Do you check Toyota transmission fluid with the car running?

In most cases, yes—if your Toyota uses a traditional automatic transmission with a dipstick, you check the fluid with the engine running and the transmission warmed up on level ground. If your model uses a sealed transmission without a dipstick, you cannot check the level yourself and should rely on a Toyota service professional.

What to know about checking transmission fluid on dipstick-equipped Toyotas

These steps apply to Toyotas that have a conventional automatic transmission with a dipstick and accessible fill tube. For vehicles with no dipstick or a CVT, see the sealed-transmission guidance below.

Before listing the steps, note that you should always consult your owner's manual for the exact procedure, fluid specification, and safety precautions for your model year.

• Park the car on level ground and engage the parking brake. With the engine running, place the gear selector in Park (P) and keep your foot on the brake.


• Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a lint-free rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level.


• Check the fluid when the transmission is at normal operating temperature. The dipstick will show a “HOT” or similar range; the fluid level should be between the two hot marks.


• If the level is low, add the correct type of ATF gradually through the dipstick tube (do not overfill). Add small amounts, recheck, and stop once the level sits in the proper hot range.


• Use only the ATF specification recommended for your Toyota model (the manual will specify Toyota ATF WS or another type). Do not mix fluids of different specifications.

Concluding: Following these steps helps you determine whether your ATF level is within the normal range and whether any top-off is needed. Always finish with a recheck after adding fluid and ensure the engine remains off during the final check if you’re not warming up again.

What to know about sealed transmissions or models without a dipstick

Many newer Toyotas use sealed transmissions and do not provide a user-accessible dipstick. In these cases, owners cannot accurately check fluid level themselves. The procedure and tooling required to verify fluid level are typically handled by a dealership or certified technician, using guidance from the service manual and the appropriate equipment.

Before listing the guidance, keep in mind that attempting to open or measure a sealed transmission outside a proper service environment can cause damage or void warranties. If you’re unsure whether your model has a dipstick, check the owner’s manual or contact your local Toyota service center.

• Check your owner’s manual or with a Toyota service advisor to confirm whether your model has a dipstick and the recommended ATF specification.


• If the transmission is suspected to be low or acting up (slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement), seek professional service rather than attempting a home check.


• For models without a dipstick, service intervals and fluid changes are typically performed on a schedule by the dealer; fluid level checks, when possible, are done with specialized equipment and procedures.


• Never attempt to “hot fill” or open a sealed transmission on your own. Such actions can cause damage and void warranties.

Concluding: If your Toyota uses a sealed transmission, rely on the dealer or a qualified technician for any fluid level checks, top-offs, or changes. This protects the transmission and maintains warranty coverage.

Why fluid condition and level matter

Beyond whether you should check with the engine running, the health of ATF is important. Fresh ATF is typically bright red and transparent; burnt, dark, or milky fluid can indicate contamination or wear. A slipping or hard-shifting transmission can also signal low fluid or fluid that needs replacement. Always follow the service schedule for your model and address any abnormal signs promptly.

Summary

For most Toyotas with a traditional automatic and a dipstick, you check the transmission fluid with the engine running and the transmission warmed up, on level ground, and in Park. If your model has a sealed transmission with no dipstick, you won’t be able to perform the check at home; rely on a dealership or qualified technician for assessment and service. Always use the correct ATF specification for your vehicle and avoid overfilling. Regular maintenance and attentive observation of shifting behavior help keep your Toyota’s transmission in good condition.

How to check Toyota transmission fluid?

To check Toyota transmission fluid, first determine if you have a dipstick. If you do, start the engine, let it warm up, then pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it, and check the level against the markings. If your vehicle has a sealed transmission with no dipstick, you will need to take it to a professional to have the level checked at the correct operating temperature, usually with a scan tool, because overfilling can cause damage.
 
If your Toyota has a transmission dipstick 
This video shows how to check transmission fluid on a Toyota Camry with a dipstick: 55sLive FreeYouTube · Mar 8, 2024

1. Warm up the engine: Drive the car for five to ten minutes to bring the transmission fluid to its operating temperature. Avoid making it extremely hot. 
2. Park on a level surface: Ensure the vehicle is on a flat, level spot. 
3. Run the engine: With the engine running, shift through all the gears, from Park to Drive, to circulate the fluid. 
4. Locate and check the dipstick: Find the transmission dipstick (often red or yellow, and usually to the right of the engine oil dipstick). 
5. Read the fluid level: Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully. Pull it out again and check the fluid level. It should be between the "Full" and "Add" marks. Check the fluid's color and consistency; it should be pinkish and clear, not brown or burnt-smelling. 

If your Toyota does not have a dipstick (sealed transmission) 
This video demonstrates how to check transmission fluid on a Toyota without a dipstick: 55sWeberAutoYouTube · Apr 15, 2015

• Do not attempt to check it yourself. These are sealed systems designed for maintenance-free operation unless an issue is detected. 
• Consult your owner's manual or warranty guide to confirm your vehicle's maintenance schedule and fluid type. 
• Take it to a professional if you suspect a leak or other problem. A technician will use a scan tool to monitor the transmission's temperature and use a special procedure to check the fluid level and condition accurately. 

Should the car be running when checking transmission fluid?

Yes, you should check the transmission fluid with the engine running for an automatic transmission because the pump needs to be circulating the fluid for an accurate reading. The fluid expands when hot, so checking while the engine is running and warmed up ensures the level is correct within the operating temperature range. 
This video demonstrates how to check automatic transmission fluid while the engine is running: 1mEricTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2019
Step-by-step guide

1. Warm up the car: Drive for a few minutes to get the transmission to its normal operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: This is crucial for an accurate reading. 
3. Start the engine: Keep the car running. 
4. Engage the gears: With your foot on the brake, slowly shift the gear selector through each gear (P, R, N, D) and hold for a few seconds in each position. 
5. Return to Park: Shift the gear selector back to Park (P). 
6. Check the fluid: Pull the transmission dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again to check the level. 
7. Interpret the reading: The fluid level should be between the "hot" marks on the dipstick. For most cars, it is best to have the fluid slightly below the "hot" mark rather than overfilled. 

Important considerations

• Manual transmissions: These should be checked with the engine off. 
• Honda and Audi: Some models, like certain Honda vehicles and most Volkswagen/Audis, have different procedures. Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. 
• Overfilling: Adding too much fluid can be just as bad as having too little, as it can create excess pressure. Add fluid in small increments, re-checking the level after each addition. 

Does a Nissan have to be running to check transmission fluid?

First, put the gearshift in either neutral or park, leave your parking brake active, and turn on your engine. Your engine needs to be warm when checking your transmission fluid and should remain on during this process.

Why do cars no longer have transmission dipstick?

Newer vehicles lack transmission dipsticks because modern transmissions are often "sealed" for several reasons, including preventing contamination, avoiding the use of the wrong fluid, and being more complex. Sealed transmissions are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, and instead of a dipstick, they have an inspection plug that requires a specific, more involved process with special tools and temperatures to check the fluid level. 
This video explains why some cars no longer have transmission dipsticks: 58sJust Call Me EddieYouTube · Feb 12, 2025
Reasons for the disappearance of the transmission dipstick

• Preventing contamination: A sealed system prevents dirt, debris, and moisture from entering the transmission, which can cause damage. 
• Avoiding wrong fluid: Modern transmissions require very specific fluid types. Eliminating the dipstick prevents owners from accidentally adding the wrong fluid, which can destroy a transmission. 
• Increased complexity: Newer transmissions are more complex with more speeds (like 5, 6, 7, or even 8-speed automatics) or different designs like CVTs and dual-clutch systems, making a simple dipstick reading impractical. 
• Longer fluid life: Many modern fluids are designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle, so checking them as frequently as in the past is not always necessary. 

This video shows how to check the transmission fluid in a car with a sealed transmission: 59sMr. GregWrenchYouTube · Jul 27, 2025
How fluid is checked in sealed transmissions

• Inspection plug: Instead of a dipstick, there is an inspection plug on the transmission case. 
• Specific temperature: Checking the fluid requires the transmission fluid to be at a specific temperature range, which is found in the owner's manual. 
• Specialized procedure: A technician must remove the plug at the correct temperature and fluid level to check if it is correct.