovered they put more than 2 extra quarts in the case 6 months later. Its my fault for not checking over their work immediately, but hey - because professional. Even if you dont work on it, knowing the basic measurements is important. Preventing the average person from doing this is a horrible philosophy. Even dealerships can do bad work.
@EricTheCarGuy I'm actually having problems with my 99 Odyssey transmission. Didn't know it had a magnetic filter at the oil cooler, it blew off after years of neglect. I replaced it, added fluid, now first and second gear are shot to hell!
Thanks, Eric!! I have a 2001 Accord and I was getting ready to check the trans fluid when this video popped up. Didn’t know the vehicle had to be off when checking. Thanks a bunch!!
Chrysler gives you a dipstick tube but no dipstick. At a recent dealer service interval I asked them to use their dipstick ( it has fancy temperature sensors attached) and verify it is full. Then I carefully inserted a flat piece of wire into the tube and marked it with a sharpie..instant dipstick.
Eric, it's transmission that has to be at operating temp, not the engine. Trans fluid won't necessarily be hot even if motor is. I think you know that but missed it in the video .
Was thinking the same thing, atf expands as it heats up so if it in the hot mark area and not actually hot, when it expands it will be over that mark for sure
And thanks Eric your video really helped me I went right down stairs and fixed my transmission level. I overfilled it earlier in the day and I had to make an improvised suction device to remove some. The check you did at the beginning of the video on your truck was similar to mine and I added a whole court by accident when I only should have added half so thank you so much probably saved my transmission.
Very good video.Showing me the dipstick answered my question.The fluid seems to mark around the middle correct?Even though it does not cover the entire end of the dipstick measure part.
Eric. I absolutely love your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Two questions: Is it bad to have the ATF level is too high? And, if the ATF is "not serviceable" how does that fluid ever get changed? I have two hondas and I do a drain and fill on them but the filters aren't serviceable and I don't like that at all.
I have a ‘91 Chevy like yours and I just changed the trans filter. How much trans fluid do I need to put back in? I pulled out like 3-4 quarts of old fluid.
The temperature of the coolant won't effect the level of the trans fluid.... trans temps tend to stay pretty cold while it's just idling, driving the car/truck for 45 minutes to an hour will actually have a more accurate reading, rather then just letting the coolant get hot.
In the Aussie Falcons, the EA through EF had a dipstick. Then with the EL onwards, the exact same transmission became ‘sealed for life’. There is a fill plug on these.
Hi Eric, checking the fluid level on my Vito W639 is very tricky. There is no dipstick so I bought one but it doesn't have a flat blade at the bottom, just a coiled wire. I think I'll add a flat blade to it tomorrow! That should be easier to read
@ 0:23 had that been the transmission temperature Gage I would have been good. In this case the "Transmission" could be cold yet the engine hot or normal, best to drive 10 to 15 miles and then check if it has not been driven since cold.
I have read so much on when to check the level like for example some say drive it a few blocks then check, some say let it idle up to temp then check, and my manual doesn’t speak of anything out of the ordinary but depending on which method I use to check I can get very different results which creates an issue
suckkksss i recently got a 2010 tundra and doing my usual replacing fluids after i bought it and found out shortly it was a sealed transmission. im assuming the only way to have it done is a shop. usually i do these things myself but at the same time i dont have the tools to do a proper sealed transmission job. I mean it shifts and drives amazingly its just man. i can see that being somewhat pricey to have done. i could be wrong but idk.
Before checking the ATF level you first need to make sure that the Thermostat and Fan Clutch is working properly. Most old cars the thermostat is located at the top radiator hose. It will not take more than 10 minutes for the engine to reach normal operating temp by idling if the thermostat is working propely. Ford's Owner Manual says: The transmission fluid should be checked at normal ATF operating temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20 miles) of driving. You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
I actually had a useful and relevant ad! :) I wonder why you can't just check the transmission fluid when cold and the engine not running. Is it that different from an engine? It also has a pump, lots of passages, set amount in torque converter, set amount in the lines, cooler...
I have a 1970 Chrysler with a 727auto. The dipstick says "check in NEUTRAL" And I belive there`s a quite a difference if you check it in neutral instead of in PARK as you usually do.
If you want your Honda to sound like its got a super charger, Top it with Dextron 2 ATF. If you have left over top off your Power steering as well. Its great for cornering!
It might be the vehicle differences but I thought the Hot and Cold had to deal with the transmission itself rather than the engine tempurature. Not sure tho?
best to run a cheap scan tool and read the trans temp from the tool and make sure you are reading the dip stick at the temp the manufacture tells you to read it at. This is one of those thing things you got to read the manual for and is different per car.
Bardia Ghajari Mercedes has gone to a similar scheme. They recently stopped installing a fill/dip stick tube on the Sprinter vans. You drain and fill through the same hole. It requires special fill equipment. After you have refilled it, you bring it up to temperature and using the scan tool verify that temp. Then you raise the vehicle running and remove the drain plug, when it reduces to a drip, reinstall the plug and you are done. There is a “stand” pipe attached to the drain port that is at the proper run level for the transmission. It’s goofy and it is to complicate the process so you have to bring it in. I work for a major shipping company and we have to deal with them. It’s not difficult, and you can work around it, you just have to have the knowledge of how it works.
I found this out the hard way on my Toyota Camry. A warmed up engine is NOT a warmed up transmission. The transmission and the fluid in it need to be at the transmission's normal operating temperature. You only get that by driving the car around. Warming the engine up to operating temperature in your garage will not do it. If you fill the transmission fluid up to the "full" mark with only a warmed up engine, the transmission will be over filled after you have had your car out on the road. Check it out.
Most transmissions don’t free flow to the cooler they have a thermostatic bypass valve which allows the transmission to maintain operating temp by keeping the fluid circulating without leaving. Similar to a thermostat in cooling system on an engine. It both helps build the heat and allows the fluid to absorb the heat to be sent down to the cooler to be stripped from the fluid. Your trans does take abit longer to get to operating temp. But for quick easy reference you indeed can fill you’re transmission to the cold mark go for a boot around the block to warm up the fluid then check. If it’s got cold fluid and it’s on the cold mark it’ll generally expand and read hot when hot. Always check it tho. Majority of vehicles will have to be running to check it the pump needs to be circulating the fluid the level must always be a the indicated mark if you fill it without running it the second you start it she’s sucked dry. Fords like to be checked idling in park where as dodge is idling in neutral. The dipstick lots of times will tell you on it whether it’s idle and park etc
I have a 04 Honda Odyssey the manual said there's a place above the transmission dipstick to put fluid in but also said if there's not one you have to put it in the dipstick transmission tube I could not find a funnel to fit in that transmission tube so I bought me a long funnel and a male air fitting it fits perfect and the dipstick tube so I cut the end of the funnel and screwed the air fitting and the funnel tight and super glue. It and it works well just letting people know
I have no questions and no comment so I’m just saying this so that I leave some type of writing mark for Erik da kar gi so he can make a living. I like the video as well. 💨 💨 💨 😔
Eric, my vehicle has sealed transmission. How can i change the fluid? Of course i can drain it. But how to fill it to the right level? I want to DIY. Can you help me? Thanks bro! More power! 👍🏻
Thanks I feel so dumet double check what to do my husband always taught me things and working on cars it saves you money but really show how much I payed attention lol thank God for you tube my teacher
Checking my Toyota Solara, it smears all on one side. Tried about a dozen times. Tried rotating the dip stick and slightly bent it (I guess it goes in one way, especially now).
The ATF I saw on a customer's Chevy Aveo was like used motor oil at 75k miles. They wanted it done after I recommended it. I made the machine flush 8 quarts through it. Still brown. Another 4 quarts and it was reddish brown. And finally after 4 more quarts it was clean on the dipstick. Totaled 16 quarts of ATF to flush that tiny transmission. Thing shifted like a dream after that too lol.
I like to show family members and people I know how to check these fluids and do basic auto maintenance. Surprisingly some believe you need a certified mechanic to even just check fluid levels(new cars like to hide everything under the hood so I can see that issue). I use your videos Eric to leave as a reference if they get lost again! Even I learn new things from watching your channel. Take care!
Great video with very good explanations about checking transmission fluid levels on different vehicles. I do NOT want to be within 10 Light Years of a car without a transmission or engine oil dipstick. Whoever came up with the idea of doing away with dipsticks in cars should be ashamed imo.
“Lifetime transmission fluid?” Sounds about as logical as a “lifetime guarantee” on a warranty for a pacemaker...
Reminds me of "Light a man a fire and you'll keep him warm for the night. Light a man on fire and you'll keep him warm for the rest of his life"
@@johnbarbero757 You know John i asked a man who almost burned to death how he was feeling he said cold once it stopped feeling hot which was quick.
😂😂
Well. The Trent fluid could be lifetime. Most new cars don't have dipsticks
Lol
Thank you for posting a simple, direct video on how to property check transmission fluid, something frequently done incorrectly.
Clear, concise, and helpful! As always "when in doubt, read the manual"
If only my manual had the information!
This video is full of the right info. Audio is very clear.
Great video!
Just checked our Honda and yes, hot from use but not running.
Oil is pink, no burnt toast smell, and smack on the Max line. Perfect!
Straight to the point, unlike a lot of other videos on here. Good work.
I had a 95 Hyundai Elantra that needed to be warmed up, running and in NEUTRAL, not park to check the transmission fluid level. Thank you Eric for your videos.
Those locking dip sticks were a recall on 89 or 90 trucks. They originally had a standard dip stick but had some sort of issue with them sealing or puking fluid or something. I had a new 89 and I'm pretty sure remember getting the actual stick in the mail via gm.
I am a Veteran and I perform Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services on my Personal Owned Vehicles. I will always start at the front and go in either a clock/counter clock pattern checking for damage and any fluid leaks. Before running the engine I will check coolant and oil levels. After doing that I will start the engine and run it until the temperature starts to climb. I will then apply the brakes and shift through each gear and hold for 45-60 seconds in each gear. After do that, operating temperature is reached and then I check the transmission level.
Thank you for your sacrifices for this country and its people. I’m so sorry for what this country has become. May god be with you and I hope you live a long and healthy and happy life ❤️
Thanks Eric... I appreciate it. That’s why I follow you and Eric O. Of south main auto.. two individuals that are good at what they do....
Oh and can not forget DE boss garage...
HERE WE GO!!
It’s pretty ridiculous that today’s vehicle manufacturers try and pass off a sealed transmission, with no way to even check level or change fluid, to vehicle buyers like it’s as good or even in the same category as a properly maintained conventional automatic transmission where you can check and change the fluid.
Good video Eric.
Only a Fool would buy a new car.
We had a 2016 Mazda 6. There was no mention of any way to check the fluid in the Mazda 6 transmission. It simply said it was a sealed unit as I recall. Upon further investigation it does have a dipstick but you have to remove the air filter including the housing for the filter to find it. Then you have to remove the bolt that bolts it to the transmission and you'll find it. They just don't want us to know. Duh?
What can money don't do this days.
To be fair, as long as the sealed transmission has a check plug/valve it’s pretty simple to change.
Good video and happy to be a premium member (again). I guess I'm just too old, but I am still not sure sealed transmissions are smart. But that's the way most auto makers seem to be going.
Just doing some google searching and apparently a lot of sealed transmissions still have ability to change transmission filter which would mean you also are changing (most of) the transmission fluid. Would love other info.
'Sealed for life' is normally only 100k km/miles still needs to be looked at.
They were getting more and more failures with people using the wrong fluid or fill marks, plus gives the dealers another income stream.
100K kms = 62K miles
Just like how ford has that new “fly by wire” front end. It’s too put planed company’s out of business
If i see a "sealed" unit among the cars i service for friends and family, i always chop them up and put a fill and drain bung in them. That stuff is just the manufacturer making money on you. Sure, excuses can be made that "but they put gas in that hole" or whatever, but at the end of the day, THAT, would've meant more money in their pocket, so when you clear away the bullshit, it's always "yeah, let's see how much more money can we make off poor sods by incesting a system where they can't deal with arguably the most important component and they have to replace it or service it somewhere WE get revenue". F*ck'em. F*ck'em long and hard.
Thank you Eric for an intuitive how to properly check transmission fluid on a level surface at operating temperature . Always remember to use vehicle specific ATF ie: dexron, mercon, multi vehicle synthetic, CVT and type F (old Fords 1970's. If your transmission slips and reengages making a bump feeling it might be low on fluid . Always keep at least a quart on hand to add as needed but NEVER overfill . ATF fluid expands with heat which is why it needs checking at operating temp .
Brian's Back! Hi Brian! Thanks Eric.
I always check my automatic transmission fluid when the engine is cold like oil check. So I was doing the wrong thing all the time. Thanks for the tip👌
Great Video As Always Eric.. I Have A Citroen C4 Auto EGS Box 6 Speed ... But This Auto Box Takes 70/80w Gear Box Oil And Not Auto Transmission Fluid ... Just Because You Have An Automatic Box ... Make Sure That You Understand Or Your Going To Have A Very Costly Bill When You Get It Wrong ! Thanks For All Your Great Tips Eric..Much Love N Peace
You should also run it through all the gears with your foot on the brake and park brake set. And then put it back in park to check it that gets oil until all the passage ways so so that you don't come up short.
It’s crazy how far you’ve come in terms of subscribers! Just watched a video of you thanking your 100 subs lol! Congrats man! You’ve helped me and continue to help me a lot! 🤙
Excellent sound/ recording quality. I hardly find videos such as this on YT.
Remember that a transmission warms up to temperature at or above 160 degrees up to 200 degrees and the motor will be up to temperature much faster than transmission fluid and you can start your engine and let it idle to bring automatic transmission fluid and it can take over a hour for it to reach operating temperature so make sure to drive the vehicle for 10 to fifteen minutes and in cold weather even longer it gets operational much after motor temperature.
Simple direct video on how check transmission fluid.. Thank you Eric..
Thanks for this video. Its nice hearing that on Honda Odyssey you do not have the engine running. This went against everything I learned about GM vehicles.
I hate unserviceable transmissions. This is very helpful info. Eric the Beard Guy!
Thanks Eric! Good to see you still helping all of us remember/learn the basics.
Wow....no dipstsick is one thing...but sealing a transmission permanently? That's one of the most underhanded, conniving things the engineers could have done. So simple to engineer in two threaded holes, but no..seal it off completely so the only options the customers have when the transmission blows are -buy a new car -replace transmission. They're designed to fail soon after the manufacturers warranty expires too. Seriously, why dont they just sell cars with no opening hood or accessible engine compartment, no engine oil drain or fill cap, no coolant reservoir or radiator cap, heck, no gas cap! Car rolls off the line with a full tank of gas, and when it runs out you gotta buy a new car! Basically the same thing. Disgusting.
None of them are truly sealed. They just want you to believe they are. They have drain plugs and fill plugs and they have ways of making sure they are filled and not overfilled. It just isn't simple. They only want trained technicians to do the service. Keep searching and you should find the videos.
Lifetime Transmission Fluid - When the fluid goes bad, your transmission's lifetime ends. 😛
exactly
It is mind-boggling that such a thing as non-serviceable transmissions exist.
@@tiny_toilet Its like how they make 1000 dollar phones where its difficult to change the battery.
Excellent video as usual Eric. I don't even have an automatic but I watch you anyway to support you!
Thanks for helping me understand the dipstick of the transmission. I changed our transmission fluid today and I put a full gallon into our car. I may need to drain some fluid.
Eric inspires me. His knowledge and personality is perfect for TH-cam! I can only hope to be half the personality. I've got some very cool projects in the works. Thanks for being amazing, hope to meet you someday!
Great video sir. To the point, well edited and well explained.
.b
😂❤❤] ]
When i fill auto-f the first time i do it with one of those horse sized syringes. Makes it easy to figure out the graduations on the dip stick, which i then mark with a fine scribe on one of the sides. Subsequent changes make life soooo much easier.
Sir Carguy.... Sometimes the manuals are wrong or dont give nearly enough information. Even the FSM doesn't seem to give you the details you want. Like in the case of my 2010 Acura RDX, the manual says a drain and fill is 3.0qt, but nobody ever seems to get less than 4qt out of a warm transmission on a level surface. The car community is not sure why, but I think they were assuming the front was lifted and you were going to get relatively less fluid out on a change. I find that when I check my Toyota fluid, the level is high when its cold and not running thus it needs to be brought up to operating temperature before reading the dipstick, but it has a cold and hot reading on the stick. I find that Honda reads low and has to be brought up to temperature to measure the expansion, but they dont have a cold reading on the stick either so its more akin to checking oil in a honda lawnmower. Sealed transmissions with stand pipes are a frigg'n joke imho they're trying to use to keep people out of them but the guy over at Mercedesresource .com thinks that the tiniest bit of lint from a paper towel going into your gearbox will mess up shifting so the engineers sealed customers out of it to reduce warranty cases. He might have a point, but that seems kind of extreme. I dont go to mechanics because I find nobody treats your car better (or worse) than its owner and I'm gonna save a buck where I can. However, for the first time in 25 years and due to an emergency, I had to use a local transmission shop who I've been told does good and fair work. They replaced a pitch mount on my RDX and I only asked them to _check_ the fluid level. I was told it was fine. I just discovered they put more than 2 extra quarts in the case 6 months later. Its my fault for not checking over their work immediately, but hey - because professional. Even if you dont work on it, knowing the basic measurements is important. Preventing the average person from doing this is a horrible philosophy. Even dealerships can do bad work.
@EricTheCarGuy I'm actually having problems with my 99 Odyssey transmission. Didn't know it had a magnetic filter at the oil cooler, it blew off after years of neglect. I replaced it, added fluid, now first and second gear are shot to hell!
Odyssey trans are known for trouble. For a Mini Van, Toyota is the choice, not Honda.
Thanks, Eric!! I have a 2001 Accord and I was getting ready to check the trans fluid when this video popped up. Didn’t know the vehicle had to be off when checking. Thanks a bunch!!
Chrysler gives you a dipstick tube but no dipstick. At a recent dealer service interval I asked them to use their dipstick ( it has fancy temperature sensors attached) and verify it is full. Then I carefully inserted a flat piece of wire into the tube and marked it with a sharpie..instant dipstick.
Eric, it's transmission that has to be at operating temp, not the engine. Trans fluid won't necessarily be hot even if motor is. I think you know that but missed it in the video .
Was thinking the same thing, atf expands as it heats up so if it in the hot mark area and not actually hot, when it expands it will be over that mark for sure
I saw a article online saying you should drive the vehicle for about 20 to 30 mins and check the fluid
And thanks Eric your video really helped me I went right down stairs and fixed my transmission level. I overfilled it earlier in the day and I had to make an improvised suction device to remove some. The check you did at the beginning of the video on your truck was similar to mine and I added a whole court by accident when I only should have added half so thank you so much probably saved my transmission.
Very good video.Showing me the dipstick answered my question.The fluid seems to mark around the middle correct?Even though it does not cover the entire end of the dipstick measure part.
Thanks for the good instructions, I have a 96 Chevy and I was unsure if I was checking it right, this video helped.
Eric. I absolutely love your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Two questions: Is it bad to have the ATF level is too high? And, if the ATF is "not serviceable" how does that fluid ever get changed? I have two hondas and I do a drain and fill on them but the filters aren't serviceable and I don't like that at all.
great video, right to the point and no theatrics/music!
Thanks the half quart information is good to know
Thanks Eric I couldn't know how to read when it says cold and hot but I learned now. I really appreciated 🙏
You’re supposed to drive the vehicle before checking it. Transmission doesn’t get fluid pumped through it unless it is driving.
I have a ‘91 Chevy like yours and I just changed the trans filter. How much trans fluid do I need to put back in? I pulled out like 3-4 quarts of old fluid.
The temperature of the coolant won't effect the level of the trans fluid.... trans temps tend to stay pretty cold while it's just idling, driving the car/truck for 45 minutes to an hour will actually have a more accurate reading, rather then just letting the coolant get hot.
إيريك .. أنت الأفضل على الإطلاق .. بانتظار الجديد دائما.
Loved that Pikachu poster, got me hooked for sure.
great video Eric, have a good weekend!
Thanks! You too.
A trick: you can watch movies on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.
@Solomon Kendall yup, been watching on flixzone for months myself =)
@Solomon Kendall yup, I have been watching on flixzone for since december myself =)
Have a good weekday
In the Aussie Falcons, the EA through EF had a dipstick. Then with the EL onwards, the exact same transmission became ‘sealed for life’. There is a fill plug on these.
your advice on this matter was very helpful and may saved me some money. much appreciated... thank you mr. eric !
Some cars manual also says you have to cycle all gears through before checking the fluid level.
Hi Eric, checking the fluid level on my Vito W639 is very tricky. There is no dipstick so I bought one but it doesn't have a flat blade at the bottom, just a coiled wire. I think I'll add a flat blade to it tomorrow! That should be easier to read
Sir, you should be the Speaker of the House or Speaker of the President.❣️
@ 0:23 had that been the transmission temperature Gage I would have been good. In this case the "Transmission" could be cold yet the engine hot or normal, best to drive 10 to 15 miles and then check if it has not been driven since cold.
I have read so much on when to check the level like for example some say drive it a few blocks then check, some say let it idle up to temp then check, and my manual doesn’t speak of anything out of the ordinary but depending on which method I use to check I can get very different results which creates an issue
Yup, time to do a transmission fluid change video on the Odyssey! =D
You were mentioned on the latest Joe Rogan podcast will Bill Burr. Just thought you should know, these guys really like your videos.
suckkksss i recently got a 2010 tundra and doing my usual replacing fluids after i bought it and found out shortly it was a sealed transmission. im assuming the only way to have it done is a shop. usually i do these things myself but at the same time i dont have the tools to do a proper sealed transmission job. I mean it shifts and drives amazingly its just man. i can see that being somewhat pricey to have done. i could be wrong but idk.
Nissan CVT's are full when you get one drip per second from the inspection hole at 95 Degrees trans temp. (Murano)
Never buy a car with a cvt
What about the nissan cvt transmissions?
Must use toilet to because those things are shit
How does transmission fluid get Low on the Dipstick ?
Before checking the ATF level you first need to make sure that the Thermostat and Fan Clutch is working properly. Most old cars the thermostat is located at the top radiator hose. It will not take more than 10 minutes for the engine to reach normal operating temp by idling if the thermostat is working propely.
Ford's Owner Manual says: The transmission fluid should be checked at normal ATF operating temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
Have you got a video showing the cleanest DIY options to put ATF in through the dipstick hole please?
Hey Eric, I would like to see your take on changing the power steering pump on a GM 3800. I have a 07 Buick Lucern.
Found this incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Eric you always give pretty good advice. Thank you for all the videos.
You kinda remind me of Robert Rodriguez The film director.
I actually had a useful and relevant ad! :)
I wonder why you can't just check the transmission fluid when cold and the engine not running. Is it that different from an engine? It also has a pump, lots of passages, set amount in torque converter, set amount in the lines, cooler...
The fluid expands as it heats up.
Nice video eric and thanks for the tips!
I have a 1970 Chrysler with a 727auto. The dipstick says "check in NEUTRAL" And I belive there`s a quite a difference if you check it in neutral instead of in PARK as you usually do.
Park and neutral are just about the same, however, if the manufacture instructs to check it in neutral, check it in neutral.
You have a great speaking voice. You should consider a job in the media.
Back to the basics... I like it.
Info is as clear as crystal 😎
Helping you make a living, lol, thanks Eric
I appreciate it. Thank you!
Great teaching voice. Very listenable.
I wish if I could be your student learning from you step by step I like the video and I learned alot thanks for sharing.
If you want your Honda to sound like its got a super charger, Top it with Dextron 2 ATF. If you have left over top off your Power steering as well. Its great for cornering!
It might be the vehicle differences but I thought the Hot and Cold had to deal with the transmission itself rather than the engine tempurature. Not sure tho?
Most cars route the tran fluid through the radiator for cooling, so if the engine is up to operating temps, the trans fluid should be there too right?
best to run a cheap scan tool and read the trans temp from the tool and make sure you are reading the dip stick at the temp the manufacture tells you to read it at. This is one of those thing things you got to read the manual for and is different per car.
Bardia Ghajari Mercedes has gone to a similar scheme. They recently stopped installing a fill/dip stick tube on the Sprinter vans. You drain and fill through the same hole. It requires special fill equipment. After you have refilled it, you bring it up to temperature and using the scan tool verify that temp. Then you raise the vehicle running and remove the drain plug, when it reduces to a drip, reinstall the plug and you are done. There is a “stand” pipe attached to the drain port that is at the proper run level for the transmission. It’s goofy and it is to complicate the process so you have to bring it in. I work for a major shipping company and we have to deal with them. It’s not difficult, and you can work around it, you just have to have the knowledge of how it works.
I found this out the hard way on my Toyota Camry. A warmed up engine is NOT a warmed up transmission. The transmission and the fluid in it need to be at the transmission's normal operating temperature. You only get that by driving the car around. Warming the engine up to operating temperature in your garage will not do it. If you fill the transmission fluid up to the "full" mark with only a warmed up engine, the transmission will be over filled after you have had your car out on the road. Check it out.
Most transmissions don’t free flow to the cooler they have a thermostatic bypass valve which allows the transmission to maintain operating temp by keeping the fluid circulating without leaving. Similar to a thermostat in cooling system on an engine. It both helps build the heat and allows the fluid to absorb the heat to be sent down to the cooler to be stripped from the fluid. Your trans does take abit longer to get to operating temp. But for quick easy reference you indeed can fill you’re transmission to the cold mark go for a boot around the block to warm up the fluid then check. If it’s got cold fluid and it’s on the cold mark it’ll generally expand and read hot when hot. Always check it tho. Majority of vehicles will have to be running to check it the pump needs to be circulating the fluid the level must always be a the indicated mark if you fill it without running it the second you start it she’s sucked dry. Fords like to be checked idling in park where as dodge is idling in neutral. The dipstick lots of times will tell you on it whether it’s idle and park etc
Hi Eric you are a good mechanic better then the mechanic that did work on my 21 year old son. My son car is still the same.
Why don't all vehicle builders put drain plugs and external filters like engine oil?
$$$$ ... Less for you, more for them.
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks
Thanks Eric. Did you hear Bill Burr chatting up your channel on the Joe Rogan podcast? Pretty cool
I have a 04 Honda Odyssey the manual said there's a place above the transmission dipstick to put fluid in but also said if there's not one you have to put it in the dipstick transmission tube I could not find a funnel to fit in that transmission tube so I bought me a long funnel and a male air fitting it fits perfect and the dipstick tube so I cut the end of the funnel and screwed the air fitting and the funnel tight and super glue. It and it works well just letting people know
Love thos moonie gauges. Ised to have a 1990 in High-school. Single cab 305 stickshift
Executed in such a simple and elegant way.
I’ve heard of an owners manual but not a service manual - can anyone elaborate- good video Eric Cheers
I use a syringe and aquarium hose to get small amounts of transmission fluid out when I over fill
You have very nice voice. Almost like a news anchor.😄
I have no questions and no comment so I’m just saying this so that I leave some type of writing mark for Erik da kar gi so he can make a living. I like the video as well. 💨 💨 💨 😔
Thank you so much please keep the content going as I have subscribed
Had a Oldsmobile Alero first car I ever owned that didn't have a trans dipstick that is actually dumb in my opinion
Eric, my vehicle has sealed transmission. How can i change the fluid? Of course i can drain it. But how to fill it to the right level? I want to DIY. Can you help me? Thanks bro! More power! 👍🏻
You'll need to consult the service manual for your vehicle. Link in the description to where you might find one.
Thanks 😊👍🏻
Thanks I feel so dumet double check what to do my husband always taught me things and working on cars it saves you money but really show how much I payed attention lol thank God for you tube my teacher
Checking my Toyota Solara, it smears all on one side. Tried about a dozen times. Tried rotating the dip stick and slightly bent it (I guess it goes in one way, especially now).
Its insane how hard it is to read the level on a lot of cars. Design flaw there somewhere.
Better still, just drive stick shifts
Sure, but just try to buy one on the new Ford Ranger. :-(
@@machintelligence u can
Very thorough and well explained thanks!! You're a really good teacher.👍👍👍