How To Add Transmission Fluid 2009 Vibe

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Your car's automatic transmission system is one of several hydraulic systems in your auto. To maintain your system, y'all must check the transmission fluid periodically to make sure there is enough fluid of sufficient quality available for your transmission to perform correctly. Continue reading for detailed instructions on how to cheque and add fluid to your automated transmission system.

Steps

1

Park your car on a level surface with the engine running. You may want to shift the transmission briefly through each of its gear settings before putting it in park.^[1]
2

Raise the hood. There's usually a lever on the inside of your motorcar that pops the hood, usually most the left hand side of the cockpit. Consult your owner'south manual if yous are unable to detect it.

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3
Find the automatic transmission fluid piping. On many newer cars, the transmission fluid piping volition exist labeled; if not, consult your possessor's manual for its location.^[2]
- On a rear-cycle drive vehicle, the dipstick is commonly in the rear of the engine, above the valve cover.
- On a vehicle with front end-wheel drive, the dipstick is usually in the forepart of the engine and is continued to the transaxle, sticking straight upwards out of the transmission.^[3]
four
Pull out the transmission fluid dipstick. On most cars, the car must idling in park with the parking brake on and the transmission hot. Wipe the dipstick on a clean rag or paper towel, reinsert it and pull it out again to bank check the transmission fluid level. The fluid level should exist betwixt two marks labeled either "Total" and "Add" or "Hot" and "Cold."^[4]
- Commonly, you should non have to add transmission fluid. If the level is downward significantly below the "Add" or "Cold" line, you probably take a system leak and should take the car to your mechanic to have your auto inspected for leaks by a technician.
5
Check the condition of the transmission fluid. Adept automatic manual fluid is ordinarily ruby (although sometimes pinkish or light brownish), without bubbling or odor. If whatever of the post-obit weather condition are true, accept your car in for servicing.^[5]
- If the transmission fluid is a discolored brown or smells burnt, the fluid has been overheated and it tin no longer protect the manual as designed. The fluid can be tested further past putting some on a make clean paper towel and waiting 30 seconds to see if it spreads. If it does not, the transmission should be serviced, or the transmission itself will endure serious impairment.
- If the manual fluid looks milky brown, it has been contaminated by coolant from the radiator through a leak in the automatic transmission fluid libation. Take the car to your mechanic at once.
- If the transmission fluid is either foamy or bubbly, at that place may be too much fluid in the transmission or the wrong transmission fluid has been used.
half-dozen
Add manual fluid, if necessary. Add together the fluid a little at a fourth dimension, rechecking the level periodically, until information technology is at the correct level.^[six]
- If you've drained the care completely, you will probably demand to add between iii and four quarts of transmission fluid. Otherwise, check the dipstick regularly to avoid overfilling the fluid pan.
7

Run the machine and have it through each gear if possible. This process allows the newly added transmission fluid to broadcast and properly coat each gear, lubricating it. Beginning with the engine running and the car in park, if possible with the wheels off the ground. Go through First all the way to Third, including Bulldoze, Overdrive, and Opposite gears. When finished, place the vehicle in park and let it idle to warm the fluid.^[7]
8

Cheque the dipstick over again to determine how much additional fluid yous may need to add, if any. Inspect the dipstick, as transmission fluid may have lowered from being circulated through the clutch packs, purging any air from the system. Add fluid as needed to bring to the correct level.^[8]
9
Add together the necessary amount of fluid to bring it to its proper level. Depending on whether yous're but giving your manual fluid a top-upward or you're replacing the entire pan with new transmission fluid, you may need to add extra fluid at this indicate.
- If yous're simply topping up, yous may need to only add simply a quart of fluid, or even less.
- If you've tuckered the fluid from the pan, removed the pan and replaced the filter, you lot may need to add anywhere from iv to 12 quarts, depending on the make and model.
10

Finished. Your car's transmission fluid is now properly set and your car should be humming forth.

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Cheque your possessor's manual for when your automatic transmission fluid needs to be changed. If yous routinely drive through mountains or tow heavy trailers, you will take to take the fluid changed more ofttimes. Whenever you have your manual fluid changed, the automatic transmission fluid filter must as well exist inverse.
Always employ the transmission fluid specified past your motorcar's manufacturer for your make and model.

If you encounter scarlet, oily fluid on your driveway, your transmission fluid is leaking. If you suspect leakage only can't see it, identify white butcher paper under your motorcar so you can seek the leakage amend.

Things You'll Need

Automatic transmission fluid
Funnel designed to fit in the transmission fluid pipe
Rag or paper towel

Nearly This Article

Article Summary X

To check and add fluid to your automated transmission, start past parking your car with the engine running and popping the hood. So, look for the automatic transmission fluid pipe well-nigh the engine, and pull out the dipstick. If the fluid is below the "Add" or "Cold" line on the dipstick, add a piddling more at a time until it's at the right level. Alternatively, if the fluid is significantly low, or if information technology's discolored, take your car to a mechanic to be serviced. For more tips from our Mechanic co-author, like how to determine how much fluid to add together, read on!

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