How to check the oil level in automatic transmission? Oil for automatic transmission. Oil dipstick

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

At present, taking into account the modern rhythm and lifestyle, each person strives to be as mobile as possible in order to manage to do not only all his work-related business, but also always be in the topic of the latest events and try to be present at them. And what would people do if there were no such amazing saviors as cars? But, despite their invaluable help, we also have certain obligations to them. Perhaps everyone understands that in order for the car to serve us as long and as efficiently as possible, we must exercise proper control over it, check its technical condition and carry out repairs as necessary. Of course, there are works that are extremely difficult to do on our own, and in such cases we turn to qualified craftsmen for help. However, there are things that we are able to do with our own strength. One such important check is checking the oil level. And now we will consider the question: "How to check the oil level in automatic transmission?"

General instructionchecks

There are many different nuances and details in this process, everything will depend on the specific car, however, despite this, in most cases, instructions on how to check the oil level in the automatic transmission come down to certain actions:

1. First you will need to warm up your car. To do this, we recommend driving a short distance (about 20 km). This is how you will be able to warm up your automatic transmission to the temperature at which it normally operates.
2. Then you need to find a place where there will be no slopes, holes and potholes.
3. After the desired location is selected, you should stop the car and shift the automatic transmission to the "P" position.
4. Then you need to find the dipstick to determine the oil level in the automatic transmission and pull it towards you. After that, the probe must be wiped dry.
5. A dry probe should be inserted and pulled out again.
6. After that, it is necessary to carefully inspect this element for the level of oil in the automatic transmission and its quality in order to conclude whether it needs to be replaced.

All these moments, which are not particularly difficult at first glance, are the answer to the question: "How much oil is in the automatic transmission?" However, for people who have never encountered such work, many unclear points should be clarified. But about everything gradually.

Oil dipstick

The dipstick is a special tool that exists in order to check the oil level incar gearbox. It doesn't matter if it's automatic or mechanical. The dipstick has special marks on it, by which, in fact, the oil level in the automatic transmission is determined. There are two inscriptions on the dipstick for the "machine": "COLD" and "HOT", but you should not think that they indicate the minimum and maximum oil levels in the box. No. The "COLD" label exists in order to control the level of filled oil in the gearbox when replacing it. But "HOT" just shows the oil level when the engine is warm. Therefore, when checking the oil level in an automatic transmission, you need to focus on this mark.

Verification nuances depending on the vehicle

Based on what kind of car you have, the general instruction "How to check the oil level in the automatic transmission" may have small distinguishing features. So for example:

1. Some brands of cars don't have to travel a distance to bring the gearbox up to operating temperature, they just need to idle for 5-10 minutes.
2. Before the start of the test, some cars are put in the "P" position, and some - in the "N" position. It depends on the make and model of the car, as well as its manufacturer. For example, to check the oil level in the automatic transmission, "Toyota" is placed in the "P" position.
3. The dipstick of certain cars may have one mark instead of two, in which case you need to navigate only one.
4. There are cars in which there is noit is necessary to neither check the oil level nor change it, since the service life of the oil is equal to the service life of the gearbox itself. In such cases, the corresponding marks are put on the automatic transmission.

Automatic transmission oil

Speaking of checking the oil level in an automatic transmission and the importance of this procedure, we should also mention the oil itself. After all, it, of course, is different from what is poured into mechanical gearboxes. Moreover, these differences exist both in composition and in properties. Automatic transmission oil performs a number of functions in a car, namely:

- heat removal from the elements and mechanisms of the gearbox;

- transmission function from combustion engine to direct torque gearbox;

- removal of small particles that appear due to friction in the system;

- lubricating function of all surfaces damaged by thorns;

- control function in the system.

Having understood the importance of oil in an automatic transmission, many car owners face the question: “So what kind of oil to pour in an automatic transmission?” Its choice should be taken with all seriousness, because the viability of your automatic transmission and, accordingly, its service life without breakdowns will directly depend on the quality. Let's figure out the issue of choosing oil for automatic transmission.

Choice

One of the important points of this procedure is that the oil must have a sufficiently high specific gravity. This is required in order toso that it can easily transfer torque from the internal combustion engine to the gearbox. Naturally, the oil simply must have high lubricating properties in order to provide good lubrication of parts subject to friction in the system. Of course, you should pay special attention to the special additives contained in the oil for the automatic transmission of your car. Additives are also different and perform, accordingly, also different functions. So, for example, there are those designed to remove particles that occur during friction in the system, or to prevent corrosion. Or there are also additives to remove suspended particles in the oil. Another of the most important selection factors is the fact that it should have a very low viscosity, this is what will allow for a quick response in the control system.

There are oils of various classes: synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral. All these classes are suitable for an automatic transmission, so the choice of one of them lies entirely with the car owner himself, depends on his material abilities, his specific desires for what functions should be performed by one or another oil in the gearbox of his car. We can definitely say for sure that automatic transmission oil must contain additives. This is necessary in order to eliminate the shortcomings of the foundation.

The most important functions of additives to correct the shortcomings of the base oil

Additives help correct deficiencies in the base oil, typicallyconsisting mainly of 90% oil, and this is their most important function:

- elimination of foaming;

- an increase in the ignition temperature of the oil in the "machine";

- avoiding the combination of oil with oxygen so that corrosion does not occur;

- prevention of separation of rubber gaskets and various kinds of seals in an automatic transmission;

- increasing the resistance of the clutch surface to the so-called abrasion;

- reduction of ongoing corrosion processes in the system;

- retention of particles formed during friction in the system in suspension;

- implementation of the guarantee of the desired coefficient of friction in the system and elements of the friction control;

- Prevention of an increase in oil viscosity when reaching low temperatures;

- preventing changes in the color shade of the oil in an automatic transmission so that it becomes impossible to determine its purpose, basically all oils intended for automatic transmissions are red.

Automatic transmission oil change

After we answered the question of how to check the oil level in an automatic transmission, we should talk about such a moment as replacing it. If, after checking the oil level in the automatic transmission of your car, you find that it already has an unacceptable appearance and smell before operation, a logical question arises about replacing it. Naturally, to resolve this issue, you can easily contact a service center or a service station convenient for you. Howeversuch a procedure as changing the automatic transmission oil with your own hands is very easy. So, the process of changing the oil in an automatic transmission, as mentioned earlier, is quite simple, but long, so we advise you to be patient and be extremely careful.

Automatic transmission oil change process

Of course, in order to change the oil in an automatic transmission, you need to purchase a product for your automatic transmission, taking into account all the necessary requirements listed above, check for a dipstick in the box and find a place where the oil will be changed directly. The procedure includes the following steps:

1. First, you need to drive a short distance by car so that the "machine" warms up to operating temperature.
2. Then it is necessary to drain the fluid from the automatic transmission pan, which used to have the proud name Honda automatic transmission oil, for example.
3. Then it is necessary to remove the pan itself, since it also contains the remains of old oil, and these residues can reach up to 0.5 liters in volume. Here is an important point: in order to remove the sump, you will have to remove the lower mounts of the automatic transmission, otherwise it will simply be impossible to “crawl” to it.
4. Next, you need to remove the filter from the pan and rinse it for a better oil change result.
5. After the filter is washed, it is necessary to put it back together with the pan. There is another small recommendation here: before fixing the pallet in place, it is advisable to lubricate itsealant several times, drying the first layer for about three to four hours. And only then, after the second lubrication, attach it in place.
6. After everything is installed in its place, it is necessary to fill in approximately the same amount of oil as the old one was drained, plus an additional liter and a half.
7. Next, you need to remove the hose that goes from the radiator to the "machine", lower it into some container or bucket and start the car. You should pay attention to what color the so-called "slurry" will start to flow. It is necessary to drain about three liters.
8. After about three liters have been drained, turn off the car and refill with the same amount of oil, and then drain again with the car engine running.
9. Repeat this procedure as many times as needed to get clean oil out of the hose.
10. After that, you need to put everything in its place, drive a short distance and check the amount of oil in the automatic transmission. In case of shortage, add to the corresponding mark on the dipstick, and in case of overflow, drain excess oil in the gearbox, also relying on the marks on the dipstick.

It is important to avoid overfilling when changing the oil in an automatic transmission, as this can lead to negative consequences in the operation of your car.

Consequences of overfilling oil

If the oil was poured in a small amount, you should not worry much, you just need to drain it to the required level as soon as possible, but if the overflow is too large, then they canvery unpleasant consequences arise, such as:

- overflowing oil under the influence of temperature can get on the oil seals, as a result of which they begin to work in low consumption mode, which, in turn, quickly leads to their wear;

- oil can also get on the spark plugs, which can lead to ignition problems, and because of this, even the ignition cylinders may stop working;

- automatic transmission oil can also get on the air flow sensor, as a result of which the fuel consumption itself increases significantly;

- due to spilled oil, the entire oil system begins to wear out, as a result of which the service life can be significantly reduced;

- Also, due to an excessive amount of oil, some air particles can form in it, which can attract dirt particles to themselves, which can adversely affect the operation of the oil filter and crankcase.

It is worth remembering that the process of boiling off oil in an automatic transmission is long enough, so do not delay with repairs, immediately contact qualified car mechanics for help in order to determine the negative effect of overfilled oil in the early stages and be able to fix everything.

Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, it should be concluded that checking the oil in the automatic transmission, as well as replacing it, if necessary, are very important procedures. It should be approached with all care and seriousness both to the very processes of checking and changing the oil in an automatic transmission, andand to the selection of oil for her. It should be remembered that the service life and quality of the automatic transmission of your iron horse will depend on your responsibility and seriousness in approaching this issue. This means that this will save your strength, nerves and money, which you will not have to spend on repairing the gearbox in case it breaks down due to untimely maintenance.

Well, in extreme cases, for those who still have not become more confident in their abilities, or who have already lost the desire to “mess around” with issues related to caring for the automatic transmission of their car, you should remember that highly qualified craftsmen are always working for you, ready to help you in solving your problems at any moment. For your money, of course. We hope our tips will help you. We wish you good luck on the roads and polite drivers.