How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

How often do you check your transmission fluid? Keeping tabs on your transmission fluid regularly will help you avoid mechanical problems that can turn into expensive repairs later on down the road. As your transmission moves your vehicle forward on the Edina roads, it’s important to make sure that you have the appropriate level of transmission fluid inside of your vehicle. Learn how to check your Cadillac transmission fluid with the service team at Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac so that you can be sure that you have the appropriate amount in your vehicle at all times. 

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

It’s recommended to have your transmission fluid replaced every 50,000-100,000 miles, and most experts recommend that you check your Cadillac transmission fluid at least once a month. They also recommend that while you’re checking your transmission fluid, you should also check for your vehicle’s power steering fluid, coolant, and engine oil. To get a more specific number of how often you should check your transmission fluid, be sure to reference your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Step by Step

When it’s time to replace your Cadillac transmission fluid, the process is pretty simple to do from your home or garage. Here are the steps: 

1. Make sure your vehicle is in park mode before you open the hood to check the transmission fluid. 
2. Turn off the vehicle’s engine for a few minutes as you don’t want your engine warmed up before you check the transmission fluid.
3. Locate your transmission fluid dipstick. You can find this by checking your owner’s manual, but it’s usually next to the oil dipstick on the right.
4. Take the dipstick out, and touch the transmission fluid.
5. Rub the fluid between your fingers. The fluid should be almost clear with a slight pink color. If the fluid looks dirty or smells burnt, then you’ll need to have it replaced. 
6. Wipe the dipstick with a rag, and put it back into the vehicle.
7. Pull the dipstick back out, and check the fluid level. If it’s underneath the “Full” mark, then you’ll need to add more fluid.
8. If you need to add more fluid, use a funnel to bring the amount of transmission fluid up to the appropriate amount while trying not to overfill it. 

We understand if you would rather have the professionals check your Cadillac transmission fluid. If so, be sure to check out our service specials online to see how much you can save before you head to our service center from Minnetonka. 

When to Check a Sealed Transmission

If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, then keep in mind that this component is designed to limit the amount of transmission fluid that’s wasted. However, just because this component minimizes transmission fluid waste doesn’t mean that it won’t need to be replaced. Because it’s sealed, there’s no dipstick that you can use to measure the fluid level, so you’ll have to schedule a service appointment atMorrie's Golden Valley Cadillac to have your sealed transmission fluid checked. 

Here are some warning signs that it may be time to check the transmission fluid on a sealed transmission:

• Strange noises occur when the gears change. 
• There is hesitation in the gears before changing. 
• There is a delay when the gears shift as you accelerate. 

Check Your Transmission Fluid in Minneapolis

Now that you know how to check your transmission fluid and what to look out for, visit our website for more helpful service and parts tips. We’re conveniently located near Minneapolis and are ready to help you with all of your service needs. Contact our service team if you need to have your transmission fluid checked or need to have anything else check out on your vehicle. We’ll get your vehicle diagnosed and back out on the road in no time at all.