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Posted on Oct 12, 2008
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Automatic Transmission fluid level

How does a person check the transmission fluid level? We can;t find a dipstick or any checking device other than a red cap on the top of the tranny. Is the fluid checked electronically?

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  • Posted on Feb 02, 2009
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Here is the step by step on how to do it.

Be sure that transmission fluid temperature is at least 104° F (40° C). To access check/fill plug: In the engine compartment, remove clamp from air hose behind cooling fan. Separate air tube from the hose and push the tube back towards the transaxle. Remove the clip holding the two power steering lines together. All Models: From underneath vehicle remove the transaxle check/fill plug with engine running. Fluid level should be even with hole. Add fluid as needed until fluid flows from hole. Replace check/fill plug and torque to 9 ft. lbs. (12 Nm).

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Where is fill to add automatic trans fluid to 2008 BMW 650i under the hood?

The automatic transmission fluid fill location on a 2008 BMW 650i can vary depending on the specific model and transmission type, but generally it is located under the hood and accessed through a dipstick tube.

To locate the dipstick tube for the automatic transmission fluid, follow these steps:

1. Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick handle is usually yellow, red, or black and is labeled with "ATF" or "trans."
2. Remove the dipstick from the tube and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
3. Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the tube and then remove it again. The fluid level on the dipstick should indicate the current level of transmission fluid.
4. If the fluid level is low, you will need to add automatic transmission fluid. To add fluid, remove the dipstick and use a funnel to pour the fluid into the dipstick tube. Be sure to use the correct type of transmission fluid specified in your owner's manual.
5. Check the fluid level again with the dipstick to make sure it is at the correct level. Add more fluid as needed.

Note: It is important to follow the recommended procedure for checking and adding transmission fluid to your BMW 650i to avoid overfilling the system, which can cause damage to the transmission. If you are unsure about the location of the dipstick or how to properly add fluid, consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for assistance.
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How do I check the transmission fluid level on my 2004 Honda CR-V?

This is a great question because each vehicle manufacturer has a slightly different checking process and if the wrong process is used, the reading will not be accurate. For a 2004 Honda CRV equipped with an automatic transmission, the transmission fluid level should be checked at normal operating temperature (vehicle all the way warmed-up). Start by parking the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine. Next, remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it off. Then, insert the dipstick back into the transmission fully. Lastly, remove the dipstick once more and read the level; it should be between the upper and lower marks. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark. This should be done using Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent although DEXRON III can be used in an emergency situation (but may affect shift quality). You can read more about checking transmission fluid levels here: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-and-add-fluid-to-an-automatic-transmission
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n automatic transmission depends on the transmission fluid for transferring engine power to the wheels, shifting gears, lubricating moving parts and cooling down the transmission. Check the transmission fluid when your car is serviced and change it as recommended. Different cars have different ways of checking the transmission fluid level; some require the engine to be shut off (e.g. Honda), some cars don't have a transmission dipstick at all and the fluid can only be checked in a repair shop. Check your owner's manual for proper procedure. This is how the transmission fluid checked on most cars: transmission-fluid1.jpg After the vehicle was driven for a while to let the transmission fluid warm up, place your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "P" (Park) position. Leave the engine running. Find the automatic transmission dipstick (your owner's manual will tell you where it is located). Pull the dipstick out.
transmission-fluid2.jpg Wipe the dipstick off with a clean lint-free rag. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the fluid level. A transmission fluid expands when warmed up, so if the car has been driven for a while (20-30 minutes), the transmission level should be between "HOT" marks. If the vehicle is cold, the level should be between "COOL" marks. Check the fluid condition: a very dirty fluid with strong burnt smell is a warning sign of transmission problems. Normally the automatic transmission fluid should be clean and transparent, as in these photos.
transmission-fluid3.jpg On most cars the new transmission fluid comes red (photo on the left). Over the time it becomes brownish, as in the photo below.
transmission-fluid5.jpg This is how the synthetic transmission fluid looks after two years of driving - it's still clean and transparent. If your fluid looks very dark or dirty, check your owner's manual, maybe it's time to change it. Some manufacturers require to change the transmission fluid at 30,000 or 50,000 miles others specify that you never have to change it - check what's your car owner's manual says.
transmission-fluid4.jpg If the transmission fluid level is low, you can top it up, but be careful not to overfill it. Overfilling the transmission can cause problems. It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid type - check your owners manual or simply visit your local dealer, they always have proper transmission fluid in stock. Incorrect fluid type can damage your transmission. How to top up the transmission fluid: Using a thin funnel, add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe. Wait for a few minutes - let the fluid drain down. Recheck the level again. Don't overfill
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How to check automatic transmission fluid. An automatic transmission depends on the transmission fluid for transferring engine power to the wheels, shifting gears, lubricating moving parts and cooling down the transmission. Check the transmission fluid when your car is serviced and change it as recommended. Different cars have different ways of checking the transmission fluid level; some require the engine to be shut off (e.g. Honda), some cars don't have a transmission dipstick at all and the fluid can only be checked in a repair shop. Check your owner's manual for proper procedure. This is how the transmission fluid checked on most cars:
transmission-fluid1.jpg After the vehicle was driven for a while to let the transmission fluid warm up, place your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "P" (Park) position. Leave the engine running. Find the automatic transmission dipstick (your owner's manual will tell you where it is located). Pull the dipstick out.
transmission-fluid2.jpg Wipe the dipstick off with a clean lint-free rag. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the fluid level. A transmission fluid expands when warmed up, so if the car has been driven for a while (20-30 minutes), the transmission level should be between "HOT" marks. If the vehicle is cold, the level should be between "COOL" marks. Check the fluid condition: a very dirty fluid with strong burnt smell is a warning sign of transmission problems. Normally the automatic transmission fluid should be clean and transparent, as in these photos.
transmission-fluid3.jpg On most cars the new transmission fluid comes red (photo on the left). Over the time it becomes brownish, as in the photo below.
transmission-fluid5.jpg This is how the synthetic transmission fluid looks after two years of driving - it's still clean and transparent. If your fluid looks very dark or dirty, check your owner's manual, maybe it's time to change it. Some manufacturers require to change the transmission fluid at 30,000 or 50,000 miles others specify that you never have to change it - check what's your car owner's manual says.
transmission-fluid4.jpg If the transmission fluid level is low, you can top it up, but be careful not to overfill it. Overfilling the transmission can cause problems. It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid type - check your owners manual or simply visit your local dealer, they always have proper transmission fluid in stock. Incorrect fluid type can damage your transmission. How to top up the transmission fluid: Using a thin funnel, add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe. Wait for a few minutes - let the fluid drain down. Recheck the level again. Don't overfill
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see the chart troubleshooting and proceed according. God bless you

How to check automatic transmission fluid. An automatic transmission depends on the transmission fluid for transferring engine power to the wheels, shifting gears, lubricating moving parts and cooling down the transmission. Check the transmission fluid when your car is serviced and change it as recommended. Different cars have different ways of checking the transmission fluid level; some require the engine to be shut off (e.g. Honda), some cars don't have a transmission dipstick at all and the fluid can only be checked in a repair shop. Check your owner's manual for proper procedure. This is how the transmission fluid checked on most cars:
transmission-fluid1.jpg After the vehicle was driven for a while to let the transmission fluid warm up, place your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "P" (Park) position. Leave the engine running. Find the automatic transmission dipstick (your owner's manual will tell you where it is located). Pull the dipstick out.
transmission-fluid2.jpg Wipe the dipstick off with a clean lint-free rag. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the fluid level. A transmission fluid expands when warmed up, so if the car has been driven for a while (20-30 minutes), the transmission level should be between "HOT" marks. If the vehicle is cold, the level should be between "COOL" marks. Check the fluid condition: a very dirty fluid with strong burnt smell is a warning sign of transmission problems. Normally the automatic transmission fluid should be clean and transparent, as in these photos.
transmission-fluid3.jpg On most cars the new transmission fluid comes red (photo on the left). Over the time it becomes brownish, as in the photo below.
transmission-fluid5.jpg This is how the synthetic transmission fluid looks after two years of driving - it's still clean and transparent. If your fluid looks very dark or dirty, check your owner's manual, maybe it's time to change it. Some manufacturers require to change the transmission fluid at 30,000 or 50,000 miles others specify that you never have to change it - check what's your car owner's manual says.
transmission-fluid4.jpg If the transmission fluid level is low, you can top it up, but be careful not to overfill it. Overfilling the transmission can cause problems. It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid type - check your owners manual or simply visit your local dealer, they always have proper transmission fluid in stock. Incorrect fluid type can damage your transmission. How to top up the transmission fluid: Using a thin funnel, add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe. Wait for a few minutes - let the fluid drain down. Recheck the level again. Don't overfill
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Underhood Check-check for transmission fluid at the transmission case screwed in with a dipstick. Most GM vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions have such a dipstick.
  • Engine oil--Check the engine oil level.
  • Coolant--Check the radiator coolant level in the reservoir.
  • Battery-- Visually check battery cables and connections.
  • Automatic transmission--Check the fluid level.
  • Master cylinder--Check the fluid level.
  • Power Steering--Check the fluid level.
  • Windshield washer--Check the fluid level.
  • Belts & hoses--Visually check all belts and hoses for wear. NOTE: In addition to the items listed above there are cases with some manufacturer's where odd components such as manual transmission/transaxles and front differentials many be equipped with a dipstick found underhood for fluid level check. If you are unsure of a dipstick on your vehicle, check with the owners manual. 89531p07.jpg
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    How do i check my transmission fluid

    Fluid Level Check


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    Remove the automatic transmission dipstick from the tube


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    Check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick


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    Automatic transmission dipstick marks; the proper level for a hot transmission is within the shaded area

    Check the automatic transmission fluid level at least every 7500 miles (12,000 km). The dipstick can be found in the rear of the engine compartment. The fluid level should be checked only when the transmission is hot (normal operating temperature). The transmission is considered hot after about 15-20 miles (24-32 km) of highway driving.
    Although the transmission should be checked while the fluid is at normal operating temperature, do not check it if it is at the extreme high end of the operating temperature range. Wait at least 30 minutes if you have just be driving the vehicle in ambient temperatures in excess of 90°F (32°C), at highway speeds for a long time, in heavy traffic (especially in hot weather) or have been pulling a trailer.
    1. Park the truck on a level surface with the engine idling, then shift the transmission into Park and firmly set the parking brake.
    2. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the selector through each gear range (pausing for about 3 seconds in each gear), then place it in Park. Allow the engine to run at idle about 3 more minutes.
    When moving the selector through each range, DO NOT race the engine.
    1. With the engine running at a low idle, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and then reinsert it firmly. Be sure that it has been pushed all the way in, then pause 3 seconds. Remove the dipstick again and check the fluid level while holding it horizontally. The fluid level should be between the upper notch and the FULL HOT line. If the fluid must be checked when it is cool, the level should be between the lower 2 notches.
    Most of the transmissions for the 4.3L engine are equipped with a flip-top handle on the dipstick. To withdraw these, flip the handle upward, then pull the dipstick from the guide.
    1. If the fluid level is low add DEXRON®III automatic transmission fluid. The fluid must be added through the transmission dipstick tube, which is easily accomplished using a funnel. Add fluid gradually, checking the level often as you are filling the transmission. Be extremely careful not to overfill the transmission, as this will cause slippage, seal damage and overheating. Approximately one pint of ATF will raise the fluid level from one notch/line to the other.
    WARNING Always use DEXRON®III ATF. The use of ATF Type F or any other fluid will cause severe damage to the transmission.

    The fluid on the dipstick should always be a bright red color. If it is discolored (brown or black), or smells burnt, serious transmission troubles, probably due to overheating, should be suspected. The transmission should be inspected by a qualified technician to locate the cause of the burnt fluid.
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