Today, it’s normal for most OEMs to author their own performance specifications rather than recommend using a fluid that meets a different OEM’s specification. Adding to the ATF specification confusion…
However, many people end up confusing the ATF specification on the label for the fluid’s brand name. This means the fluid was subjected to – and passed – a series of performance tests stipulated by the authors of that particular ATF specification. In an attempt to make it easy for you, many ATF manufacturers print ATF specs in giant letters on the label, like this. You go in search of a fluid that meets the MERCON or DEXRON specification. That means you don’t go to NAPA in search of MERCON or DEXRON transmission fluid. It’s a set of performance standards, not an actual fluid. Today, demand for those fluids has slipped below 50 percent and is declining as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to introduce their own, proprietary transmission fluid specs. The transmission fluid specifications with which you’re likely most familiar are Ford MERCON and GM DEXRON.Īt one time, MERCON and DEXRON ATFs dominated the market and reduced your choices to a manageable few. It’ll instruct you to use a transmission fluid that meets a certain performance specification, such as one of those listed above.
To answer that question, start in your vehicle owner’s manual. What kind of transmission fluid do I need? They just want a quart or two of ATF to top-off their vehicle, but instead they must decipher a series of hieroglyphics or face the specter of their transmission not performing properly. That’s what many people feel when they scan the shelves at the parts store in search of transmission fluid. You’ve likely heard the term analysis paralysis. Depending on the dipstick, the markings can vary, but if it reveals you have enough transmission fluid, then you are good to go.Finding out what kind of transmission fluid you need can be a challenge. Take a look at just a few of the dozens of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications on the market: Use the funnel and add the transmission fluid.ħ) Once the transmission is filled, put the dipstick back in.Ĩ) Start your vehicle and let the engine run for about a few minutes to reach the optimal operating temperature.ĩ) When the transmission fluid is warm, check the fluid level with a dipstick. Let's learn how to change the automatic transmission fluid step by step.ġ) Jack your vehicle up to locate the transmission fluid drain plug beneath your car.Ģ) Put a catch pan under it and carefully loosen the drain plug to allow the fluid to drain.ģ) With the fluid drained, put the drain plug back in its place with a wrench.Ĥ) To refill your transmission fluid, check your owner's manual and it will specify which product you should use.ĥ) To know the correct amount of the fluid you should put in, use a translucent bottle with the measurements on its side to know how much fluid you need.Ħ) Refill your transmission fluid through the dipstick hole. The process of changing your transmission fluid is similar to changing your engine oil. Also, at the bottom of the dipstick, there are the minimum and maximum markings, so you can check the fluid level as well. If the fluid has gotten darker or looks dirty, it's probably time to change the fluid. Take the dipstick out of the tool and wipe it with a clean towel to see its fluid state. First, locate the transmission dipstick while the engine is running. Nevertheless, if you are doing the transmission fluid check on your own, you can take the simple steps as follows.
However, under severe usage conditions, it needs to be replaced about every 90,000km(60,000 miles). Visit an authorized dealer/service partner for a more accurate transmission fluid check. To know when to check your transmission fluid, you need to check your owner's manual, but generally speaking, it doesn't need to be checked or serviced under normal usage conditions. So, having your transmission fluid checked by a professional mechanic is good for your transmission system. As it circulates through the parts, it can pick up dirt and metal debris over time. Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in lubricating the components of your transmission and prevents wear and tear of the parts.
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