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:
- Passenger cars: 8 to 12 quarts (7.5 to 11.5 liters)
- SUVs and trucks: 12 to 20 quarts (11.5 to 19 liters)
2. Manual Transmissions:
- Passenger cars: 2 to 6 quarts (1.9 to 5.7 liters)
- SUVs and trucks: 6 to 9 quarts (5.7 to 8.5 liters)
3. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT):
- Passenger cars: 4 to 9 quarts (3.8 to 8.5 liters)
- SUVs: 7 to 13 quarts (6.6 to 12.3 liters)
Factors Influencing the Fluid Amount:
- Vehicle make and model: Passenger cars can use standard amounts of fluid to function, whereas sports vehicles often need more specialized fluid.
- Transmission type: Automatic and CVT vehicles usually require more fluid than manual ones, as the fluid also helps with critical hydraulic functions.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, usually have a bigger transmission system, which requires more fluid.
- Fluid change vs. fluid flush: A replacement requires less liquid as it simply replaces a part of the fluid, while a flush drains the entire system.
How to Determine the Right Fluid Amount:
- Consult your owner’s manual: Whether you need 2 or 10 quarts, the manual will tell you the precise figure.
- Check the dipstick: After adding the fluid, check the level every 1/2 quart to avoid overfilling.
- Note the fluid level: Ideally, fluid levels should be between the “MIN/HOT” and “FULL/HOT” dipstick marks.
Recommended Tips:
- Avoid overfilling: Excess transmission fluid can lead to gear slippage, shifting problems, and system damage.
- Use the correct fluid type: Your owner’s manual will recommend the right kind of transmission fluid for your vehicle.
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?
- Signs Your Car Has Low or Excess Fluid
- How to Check and Maintain Fluid Levels in Automatic and CVT Cars
- How to Check and Maintain Fluid Levels in Manual Cars
- 3 Useful Practices for Maintaining a Sufficient Fluid Level
- How Frequently Should You Change Transmission Fluid?
- 3 FAQs about Transmission Fluid
How Much Transmission Fluid Do I Need?
Here’s a general guideline for quick reference:
1. Automatic Transmission Vehicles
- Passenger cars: 8 to 12 quarts (7.5 to 11.5 liters)
- SUVs and trucks: 12 to 20 quarts (11.5 to 19 liters)
2. Manual Transmission Vehicles
- Passenger cars: 2 to 6 quarts (1.9 to 5.7 liters)
- SUVs and trucks: 6 to 9 quarts (5.7 to 8.5 liters)
3. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Vehicles
- Passenger cars: 4 to 9 quarts (3.8 to 8.5 liters)
- SUVs: 7 to 13 quarts (6.6 to 12.3 liters)
The exact amount of transmission fluid your vehicle needs depends on factors such as:
- Vehicle make and model: Standard cars require small amounts of fluid for smooth driving, whereas high-performance or sports cars need more specialized fluid to function.
- Transmission type: Unlike manual cars, automatic and CVT vehicles’ transmission fluid lubricates and powers critical components like the torque converter for hydraulic functions. Due to this, these vehicles usually require more fluid than manual ones.
- Automobile size: Vehicles like SUVs and trucks usually have a bigger transmission system that can hold more fluid than compact cars.
- Fluid change vs. fluid flush: A fluid change normally involves replacing only a portion of the old fluid with new, so it doesn’t require much liquid. Whereas, a fluid flush drains the entire system and replaces it entirely, requiring more fluid.
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:
- Active dashboard lights: Most vehicles activate the check engine or transmission light when fluid levels are low and the system overheats.
- Odd noises: Whining, clunking, or grinding noises during gear changes signal low fluid levels.
- Slipping gears: Without enough fluid, the transmission may struggle to stay in gear or shift properly, leading to gear slippage.
- 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:
- Fluid leaks under the car: Excess pressure in your transmission due to extra fluid causes the seal to crack or fail.
- Foamy fluid: Too much fluid becomes foamy, reducing its effectiveness. This results in harsh or erratic shifting, especially in manual transmissions.
- 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:
- If the fluid is cooled, they’ll insert their finger in the filler hole to check the level.
- If the fluid is heated, they’ll use a metal stem to gauge whether the fluid is level with the bottom of the filler hole.
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:
- Use manufacturer-recommended fluid: Adding the correct fluid ensures proper lubrication and keeps transmission heat in check.
- 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.
- 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:
- Automatic transmission fluid: 45,000 to 100,000 miles
- Manual transmission fluid: 30,000 to 60,000 miles
- CVT fluid: 25,000 to 50,000 miles
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:
- Prevent the gaskets from cracking or drying out
- Assists in controlling your car’s transmission temperatures
- Prevents wear on metal surfaces
- Increases the rotational speed of your transmission
2. What Are the Different Types of Transmission Fluid?
Common types of transmission fluid include:
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF): A thin, usually red fluid that car owners use in automatic and some modern manual transmissions. It transmits hydraulic pressure to operate components like the torque converter and maintains stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, even in cold weather.
- Manual transmission fluid: Thicker than ATF, this amber or brown fluid provides strong lubrication for gears, bearings, and brass synchronizers, which are prone to wear. However, it thickens during winter, making shifting difficult and reducing driving comfort.
- CVT fluid: Vehicle owners use this pinkish light red fluid in CVT systems with a pulley-and-belt design. Like other lubricants, it reduces friction, but it’s specially formulated to support smooth acceleration, improve fuel efficiency, and provide reliable cold-temperature performance.
3. How Much Does a Transmission Fluid Replacement Cost?
This is what you’ll likely pay for a transmission fluid change:
- Automatic transmission fluid: $300 to $510
- Manual transmission fluid: $120 to $230
- CVT fluid: $340 to $370
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.