How do I check the transmission fluid?

Tiny
MRFITZIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
How do I check the transmission fluid? I have checked the engine and see no dipstick. The truck is hesitating and accelerating randomly while driving. It also hesitates going up hill and it smells hot when done driving.
Monday, July 29th, 2019 AT 6:53 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Hi,

Based on your description, it doesn't sound like a fluid level issue, but anything is possible. What to do is this. Place the vehicle on a flat surface. Place it in park, start it, and allow the engine to reach operating temperature. Shift through the gears and back to park. This guide can help show you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

With the engine running, remove the dipstick (which should be on the passenger side under the hood, near the firewall) wipe it and then repeat to get an accurate level.

Pay attention to the condition of the fluid. For example, what color is it? Does it have a smell to it?

Next, I need to know if the check engine light stays on when the engine is running and if there is any smoke coming from the vehicle that could be what you smell.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
RYAN_BULLOCK17
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 146,000 MILES
I have an '01 chevy s10 2.2L 5-speed, and Im desperately needing to check the transmission fluid, however, I dnt know how to. It does not have a dipstick and I dnt know where to look on the transmission.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
It has a plug in the side of the transmission. You remove the plug and stick your finger in and see if you can touch the fluid.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Level ground--fill with CORRECT FLUID--auto parts store will know what type!

Fill until it will hold no more, and starts coming out fill hole.

Pic 1) There were several choices, I grabbed one, without further specifics on your rig!----Location of fill hole is on the side(drain is probably on the bottom)

pic 2) Fluid level inside the tranny

THE MEDIC
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHE1422
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 110,000 MILES
How do you check you transmission fluid on and where do you add transmission fluid?
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Plug on right side of trans remove oil will run out if full. Adding is a little tricky squeeze bottle and hose etc.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBG929
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
I do not know where to add trans fluid to my manual trans. Or drain the trans oil.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
  • MECHANIC
  • 513 POSTS
There are two large allen head drain and fill plugs onside of transmission. The lower plug is the drain The upper one is the fill. When filling wih fluid pump fluid in top till it starts coming out the top. Then install plug.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HNB0506
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 CHEVROLET S-10
Transmission problem
1993 Chevy S-10 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I had a hole in my transmission oil pan, and had to change it. I was wondering how many quarts of transmission fluid should I add to my truck? It says do not over fill, but doesnt say how much to put in.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Hi:
If you only lost the oil from the pan, (you didn't run it dry) start at 4 qts. And check it. NOTE: to properly check it, the vehicle should be at operating temp, running, and in park.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WMPBROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
13 pints = 6 1/2 quarts
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM (Merged)

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