FREE FIX! - How To Check Transmission Fluid With No Dipstick

Does your car's transmission have a a place for a dipstick but no actual dipstick? This has become more common in newer vehicles. Instead of paying an autoshop to check your transmission fluid, Josh shows you a simple work-a-round, all without spending a dime!
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Transmission Fluid Dipstick Tool: amzn.to/3KjKtbV

[@jareou]

It should be a crime for car manufacturers to make so difficult and have to purchase a tool to check it.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Where’d the fun in that be?

[@jamee1139]

​@@BudgetMechanicHawaii it's taking the fun out of it, obviously I want to be overcharged for something I could do in 5 mins

[@Rhonda858]

I totally agree they do it so we have to take it back to them to have it serviced!

[@DaveNanan]

How can Chrysler be so cheap as to not include a transmission dipstick, and just a cheap plastic plug? 😳

[@porcoutah9967]

I think US governement should have a law about maintenacebility , design such only dealer can do with special equipment is monopoly

[@MiddyBlue65]

I knew if I kept searching on here, I'd find exactly what I was looking for. There had to be a Cheat Sheet. And walaaa. Here you were. Thank you so much. Lady friendly. 🌹

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad you found the video🤙🏽

[@jerrywagner7346]

One other trick for some vehicles. Check to see if some earlier model years of the vehicle had a dipstick. For example, my son's 07 Liberty has the stupid cap like the video. Earlier model years (same engine/transmission) had a dipstick so I grabbed a dipstick for $2 from a u-pull junkyard. Verified the markings on it with one of the charts mentioned in the video and found it was an exact match. It's too long to leave in the tube but works great so i just keep it in my garage. I find it easier to use/read than the Dorman universal style one. Just be glad if it still has a tube, I'd like to smack the ZF 6HP26 and Ford 6R80 engineers.

[@tested123]

this hack works great for me. i have a small leak in a cooler line crimp. i fixed it 99% with hose clamps. now i can easily accurately maintain trans oil level without over filling it.

[@couponinginconnecticutwith1703]

I have a jeep patriot 2012 and it's 60 bucks for the dip stick to order!!! Thank you for this video!

[@AmeliaClairaBlack]

$12.82 Amazon prime will be delivered in two days. U s a.

[@alozborne]

Wow, this ingenious! Fortunately, I don't have any "modern" cars, mine all have those pesky transmission dip sticks :-)

[@KekeeBlack]

I have a modern one and an old one, luckily they both have them!

[@PeterBulka-rt9fg]

​​​@@KekeeBlacklucky you, both of you... Least it is a quick and easy way to make it work..

[@georgewiebewiebe9137]

I’m definitely going to do this going forward, great video

[@LBurou]

Very useful information, thank you!

[@jasperedmund8093]

Great straightforward info. Thanks, man.

[@mbosstudios8852]

I'm sure going to try this. Very helpful

[@LifeIsBetterWithLove]

I love you!❤ Thanks so much! Even though i dont have that van, i am going to use this technique with all my vehicles ❤❤❤. Thank you!

[@billreichert6842]

Great video. Thanks for the information.

[@bearpuf]

Hi, I can see this method working with some cars where one can simply remove an overhead plug for the trans fluid, but not on Toyotas that have a plug on the side of the trans case.

[@Bobby-cm7vu]

Every toyota I've seen has a transmission dipstick though

[@duke6024]

I saw a video a fella made a custom little dipstick

[@user-jg2sq1ht7f]

Camry 2010 I owned doesn't have ATF dipstick. There's a dipstick for engine oil, not for transmission fluid (atf fluid).​@@Bobby-cm7vu

[@younkinjames8571]

I just bought the aftermarket dipstick yesterday. This video could've saved me 30 bucks...oh well. It was still helpful.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Nice!

[@peterliang1294]

how do you know if that dip stick is the correct length? Edit, I check the oil and trans dip sticks of my 3 vehicle and they are all different lengths(oil vs trans dip stick by at least 2"). A 2008 highlander v6, 2011 Rogue and 2014 CRV. Based on that this video advise is very poor information that can cause major issue to your trans. As the level will not be at the oem fuild level if you use a oil dip as your trans dip. Make sure you know the oem dip stick length before using it for your vehicle.

[@jeffrice6664]

When you buy that $60 dipstick I only paid $30 but it gives the lengths that you are to slide into the tube so that you are at the right length. So I think you're leaving some information out.

[@jasperedmund8093]

Does the OEM tool touch the bottom of the housing? If so, this method sounds like it would be accurate. Sounds very important to get the temp right in low tolerance transmissions.

[@avian7999]

Hi, thanks for this video, do I actually touch the bottom of the pan with the tip of of the stick ?

[@EAPonce-qr7sw]

Great tip Thanks !

[@hulong0205]

But I feel the length of the after market dip stick will also affect the readings level right? Anyway, I think this is a great trick to get the first OEM trans level when vehicle is at operating temp. So I can use that as the perfect level for future references.

[@jackburton4892]

Thank you. 👍 How do you fill without over filling? Any tips? Thanks in advance

[@David_Mash]

The fluid level from the end of the dipstick or the fluid level from the bottom of the reservoir? Because not all dipsticks are the same length so are you saying this works only if your dipstick can make it all the way to the bottom and that this chart is showing from the bottom of the reservoir?

[@PeterBulka-rt9fg]

Yes, it's from the "stop" in the transmission pan..

[@mcviegas2566]

Great advice!

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

I have a 2018 Volvo XC60, which doesn’t have a transmission dipstick NOR an engine oil dipstick. Do you have a solution for measuring the engine oil? There’s a drawing that I can pull up on the center dashboard screen that will show an electronic measure. However, I would prefer a real dipstick so that I can also see if the oil is dirty or not.

[@starkibury]

This is very helpful cus i have a 2012 chrysler 200 convertible and was wondering how do i check the transmission fluid. I just learned something new 😂😂😂

[@EliasShaffer]

Here too, for 2013 Volkswagen Passat se

[@Banditt42]

Great video.

[@Thomas-kt4sr]

My 2017 Nissan Rouge if u put oil dipstick it won't reach to bottom of pan no reading on dipstick won't work

[@medogandcatadventure]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jondoe3179]

That's a great trick!!!!

[@southerncross3638]

I'll see of that will work on our 05 cadillac srx, Thanks.

[@quesreal2552]

Hey there Team Budget Mechanic, and other readers..... for my 2013 Mazda cx9 has a "venting button thing a majig:" which sits loosely on end of atf tube that doesn't unscrew. Still safe to pop it off? Cuz it prob won't go back on and stay after using your method to check level.

[@chankokhoi4496]

Thank you very much Brother 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@ronspunar2411]

Thanks man.

[@jenisayerwinnie4189]

Good info! Thanks!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Welcome!

[@IsabellaHale]

NON USER.. serviceable exactly.. thanks.. I saw another one the Dodge Charger.. I saw it on another channel. makes says.. WOW. that is a cool use the OIL dipstick makes sense.. ..

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Right on

[@lyricsallday23]

Hi! Can you please share the link to the Dodge Charger video? Thank you in advance!

[@zachatack1969]

Awesome!!!

[@tmauricio9028]

Very Smart Man 👍

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@Poppncolors]

Man thank you 😊 fr

[@charlesirwin8189]

What is the operating temperature to use on the chart (no temp gauge in my3.6-L 2014 Dodge grand caravan)? I'm assuming about 180 degrees. thanks.

[@duke6024]

Nice a little off topic I'm throwing a dual clutch code on my 2015' jeep Grand Cherokee Overland any help in ideas of cause solution cost etc. Sincerely,novice

[@user-ft4hu4xi4g]

Yes thanks for this video helpful 💪🏿

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Happy to help

[@salomonsalguero584]

Thanks

[@thetikitaktribefamily9914]

GREAT INFO SORRY TO BOTHER BUT WOULD YOU KNOW WHERE TH TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK PORT WOULD BE ON A 2007 AUDI Q7 V6

[@spida4life]

I really like that! First machine that actually explains everything. Can you email me a link to your website, so I can check there before I KZbin anywhere else? Thanks!

[@darbysuntrup1499]

Brilliant. Not a mechanic, but thought the oil dipstick could double up as a tranny CVT dipstick! Did not know if the dipstick would be long enough. For marking levels on the dipstick, I would use thin strips of duct tape... Just what I was looking for. Thanks a bunch. Subscribed.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Awesome!

[@peterliang1294]

the duct tape will likely fall off into the oil pan once oil/trans fluid touches it.

[@sunnys2794]

thank you i will do that

[@jjjohn5914]

Very nice...where is the tube on a 2014 outback with 2.5L engine?

[@user-uu8lk2xb6m]

Good job brother

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks

[@ardevenuta37]

2019 versa. Your advice, I'd appreciate

[@armaz83]

Will this work also for a 2010 dodge journey 2.7L Flexfuel automatic

[@angelacunningham3738]

Thank you very much ❤

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You're welcome 😊

[@Flashftw]

Ok so that was excellent information however does one check for the cold reading mark when the vehicle is dead cold, like not running & in park overnite? And on the flip-side does the hot reading mark to be taken when the vehicle has been driven for a period of time & the engine is at operating temperature? Only thing I'm a bit fuzzy on. Everything else was spot on. Thanx...

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Cold mark is for when vehicle hasn’t been running for a long time (3-4hrs?) and hot mark is after reaching operating temp (temp needle has stopped rising)

[@ebutch9999]

Thanks!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You bet! And thank you!

[@manacesrosario9103]

Mostly newer vehicles the oil sticks are shorter than the transmission so it can’t be used for that so you better get one longer and keep it in your trunk

[@bertharuiz1225]

Great idea. Those dealerships are so darned greedy

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

They know what they’re doing!

[@notmychannel4u]

Genius! ❤

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Hope it’s helpful!

[@tonylam9548]

Do the Camrys have such a convenient plastic plug at the tranny as well.The info I also looking for is where is the place I can drill into the trans to install a tube and a dip stick?

[@rlowle1228]

This won't work on a gm 2.2 l engine. God dam auto engineers.

[@BigBoiBalu]

Gold !!!!

[@m.a.d.9566]

where can i get the Nissan versa level fliud , temp chart at … like what website

[@cliff6490]

Hello i have a 2011 Toyota Avalon and its my understanding that i have no "plug" to access the tranny from up in the engine compartment. Is there in fact access without going under the car. Please any info would be helpful, and also your video is very interesting Thx

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that specific transmission. Try google around for that model and year

[@karendoughty6563]

Awesome

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@JoseChavez-rr6og]

Nice

[@psdaengr911]

Does an AT dipstick bottom out hitting something? I know that my oil dipstick doesn't.

[@Redguard-Nazeem]

You can also use a piece of 90 degree wood, sheet metal or plastic to mark your measurements instead of marking your dipstick. Just keep it in your glovebox until you need to check it when you check the level with the dipstick just hold it up to the piece of wood or whatever and you'll get an accurate reading , this way you don't have to modify the dipstick.

[@harrycombs2724]

This video is great for a perfect world of car manufactures. I have 3 Nissans and Corvette that this does not apply to because the engine oil dipstick is too short and doesn't reach the fluid level in the transmission. You need a specific length and depth from the top of the dipstick in order for this to be a safe method. I personally would not use this method of checking the fluid. After 40 years of automotive design, I've seen a lot of ideas proposed and some you just should not try. This is one of them.

[@Cdr306]

Great idea but a couple of issues. Toyotas don’t have a cap that closes off the old tube. It truly does not have any access to the transmissions other than the fill tube. Also, I’d forget about the graphs and what have you. I would do the normal procedure to make sure that the transmission fluid is at the proper level. Then I would score your oil dipstick when the car is cold and not started. And I would score another time after the car is operating temperature. Those two marks should get you what you need to check the fluid levels without getting too involved in charts and measurements on tape measure. What issues do you see with that approach?

[@ashleyholloway1370]

If checking WHEN the fluid is HOT... be careful as the metal parts & hoses are VERY HOT !

[@MegaMastiffman]

I’m putting my 68 mustang back on the road as a daily driver because forget buying a newer car at ridiculous prices then you can’t even work on anything anymore even simple stuff, I figure I will sell my car now and that will give me a vacation and more then enough money to do whatever upgrades I need for the mustang witch isn’t much. Kiss

[@terrycarlton6991]

Does this work on a 6T45 transmission ?

[@HemantKumar-zm9py]

2007 XL7 Suzuki where to put in transmission fluid I need to know where do I put it at

[@tayethompson6653]

What if I used the oil level gauge to check transmission and it was no fluid was on the dip stick?

[@user-yj3nn5nw8r]

Please Show review ZF 8H ATF Transmission Service Procedure for RWD 2019 Grand Cherokee Limited RWD 3.6L V6 Gas Engine with 8-Speed- ZF 8HP ATF Transmission

[@marionwarren1006]

Hi👋i have a 2009 dodge charger where is my transmission i have a 3.5 motor I don't have a dip stick and where do the transmission oil goes THANK YOU 😊

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You’ll have to consult google or a manual, I’m not familiar with that one off hand

[@travisj5307]

I have 2013 dodge grand caravan that does not have a dipstick tube tell me how to check it and where is it

[@hollywilkerson5180]

I wish I knew that before I just spent about $30 on a dipstick😑

[@jamesrunions4553]

I have a problem with my 2014 Ford fusion. Nobody will answer a question without charging you a 100 dollars.

[@jmurph7980]

U gotta take it to the shop they gotta go down bottom

[@ryugo7713]

That’ll be $100 thank you

[@dwightcoleerook6660]

I'm sorry I bought a Explorer

[@J-Pitt]

Just put the freekin dipsticks in our cars, it always causes transmission issues ALWAYS. Stop being dumb mechanical engineers.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Haha. If only mechanical engineers ran car companies…

[@cw345]

Are you sure on all cars it's safe to stick a metal rod into a running system, could there be moving parts it will hit/damage? And be sure to whip oil off the dip-stick real well, mixing any oil into trany could be real bad.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

If there’s a dipstick tube you’re all good. They have a stop built into the tube. If there’s no stick tube, don’t put a stick in it

[@mjbadtheory2392]

Are you new to cars 🤦🤦

[@user-co9pn9te9y]

How do you know that the oil dipstick will reach to the bottom of your transmission?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

It doesn’t go to the bottom, it contacts a little stopper in the check tube.

[@francisconunez1262]

Todo está bien solo que los videos son en inglés y aquí en México tenemos ese molesto problema que tenemos que comprar la balloneta para medir el aceite de la transmisión del craisler y muy pocos sabemos inglés traduselo al español por favor

[@frostknife5296]

I cant find the chart for dodge ram 2001 5.2 1500 please help

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You have a dipstick tube?

[@rlowle1228]

In my saturn's transmission you cant stick the dipstick in. There is something blocking the way.

[@kristyschuler6579]

I have a 2013 Toyota Rav 4 with no dip stick, my car will not go into Reverse? Help please.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You’ll need to look up the transmission fluid check procedure for your specific car. If it’s “not serviceable”, you’ll have to take it in to someone

[@nothingtodo58]

This presupposes that the oil dipstick is the same length as the trans dipstick. Have you verified this?

[@herbscheit2061]

Exactly

[@peterliang1294]

Aggreed, 3 of my vehicle all have different lengths dip sticks between the oil and trans for each car. They differ by at least 2" longer or shorter.

[@nicoleriley6091]

What would cause oil on my spark plugs

[@stevelavu4522]

Could be a leaky seal for the spark plug tube under the valve cover.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Almost certainly is the spark plug tube seals (often built into the valve cover gasket).

[@shroory1990]

Head gas kit. Metal plate between head and celyn

[@nicoleriley6091]

@@shroory1990 it was a clogged catalytic converter that caused all the strange things going on with my car which I didn't think I had a bad catalytic because I just had the dealer ship put a new one on my car a year and a half ago but I guess they didn't put a brand new one because it was clogged

[@tomsetlock7380]

If the transmission isn't leaking fluid why do you need to check the level?

[@2112musician]

Mine got low after 10 years and had no leaks. Others can make it 300,000 without changing it and no problems. Every vehicle is different.

[@stevenbrogna1100]

You have to check color of the fluid

[@jasperedmund8093]

Tranny slipping when vehicle is at an angle. Should be a 5-min check; can take much longer on modern vehicles.

[@ncooty]

I'd first confirm that it's long enough to bottom out.

[@tammiebowling2517]

What if when I stick the dipstick into the hole where the transmission fluid goes and I check it with the oil dipstick after putting in four quarts of transmission fluid it's still not reading

[@ncooty]

@tammiebowling2517 Is the oil dipstock long enough to bottom out in the transmission? (Maybe the oil dipstick is too short.) How much transmission fluid does your vehicle take? Some take much more than 4 qts. Does your owner's manual indicate that the transmission fluid level should be checked when the engine is running and after cycling through the gears?

[@mightymouse5233]

what about a mercedes e350 2010

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Does it have a dip tube for transmission?

[@bobbymoss6160]

My previous car, a Scion tC had the hash marks you made on the dip stick stamped on it from the factory. I would never buy a European or American car, the greed from these car corporations are absolutely disgusting.

[@peterk4134]

That’s too easy; my Audi TT has no dipstick tube. You have to drain and fill at the drain plug; at running temperature at that.

[@sherrymitchell96]

This is crazy.. Like you're speaking a foreign language🤦

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Crazy

[@dtrisnaifgfhouston]

Don't use transmission fluid or any other oil/fulid, use EV car. Problem solved.

[@gllyson]

Thanks