this hack works great for me. i have a small leak in a cooler line crimp. i fixed it 99% with hose clamps. now i can easily accurately maintain trans oil level without over filling it.
One other trick for some vehicles. Check to see if some earlier model years of the vehicle had a dipstick. For example, my son's 07 Liberty has the stupid cap like the video. Earlier model years (same engine/transmission) had a dipstick so I grabbed a dipstick for $2 from a u-pull junkyard. Verified the markings on it with one of the charts mentioned in the video and found it was an exact match. It's too long to leave in the tube but works great so i just keep it in my garage. I find it easier to use/read than the Dorman universal style one. Just be glad if it still has a tube, I'd like to smack the ZF 6HP26 and Ford 6R80 engineers.
I knew if I kept searching on here, I'd find exactly what I was looking for. There had to be a Cheat Sheet. And walaaa. Here you were. Thank you so much. Lady friendly. 🌹
Except the transmission dipstick is about 4 feet long for the Patriot CVT transmission. The oil check dipstick isn't going to cut it. I have a 2012 Patriot also.
Good idea, but dipsticks don’t normally bottom out. How do you know that the length of the oil dipstick is the same as that of the transmission dipstick? I would think that when you know the oil level is correct (such as when the car is new or after a recent dealer service) you would want to check the hot level when it’s hot and the cold level when it’s cold to see if your tentative marks are correct.
how do you know if that dip stick is the correct length? Edit, I check the oil and trans dip sticks of my 3 vehicle and they are all different lengths(oil vs trans dip stick by at least 2"). A 2008 highlander v6, 2011 Rogue and 2014 CRV. Based on that this video advise is very poor information that can cause major issue to your trans. As the level will not be at the oem fuild level if you use a oil dip as your trans dip. Make sure you know the oem dip stick length before using it for your vehicle.
When you buy that $60 dipstick I only paid $30 but it gives the lengths that you are to slide into the tube so that you are at the right length. So I think you're leaving some information out.
Does the OEM tool touch the bottom of the housing? If so, this method sounds like it would be accurate. Sounds very important to get the temp right in low tolerance transmissions.
This is very helpful cus i have a 2012 chrysler 200 convertible and was wondering how do i check the transmission fluid. I just learned something new 😂😂😂
The fluid level from the end of the dipstick or the fluid level from the bottom of the reservoir? Because not all dipsticks are the same length so are you saying this works only if your dipstick can make it all the way to the bottom and that this chart is showing from the bottom of the reservoir?
NON USER.. serviceable exactly.. thanks.. I saw another one the Dodge Charger.. I saw it on another channel. makes says.. WOW. that is a cool use the OIL dipstick makes sense.. ..
Hi, I can see this method working with some cars where one can simply remove an overhead plug for the trans fluid, but not on Toyotas that have a plug on the side of the trans case.
But I feel the length of the after market dip stick will also affect the readings level right? Anyway, I think this is a great trick to get the first OEM trans level when vehicle is at operating temp. So I can use that as the perfect level for future references.
Or otherwise directly after you've done a transmission oil change, stick in your dipstick mark the level of oil and that should be full, obviosly as he said while idling, and then check your oil level again at operating temp and mark where the oil level is, that should give you quite an accurate idea of transmission fluid when cold and when hot. When the level goes below your marks add some fluid.
Don’t forget to mention to be sure to thoroughly wipe the trans fluid from the engine oil dipstick before attempting to reinstall the engine oil dipstick back into the oil dipstick hole and vice versa. You don’t want to cross contaminate these fluids
I have a 2018 Volvo XC60, which doesn’t have a transmission dipstick NOR an engine oil dipstick. Do you have a solution for measuring the engine oil? There’s a drawing that I can pull up on the center dashboard screen that will show an electronic measure. However, I would prefer a real dipstick so that I can also see if the oil is dirty or not.
Hey there Team Budget Mechanic, and other readers..... for my 2013 Mazda cx9 has a "venting button thing a majig:" which sits loosely on end of atf tube that doesn't unscrew. Still safe to pop it off? Cuz it prob won't go back on and stay after using your method to check level.
Hello, at first thank you for this video. But i have a question because i am a little bit confused. i looked for this fluid fill level chart. I have dodge caliber 2008. Like you told i understand the min and max level depending of the temperature. But this millimeters are for a special after market dipstick. how do you know that the millimeters of the dipstick for the motor oil are corresponding with this chart? Because is depends of the length of the dipstick . Thank you very much.
I really like that! First machine that actually explains everything. Can you email me a link to your website, so I can check there before I TH-cam anywhere else? Thanks!
Ok so that was excellent information however does one check for the cold reading mark when the vehicle is dead cold, like not running & in park overnite? And on the flip-side does the hot reading mark to be taken when the vehicle has been driven for a period of time & the engine is at operating temperature? Only thing I'm a bit fuzzy on. Everything else was spot on. Thanx...
Cold mark is for when vehicle hasn’t been running for a long time (3-4hrs?) and hot mark is after reaching operating temp (temp needle has stopped rising)
This video is great for a perfect world of car manufactures. I have 3 Nissans and Corvette that this does not apply to because the engine oil dipstick is too short and doesn't reach the fluid level in the transmission. You need a specific length and depth from the top of the dipstick in order for this to be a safe method. I personally would not use this method of checking the fluid. After 40 years of automotive design, I've seen a lot of ideas proposed and some you just should not try. This is one of them.
Do the Camrys have such a convenient plastic plug at the tranny as well.The info I also looking for is where is the place I can drill into the trans to install a tube and a dip stick?
Brilliant. Not a mechanic, but thought the oil dipstick could double up as a tranny CVT dipstick! Did not know if the dipstick would be long enough. For marking levels on the dipstick, I would use thin strips of duct tape... Just what I was looking for. Thanks a bunch. Subscribed.
Mostly newer vehicles the oil sticks are shorter than the transmission so it can’t be used for that so you better get one longer and keep it in your trunk
Hello i have a 2011 Toyota Avalon and its my understanding that i have no "plug" to access the tranny from up in the engine compartment. Is there in fact access without going under the car. Please any info would be helpful, and also your video is very interesting Thx
I have a 2018 all-wheel drive Tucson. My check engine light didn't even come on until I was a quart low. So I had no idea. I have literally been searching for my dipstick for the transmission since 2018. I had a hole in my front seal. I was on a 600 mile trip away from home. I took it to the shop. I want to pick it up... A lady with the white shirt and sculpted red nails... Told me not to worry about the leak.. it was a pinhole.. I asked the lady with the white shirt and sculpted nails where is the hole.. she said she had no idea. She also told me that they filled the transmission and it would be good for at least 5,000 miles. If she doesn't know where the hole is and how in the hell could she tell me that what the shop did actually will hold for 5,000 miles??? She told me to keep driving it and I will be fine. I asked her.. when I'm driving between South Carolina and Pennsylvania and break down in the middle of the night where is the dealership that I can take this too so I can get my transmission checked. I have no way to monitor this leak on my own. I did not take her advice because she said it would cost thousands in repair. I strongly did not believe this woman. I put my friend on an airplane sent her home. I then stayed where I was and drove the car hard like I would be out on the highway. The fix only lasted 80 miles... It's criminal that they do this to people. We want our dipsticks back
Great idea but a couple of issues. Toyotas don’t have a cap that closes off the old tube. It truly does not have any access to the transmissions other than the fill tube. Also, I’d forget about the graphs and what have you. I would do the normal procedure to make sure that the transmission fluid is at the proper level. Then I would score your oil dipstick when the car is cold and not started. And I would score another time after the car is operating temperature. Those two marks should get you what you need to check the fluid levels without getting too involved in charts and measurements on tape measure. What issues do you see with that approach?
Nice a little off topic I'm throwing a dual clutch code on my 2015' jeep Grand Cherokee Overland any help in ideas of cause solution cost etc. Sincerely,novice
Please Show review ZF 8H ATF Transmission Service Procedure for RWD 2019 Grand Cherokee Limited RWD 3.6L V6 Gas Engine with 8-Speed- ZF 8HP ATF Transmission
My Merc doesn't have an engine oil dipstick, and it is REALLY annoying, it would waite just until i'm on the freeway then the oil light will come on telling me to add 1 pint of engine oil, now I allways have a 1lt bottle of engine oil in the trunk incase, because buying i pint of oil at a filling station cost tripple the price. I have made myself a make shift dipstick, so I can check levels.
My car has the correct dipstick, but I can't reach the top of the filler pipe to add fluid because of obstacles in the engine bay impeding filler spout.. I may have to somehow fit an extension tube or pipe on to the filler container, it would have to be pliable to get around obstructions. Can anyone assist with alternative advice.
I’m putting my 68 mustang back on the road as a daily driver because forget buying a newer car at ridiculous prices then you can’t even work on anything anymore even simple stuff, I figure I will sell my car now and that will give me a vacation and more then enough money to do whatever upgrades I need for the mustang witch isn’t much. Kiss
Are you sure on all cars it's safe to stick a metal rod into a running system, could there be moving parts it will hit/damage? And be sure to whip oil off the dip-stick real well, mixing any oil into trany could be real bad.
Todo está bien solo que los videos son en inglés y aquí en México tenemos ese molesto problema que tenemos que comprar la balloneta para medir el aceite de la transmisión del craisler y muy pocos sabemos inglés traduselo al español por favor
this hack works great for me. i have a small leak in a cooler line crimp. i fixed it 99% with hose clamps. now i can easily accurately maintain trans oil level without over filling it.
It should be a crime for car manufacturers to make so difficult and have to purchase a tool to check it.
Where’d the fun in that be?
@@BudgetMechanicHawaii it's taking the fun out of it, obviously I want to be overcharged for something I could do in 5 mins
I totally agree they do it so we have to take it back to them to have it serviced!
How can Chrysler be so cheap as to not include a transmission dipstick, and just a cheap plastic plug? 😳
I think US governement should have a law about maintenacebility , design such only dealer can do with special equipment is monopoly
One other trick for some vehicles. Check to see if some earlier model years of the vehicle had a dipstick. For example, my son's 07 Liberty has the stupid cap like the video. Earlier model years (same engine/transmission) had a dipstick so I grabbed a dipstick for $2 from a u-pull junkyard. Verified the markings on it with one of the charts mentioned in the video and found it was an exact match. It's too long to leave in the tube but works great so i just keep it in my garage. I find it easier to use/read than the Dorman universal style one. Just be glad if it still has a tube, I'd like to smack the ZF 6HP26 and Ford 6R80 engineers.
I knew if I kept searching on here, I'd find exactly what I was looking for. There had to be a Cheat Sheet. And walaaa. Here you were. Thank you so much. Lady friendly. 🌹
Glad you found the video🤙🏽
Wala? 🙄
I have a jeep patriot 2012 and it's 60 bucks for the dip stick to order!!! Thank you for this video!
$12.82 Amazon prime will be delivered in two days. U s a.
Except the transmission dipstick is about 4 feet long for the Patriot CVT transmission. The oil check dipstick isn't going to cut it. I have a 2012 Patriot also.
Thanks!
You bet! And thank you!
Wow, this ingenious! Fortunately, I don't have any "modern" cars, mine all have those pesky transmission dip sticks :-)
I have a modern one and an old one, luckily they both have them!
@@KekeeBlacklucky you, both of you... Least it is a quick and easy way to make it work..
Good idea, but dipsticks don’t normally bottom out. How do you know that the length of the oil dipstick is the same as that of the transmission dipstick? I would think that when you know the oil level is correct (such as when the car is new or after a recent dealer service) you would want to check the hot level when it’s hot and the cold level when it’s cold to see if your tentative marks are correct.
Great straightforward info. Thanks, man.
Hi, thanks for this video, do I actually touch the bottom of the pan with the tip of of the stick ?
I love you!❤ Thanks so much! Even though i dont have that van, i am going to use this technique with all my vehicles ❤❤❤. Thank you!
I’m definitely going to do this going forward, great video
how do you know if that dip stick is the correct length?
Edit, I check the oil and trans dip sticks of my 3 vehicle and they are all different lengths(oil vs trans dip stick by at least 2"). A 2008 highlander v6, 2011 Rogue and 2014 CRV. Based on that this video advise is very poor information that can cause major issue to your trans. As the level will not be at the oem fuild level if you use a oil dip as your trans dip. Make sure you know the oem dip stick length before using it for your vehicle.
When you buy that $60 dipstick I only paid $30 but it gives the lengths that you are to slide into the tube so that you are at the right length. So I think you're leaving some information out.
Does the OEM tool touch the bottom of the housing? If so, this method sounds like it would be accurate. Sounds very important to get the temp right in low tolerance transmissions.
It shouldn't matter how long your dip stick is, as long as it goes all the way to the bottom.
I just bought the aftermarket dipstick yesterday. This video could've saved me 30 bucks...oh well. It was still helpful.
Nice!
This is very helpful cus i have a 2012 chrysler 200 convertible and was wondering how do i check the transmission fluid. I just learned something new 😂😂😂
Here too, for 2013 Volkswagen Passat se
The fluid level from the end of the dipstick or the fluid level from the bottom of the reservoir? Because not all dipsticks are the same length so are you saying this works only if your dipstick can make it all the way to the bottom and that this chart is showing from the bottom of the reservoir?
Yes, it's from the "stop" in the transmission pan..
NON USER.. serviceable exactly.. thanks.. I saw another one the Dodge Charger.. I saw it on another channel. makes says.. WOW. that is a cool use the OIL dipstick makes sense.. ..
Right on
Hi! Can you please share the link to the Dodge Charger video?
Thank you in advance!
Hi, I can see this method working with some cars where one can simply remove an overhead plug for the trans fluid, but not on Toyotas that have a plug on the side of the trans case.
Every toyota I've seen has a transmission dipstick though
I saw a video a fella made a custom little dipstick
Camry 2010 I owned doesn't have ATF dipstick. There's a dipstick for engine oil, not for transmission fluid (atf fluid).@@Bobby-cm7vu
But I feel the length of the after market dip stick will also affect the readings level right?
Anyway, I think this is a great trick to get the first OEM trans level when vehicle is at operating temp. So I can use that as the perfect level for future references.
to the point excellent job
Awesome! Extremely helpful! Thank you so much 😊
Or otherwise directly after you've done a transmission oil change, stick in your dipstick mark the level of oil and that should be full, obviosly as he said while idling, and then check your oil level again at operating temp and mark where the oil level is, that should give you quite an accurate idea of transmission fluid when cold and when hot. When the level goes below your marks add some fluid.
Don’t forget to mention to be sure to thoroughly wipe the trans fluid from the engine oil dipstick before attempting to reinstall the engine oil dipstick back into the oil dipstick hole and vice versa. You don’t want to cross contaminate these fluids
Very Smart Man 👍
Thanks 🤙🏽
I have a 2018 Volvo XC60, which doesn’t have a transmission dipstick NOR an engine oil dipstick.
Do you have a solution for measuring the engine oil?
There’s a drawing that I can pull up on the center dashboard screen that will show an electronic measure. However, I would prefer a real dipstick so that I can also see if the oil is dirty or not.
Good stuff here. Easy, succinct and no problemo. Thank you.
Very useful information, thank you!
Perfect! Thanks so much!
Great video! Start to finish!
Great tip Thanks !
Thank you. 👍 How do you fill without over filling? Any tips? Thanks in advance
I'll see of that will work on our 05 cadillac srx, Thanks.
Hey there Team Budget Mechanic, and other readers..... for my 2013 Mazda cx9 has a "venting button thing a majig:" which sits loosely on end of atf tube that doesn't unscrew. Still safe to pop it off? Cuz it prob won't go back on and stay after using your method to check level.
need help!, I have a jeep renegade trailhawk 2017, what is the high and low temperature?
My 2017 Nissan Rouge if u put oil dipstick it won't reach to bottom of pan no reading on dipstick won't work
Can I use this method on a 2009 Pontiac G6 and where would I find the tube to check it?
Hello, at first thank you for this video. But i have a question because i am a little bit confused. i looked for this fluid fill level chart. I have dodge caliber 2008. Like you told i understand the min and max level depending of the temperature. But this millimeters are for a special after market dipstick. how do you know that the millimeters of the dipstick for the motor oil are corresponding with this chart? Because is depends of the length of the dipstick . Thank you very much.
Great idea. Those dealerships are so darned greedy
They know what they’re doing!
I really like that! First machine that actually explains everything. Can you email me a link to your website, so I can check there before I TH-cam anywhere else? Thanks!
Ok so that was excellent information however does one check for the cold reading mark when the vehicle is dead cold, like not running & in park overnite? And on the flip-side does the hot reading mark to be taken when the vehicle has been driven for a period of time & the engine is at operating temperature? Only thing I'm a bit fuzzy on. Everything else was spot on. Thanx...
Cold mark is for when vehicle hasn’t been running for a long time (3-4hrs?) and hot mark is after reaching operating temp (temp needle has stopped rising)
This video is great for a perfect world of car manufactures. I have 3 Nissans and Corvette that this does not apply to because the engine oil dipstick is too short and doesn't reach the fluid level in the transmission. You need a specific length and depth from the top of the dipstick in order for this to be a safe method. I personally would not use this method of checking the fluid. After 40 years of automotive design, I've seen a lot of ideas proposed and some you just should not try. This is one of them.
How do you know the oil dipstick is the right length for trans. fluid. Seems like need the measurement from top of dipstick tube.
Good job brother
Thanks
I'm sure going to try this. Very helpful
where can i get the Nissan versa level fliud , temp chart at … like what website
Do the Camrys have such a convenient plastic plug at the tranny as well.The info I also looking for is where is the place I can drill into the trans to install a tube and a dip stick?
Brilliant. Not a mechanic, but thought the oil dipstick could double up as a tranny CVT dipstick! Did not know if the dipstick would be long enough. For marking levels on the dipstick, I would use thin strips of duct tape... Just what I was looking for. Thanks a bunch. Subscribed.
Awesome!
the duct tape will likely fall off into the oil pan once oil/trans fluid touches it.
Mostly newer vehicles the oil sticks are shorter than the transmission so it can’t be used for that so you better get one longer and keep it in your trunk
Great video. Thanks for the information.
What is the operating temperature to use on the chart (no temp gauge in my3.6-L 2014 Dodge grand caravan)? I'm assuming about 180 degrees. thanks.
You don't need a tool or a lipstick, these cars have an overflow pan that you can just open and it's pretty accurate from what I've seen.
What if oil level dip stick is longer or shorter than that needed for the transmission?
That's a great trick!!!!
GREAT INFO SORRY TO BOTHER BUT WOULD YOU KNOW WHERE TH TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK PORT WOULD BE ON A 2007 AUDI Q7 V6
Hello i have a 2011 Toyota Avalon and its my understanding that i have no "plug" to access the tranny from up in the engine compartment.
Is there in fact access without going under the car. Please any info would be helpful, and also your video is very interesting
Thx
I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that specific transmission. Try google around for that model and year
Very nice...where is the tube on a 2014 outback with 2.5L engine?
I have a 2018 all-wheel drive Tucson. My check engine light didn't even come on until I was a quart low. So I had no idea. I have literally been searching for my dipstick for the transmission since 2018. I had a hole in my front seal. I was on a 600 mile trip away from home. I took it to the shop. I want to pick it up... A lady with the white shirt and sculpted red nails... Told me not to worry about the leak.. it was a pinhole.. I asked the lady with the white shirt and sculpted nails where is the hole.. she said she had no idea. She also told me that they filled the transmission and it would be good for at least 5,000 miles. If she doesn't know where the hole is and how in the hell could she tell me that what the shop did actually will hold for 5,000 miles??? She told me to keep driving it and I will be fine. I asked her.. when I'm driving between South Carolina and Pennsylvania and break down in the middle of the night where is the dealership that I can take this too so I can get my transmission checked. I have no way to monitor this leak on my own. I did not take her advice because she said it would cost thousands in repair. I strongly did not believe this woman. I put my friend on an airplane sent her home. I then stayed where I was and drove the car hard like I would be out on the highway. The fix only lasted 80 miles... It's criminal that they do this to people. We want our dipsticks back
Thank you very much Brother 👍👍👍👏👏👏
Great idea but a couple of issues. Toyotas don’t have a cap that closes off the old tube. It truly does not have any access to the transmissions other than the fill tube. Also, I’d forget about the graphs and what have you. I would do the normal procedure to make sure that the transmission fluid is at the proper level. Then I would score your oil dipstick when the car is cold and not started. And I would score another time after the car is operating temperature. Those two marks should get you what you need to check the fluid levels without getting too involved in charts and measurements on tape measure. What issues do you see with that approach?
Will this work also for a 2010 dodge journey 2.7L Flexfuel automatic
If checking WHEN the fluid is HOT... be careful as the metal parts & hoses are VERY HOT !
2019 versa. Your advice, I'd appreciate
Great advice!
How do you determine the right way dipstick when you dip it in there
I’m Looking For A 2014 Kia Sorrento 2.4L Can Anyone Help??
Nice a little off topic I'm throwing a dual clutch code on my 2015' jeep Grand Cherokee Overland any help in ideas of cause solution cost etc. Sincerely,novice
Please Show review ZF 8H ATF Transmission Service Procedure for RWD 2019 Grand Cherokee Limited RWD 3.6L V6 Gas Engine with 8-Speed- ZF 8HP ATF Transmission
Genius! ❤
Hope it’s helpful!
Yes thanks for this video helpful 💪🏿
Happy to help
Thanks
Cool ty
Great video.
My Merc doesn't have an engine oil dipstick, and it is REALLY annoying, it would waite just until i'm on the freeway then the oil light will come on telling me to add 1 pint of engine oil, now I allways have a 1lt bottle of engine oil in the trunk incase, because buying i pint of oil at a filling station cost tripple the price. I have made myself a make shift dipstick, so I can check levels.
Does an AT dipstick bottom out hitting something? I know that my oil dipstick doesn't.
Very helpful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
My car has the correct dipstick, but I can't reach the top of the filler pipe to add fluid because of obstacles in the engine bay impeding filler spout.. I may have to somehow fit an extension tube or pipe on to the filler container, it would have to be pliable to get around obstructions. Can anyone assist with alternative advice.
Cool idea thanks!
Does this work on a 6T45 transmission ?
What if I used the oil level gauge to check transmission and it was no fluid was on the dip stick?
Thanks man.
2007 XL7 Suzuki where to put in transmission fluid I need to know where do I put it at
I have 2013 dodge grand caravan that does not have a dipstick tube tell me how to check it and where is it
Good info! Thanks!
Welcome!
Hi👋i have a 2009 dodge charger where is my transmission i have a 3.5 motor I don't have a dip stick and where do the transmission oil goes THANK YOU 😊
You’ll have to consult google or a manual, I’m not familiar with that one off hand
Awesome!!!
Man thank you 😊 fr
My transmission dipstick needs to be much larger than the oil dipstick.. pretty sure they knew what they were doing there..
09 Charger sxt
I’m putting my 68 mustang back on the road as a daily driver because forget buying a newer car at ridiculous prices then you can’t even work on anything anymore even simple stuff, I figure I will sell my car now and that will give me a vacation and more then enough money to do whatever upgrades I need for the mustang witch isn’t much. Kiss
Are you sure on all cars it's safe to stick a metal rod into a running system, could there be moving parts it will hit/damage?
And be sure to whip oil off the dip-stick real well, mixing any oil into trany could be real bad.
If there’s a dipstick tube you’re all good. They have a stop built into the tube. If there’s no stick tube, don’t put a stick in it
Are you new to cars 🤦🤦
thank you i will do that
How do you know that the oil dipstick will reach to the bottom of your transmission?
It doesn’t go to the bottom, it contacts a little stopper in the check tube.
Thank you very much ❤
You're welcome 😊
my rear came off quite easily & has seen many ohio valley winters..I'd much rather be able to visually inspect the inside
This presupposes that the oil dipstick is the same length as the trans dipstick. Have you verified this?
Exactly
Aggreed, 3 of my vehicle all have different lengths dip sticks between the oil and trans for each car. They differ by at least 2" longer or shorter.
Gold !!!!
Todo está bien solo que los videos son en inglés y aquí en México tenemos ese molesto problema que tenemos que comprar la balloneta para medir el aceite de la transmisión del craisler y muy pocos sabemos inglés traduselo al español por favor
I cant find the chart for dodge ram 2001 5.2 1500 please help
You have a dipstick tube?
I wish I knew that before I just spent about $30 on a dipstick😑
Just put the freekin dipsticks in our cars, it always causes transmission issues ALWAYS. Stop being dumb mechanical engineers.
Haha. If only mechanical engineers ran car companies…
Thanks god bless