How to put transmission fluid in a sealed transmission

Q: Does a sealed transmission have a dipstick?

If you dont see a dipstick under the hood, youre likely dealing with a sealed transmission. You should flush a sealed transmissions fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but you dont need to check your levels on a monthly basis.

Table of Contents Show

Why Do We Replace Transmission Fluid?
How Do We Replace Sealed Transmission Fluid?
Can You Check the Transmission Fluid Yourself?
Signs Your Sealed Transmission Fluid Needs Attention
Can u add transmission fluid to a sealed transmission?
How do you add transmission fluid without a dipstick?
Does a sealed transmission have a dipstick?

Over the last few decades, the automotive industry has seen some massive advancements, and at Master Mechanic, we’ve witnessed and worked on them all!

Most recently, automakers have focused on simplifying car maintenance in hopes of making life easier for their consumers. Car manufacturers have attempted to create “lifetime” parts, including sealed transmissions. What does this mean for maintaining your car? We asked a Master Mechanic what you need to know.

Why Do We Replace Transmission Fluid?

While you drive, friction materials from your transmissions clutches and bands will make their way into your transmission fluid. Traditionally, auto manufacturers suggested having the transmission fluid changed every 60,000 to 90,000 km. Modern cars, however, have extended service intervals for many reasons. They include:

Simplify vehicle ownership by asking the owner to do less maintenance

Reducing the amount of “used” transmission fluid in landfills
Increase maintenance intervals which reduce overall costs

How Do We Replace Sealed Transmission Fluid?

First off, you’ll know you have a sealed transmission if you don’t have a dipstick to check the fluid. That said, even a sealed transmission needs to have its fluid checked or replaced on occasion. Although this may seem to contradict the name, not having clean transmission fluid can lead to significant expenses down the road.

A sealed transmission doesn’t mean an inaccessible transmission. Your local Master Mechanic can check the fluid of a sealed transmission, however, the vehicle will likely need to be lifted off the ground to do so.

Can You Check the Transmission Fluid Yourself?

Even for seasoned DIY car owners, replacing the transmission fluid in a sealed transmission is not something you want to attempt. A minor mistake could lead to major costs, or worse, permanent damage to your vehicle. You may also risk voiding any warranty you have by attempting to service the transmission yourself. Either way, it’s best to contact your local Master Mechanic if you suspect something is up with your sealed transmission.

Signs Your Sealed Transmission Fluid Needs Attention

If your transmission is suffering from poor fluid quality, you’ll typically notice one of the following symptoms:

A grinding sound when driving or switching gears.
A delay when shifting

Since many drivers are holding on to cars for longer, the aftermarket is poised to service these vehicles and keep them ‘on the road’ for as long as possible. Automakers are aware of this and there is pressure on them to produce longer-lasting vehicles. There are other sealed components on your vehicle and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the number increase.

For now, it’s essential for you to understand what a sealed transmission is and how to recognize if there is an issue with yours. Remember anything in a vehicle can break down, even if the automakers claims it’s a “lifetime part”.

At Master Mechanic, we’re always here to help with transmission maintenance and questions. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

By Tom Morr

Vehicles' vital fluids normally perform two important functions: lubricating and cleaning. As the fluid circulates through the parts, it gathers the dirt and metal shavings that can accumulate over time. If you're lucky, this debris will settle on the bottom of the pan or housing and not circulate through the system. That’s why some auto shops use machines that perform a transmission fluid flush, ensuring that more of this debris is removed before any new transmission fluid is poured into the vehicle.

Nothing prolongs vehicle life more than regular fluid changes. In automatic transmissions/transaxles, the recommended service interval is about every 30,000 miles or 30 months. (Check your owner's manual or service manual for your car's specifics.) The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should be changed sooner if its dipstick reveals dark or burnt-smelling fluid.

DIY transmission fluid and filter changes

Even those of us who change our own oil often cringe at the prospect of draining ATF. Because many transmission pans don't have drain plugs, changing the fluid can be a messy proposition –the entire pan must be removed. But even on vehicles that do have drain plugs, the pan still must be removed to change the filter.

Changing transmission fluid is one of those messy jobs that someone has to do. Doing the deed yourself will save money, possibly time and fresh ATF can make your gearbox perform young beyond its years. It’s also relatively easy to determine when your ATF may be low. Consider an automatic transmission service if you detect the following signs of low transmission fluid:

Transmission slips
Transmission shifts roughly
Noisy transmission
No drive engagement in forward or reverse gears

How to change automatic transmission fluid: Step-by-step instructions

If you can garner some initial patience, learning how to change automatic transmission fluid will only benefit you in the long run. More importantly, you’ll need an automatic transmission filter kit; they normally contain a gasket for the pan in addition to the new transmission filter and its O-ring. Along with some basic shop tools, you’re ready to get started.

Step 1: Transmission fluid drains better at operating temperature, so let your car idle for a few minutes first. After turning your ignition off, raise and secure the vehicle. Then, lay down a tarp, some cardboard or a newspaper under at least a two-gallon catch pan. Next, remove the bolts from one side of the transmission pan, being cautious of hot exhaust parts and fluid.
Step 2: Gradually loosen the other bolts, which should allow the pan to tilt and begin to drain. Once all bolts are removed, lower the pan and dump the remaining fluid into the catch pan. Gently break the gasket seal with a screwdriver, if necessary.
Step 3: Clean the gasket surfaces on both the pan and the transmission housing. Inspect the pan for metal shavings or other signs of internal damage, and then clean it with solvent.
Step 4: Remove the old transmission filter and O-ring. The filter contains fluid, so keep the drain pan underneath.
Step 5: Install the new transmission filter, making sure that its O-ring seats in the appropriate orifice.
Step 6: Attach the new gasket to the pan with oil-soluble grease –not gasket sealer or adhesive.
Step 7: Refer to the service manual about using thread sealer on any or all of the transmission pan bolts, then screw in all fasteners finger-tight.
Step 8: Torque the pan bolts to spec in a spiral pattern starting at the center. Maximum torque is often about 12 pounds per foot.
Step 9: Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with the recommended amount of fluid.
Step 10: Start the vehicle, warm it up, then shut it off and check for leaks. If you don’t detect any leaks, run the vehicle up to operating temperature on level ground, move the shifter through all gears, return to park and check the dipstick while the engine idles.

Always practice good safety behaviors when working on motor vehicles. To help prevent injuries, use appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include safety gloves, goggles, helmets and shoes.

Can u add transmission fluid to a sealed transmission?

How do you add transmission fluid without a dipstick?

If the vehicle does not have a dipstick, the transmission fluid must be checked at the transmission. This requires lifting the car on four jack stands; it must be level to check the fluid. There will be a fill plug on the side of the transmission case. This is not the drain plug located at the bottom of the sump.

Does a sealed transmission have a dipstick?

If you don't see a dipstick under the hood, you're likely dealing with a sealed transmission. You should flush a sealed transmission's fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but you don't need to check your levels on a monthly basis.