Home
Blog Oils and Fluids How Much Transmission Fluid Do I Need + How to Fill It Right? 
Oils and Fluids

How Much Transmission Fluid Do I Need + How to Fill It Right? 

Looking for a mechanic near you for maintenance or repair? AutoNation Mobile Service brings the shop to you. Get a free instant quote today.
Get a Quote

Your car will need anywhere between 2 and 20 quarts of transmission fluid, depending on your vehicle’s transmission type and size. To find out the exact amount you need, refer to your car’s manual.   

Typical Fluid Capacities:

1. Automatic Transmissions:

2. Manual Transmissions:

3. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT):

Factors Influencing the Fluid Amount:

How to Determine the Right Fluid Amount:

Recommended Tips:

If you’re still unsure, you can ask AutoNation Mobile Service experts to recommend the correct fluid and help with the refill.

Want to discover more about transmission fluids? 
This guide covers key information about transmission fluid, how often it should be changed, and tips for maintaining healthy fluid levels. 

This Article Contains:

How Much Transmission Fluid Do I Need?

Here’s a general guideline for quick reference:

1. Automatic Transmission Vehicles 

2. Manual Transmission Vehicles

3. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Vehicles

The exact amount of transmission fluid your vehicle needs depends on factors such as: 

Unsure if you need a fluid flush or a refill?
Let’s see how you can find out.   

Signs Your Car Has Low or Excess Fluid

Inconsistent fluid levels (too little or too much) will create several problems with your vehicle. 

Here’s what can go wrong when it’s low or in excess:

A. Signs of Low Transmission Fluid

If your transmission oil levels are low, you’ll notice:

  1. Active dashboard lights: Most vehicles activate the check engine or transmission light when fluid levels are low and the system overheats. 
  1. Odd noises: Whining, clunking, or grinding noises during gear changes signal low fluid levels.
  1. Slipping gears: Without enough fluid, the transmission may struggle to stay in gear or shift properly, leading to gear slippage.
  1. Slow shifts: Low fluid reduces hydraulic pressure, causing hard shifts or jerking during acceleration.

B. Signs of Excess Transmission Fluid

An overfilled transmission can cause troubles like: 

  1. Fluid leaks under the car: Excess pressure in your transmission due to extra fluid causes the seal to crack or fail. 
  1. Foamy fluid: Too much fluid becomes foamy, reducing its effectiveness. This results in harsh or erratic shifting, especially in manual transmissions.
  1. Your engine overheats: An overfilled transmission can’t circulate fluid or lubricate properly, often resulting in overheating, unexpected transmission failure, and costly repairs. 

With several issues to be wary of, let’s learn how to keep your transmission well-lubricated. 

How to Check and Maintain Fluid Levels in Automatic and CVT Cars

Inspecting the fluid level in cars with different transmission systems isn’t easy. You’ll have to deal with hot transmission fluid, which is dangerous. The process also involves rechecking the fluid level repeatedly to ensure an optimal amount. 

If you have limited experience with transmission repairs, undertaking this tedious job will be exhausting. Skip the hassle and ask a professional mechanic for help. 

Here’s what they’ll do: 

Step 1: Park the Vehicle and Start the Engine

The mechanic will park your car on a flat surface, apply the hand brake, and then start the engine to warm up the hydraulic fluid. 

NOTE: Apart from automatic and CVT cars, some manual cars require heated fluid to check the level. However, in most manual cars, mechanics check the fluid level when it’s cool.  

Step 2: Locate the Vehicle’s Transmission Dipstick

They’ll open the hood, find the dipstick (usually near the firewall), remove it from the dipstick tube, and wipe it clean.

Step 3: Reinsert the Transmission Fluid Dipstick

They’ll reinsert the dipstick while ensuring it’s fully seated in the dipstick tube. Then, they’ll remove the transmission fluid dipstick and check the fluid level against “MIN/HOT” or “FULL/HOT” marks. 

If the level is low, they’ll refill, but in case it’s contaminated, the mechanic will perform a transmission flush. 

Step 4: Raise the Car and Locate the Transmission Pan

They’ll use jack stands to elevate the vehicle and find the transmission pan underneath. 

Depending on your car, they’ll either remove a drain plug to release the old transmission fluid or detach the whole pan.

NOTE: During this step, the technician will inspect the transmission filter and pan gasket. If the gasket and transmission filter are damaged, they’ll replace them. 

Step 5: Drain the Old Fluid and Reattach the Transmission Pan

While removing the pan, they’ll place a pan to catch the old fluid, then reattach the drain plug or transmission pan.  

Step 6: Add New Transmission Fluid and Recheck the Level

Next, they’ll lower the vehicle, open the hood, and pour 1/2 quart of the new fluid using a funnel. Then, they’ll start the engine and keep it running to let the hydraulic fluid warm up. 

Afterward, they’ll check the fluid level using a dipstick, add more liquid if necessary, and ensure it reaches the exact amount your car needs.

Now, let’s check how it’s done in manual vehicles.    

How to Check and Maintain Fluid Levels in Manual Cars

The steps for manual cars are a bit different; here’s how: 

Step 1: Elevate the Vehicle and Locate the Fill Plug

They’ll use jack stands to raise the vehicle, locate the side-mounted fill plug on the transmission, and use a ratchet to loosen it slightly. 

Step 2: Check the Fluid Level

Most manual cars don’t have a transmission dipstick, so the mechanic will inspect using other methods:

Should the mechanic find low fluid levels, they’ll top it off. However, gritty, foamy fluid needs replacement or a complete transmission fluid flush.

Step 3: Drain the Old Transmission Fluid

They’ll place a drain pan underneath the transmission, remove the drain plug, and collect the fluid. Then, they’ll remove the fill plug. 

Step 4: Fix the Drain Bolt and Pour New Fluid

After resecuring the drain bolt, they’ll add new transmission fluid using an oil pump until it slightly oozes out. Then, install and torque a replacement fill plug.   

Does checking and refilling the fluid sound exhausting? 
Keep reading to avoid the mess altogether. 

3 Useful Practices for Maintaining a Sufficient Fluid Level

Prevent transmission fluid problems by following these tips: 

  1. Use manufacturer-recommended fluid: Adding the correct fluid ensures proper lubrication and keeps transmission heat in check.
  1. Don’t mix fluids: Each type, CVT fluid or ATF, is formulated for specific vehicles. Mixing them can reduce performance and lead to faster breakdown of their lubricating properties.
  1. Schedule regular fluid checks: Hire a mechanic to check the fluid level and condition once a month to identify leaks early.

That said, it’s essential to follow manufacturer-recommended intervals for fluid changes to keep your rides smooth. 

How Frequently Should You Change Transmission Fluid?

As part of routine car maintenance, replacing your transmission fluid is crucial to guarantee optimal performance. 

Here are the typical intervals for different transmission types: 

However, if you notice gear-shifting problems before the recommended intervals, you may need a transmission repair sooner. Extreme heat and poor road conditions can damage or strain the transmission, causing the fluid to degrade faster.

Wondering if there’s more to learn about transmission fluid? 
Let’s find out. 

3 FAQs about Transmission Fluid

Here’s some additional information on transmission fluid that you should know:

1. What Is Transmission Fluid and Why Do You Need It?

Transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps your vehicle run efficiently and maintain optimal performance. 

This vital fluid lubricates components in the transmission that produce friction during vehicle operation. Aside from lubricating components, transmission fluid also:

2. What Are the Different Types of Transmission Fluid?

Common types of transmission fluid include: 

3. How Much Does a Transmission Fluid Replacement Cost?

This is what you’ll likely pay for a transmission fluid change: 

However, if your fluid has excess metal shavings or severe discoloration, you’ll need a transmission fluid flush, costing between $120 and $250

Get Top-Tier Transmission TLC From Local Mobile Experts

Not monitoring the transmission fluid level often can cause detrimental damage and, in extreme cases, transmission failure, resulting in costly repairs. But with a busy schedule, monitoring transmission fluid level isn’t for everyone.  

That’s where we come in!

AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics can check the fluid level and perform a transmission fluid change right from your driveway. We’re available seven days a week and offer after-hours support with a 12-month, 12,000-mile strong warranty

Reserve your slot for hassle-free transmission repair and fluid change today.