Where do I find the transmission dipstick?

In most cars with a traditional automatic transmission, the dipstick sits in the engine bay and you can check it under the hood; newer models may be sealed and lack a dipstick.

This article explains where to look for the transmission dipstick, what to do if your car has one, and what to do if it doesn’t.

Common places to find the transmission dipstick

Note that not all cars have one; older vehicles often do, while many newer models are sealed and may not include a dipstick. Start with these typical spots.

• In the engine bay, toward the back of the engine near the firewall, look for a bright-colored handle (red, orange, or yellow) labeled ATF or Transmission.


• On some vehicles, the dipstick is mounted on the side of the transmission itself, reachable from the engine bay with a short tube and a small handle.


• In a few older or specialty models, you might find the dipstick near the radiator support or along the passenger side of the engine compartment.

Once you locate the dipstick, follow the vehicle’s manual for the correct check procedure, including how to prepare the transmission (engine warm or idle), the proper position (Park/Neutral), and how to read the level marks.

No dipstick? What to do

Many newer cars use sealed or “lifetime” transmissions and omit the dipstick entirely. If yours does, you won’t see a dipstick in the engine bay and must follow the manufacturer's service procedure to check or maintain fluid levels.

• Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm whether your model uses a dipstick or a sealed transmission.


• If there is no dipstick, schedule service with a dealer or qualified mechanic to inspect fluid level and condition using the proper tools and procedures for your transmission type.


• Do not attempt to remove transmission plugs or perform a fill/drain yourself unless you are trained and know the exact procedure for your model, as this can cause serious damage.


• If you notice symptoms such as slipping, rough shifting, or noises, have the transmission inspected promptly, even if fluid level seems normal.

In short, determine whether your car has a dipstick from the manual; if not, rely on professional service at the recommended intervals to maintain transmission health.

Summary

Where to find the transmission dipstick depends on the make and model. Many older cars have a dipstick under the hood near the back of the engine, while many newer vehicles are sealed and lack a dipstick entirely. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions and follow the recommended service intervals to keep transmission fluid clean and at the correct level.

How do I locate the transmission dipstick?

The transmission dipstick is typically found in the engine compartment, usually toward the rear of the engine bay near the firewall, and often has a red or different-colored handle than the engine oil dipstick. You can also identify it by a symbol on its handle, or by checking your vehicle's owner's manual if you have trouble locating it. 
This video demonstrates how to find the transmission dipstick: 55sJiffy LubeYouTube · Jun 29, 2015

• Location: Look under the hood in the engine bay. On many cars, it's near the firewall at the back of the engine. 
• Distinguishing it from the oil dipstick:
  • Color: The transmission dipstick handle is often a different color (like red) from the engine oil dipstick (which is often yellow). 
  • Placement: The transmission dipstick is typically farther back in the engine bay. 
• If you can't find it: Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. 
• Note for modern cars: Many newer vehicles don't have a transmission dipstick, so you may need to have the fluid checked by a mechanic. 

How do I check my transmission fluid if there's no dipstick?

To check transmission fluid without a dipstick, use the vehicle's transmission fill and check plugs, which are typically on the side and top of the transmission case, respectively. This procedure requires the engine to be running and at operating temperature, and the vehicle to be on a level surface. The fluid level is correct when it begins to trickle out of the inspection plug, or a specialized dipstick can be inserted into the fill plug to measure the level.
 
This video demonstrates how to check transmission fluid level on a vehicle with no dipstick: 53sEricTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2019
Using the transmission fill and check plugs 

1. Warm up the vehicle: Drive the car to bring the transmission to its normal operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface for an accurate reading. 
3. Locate the plugs: Find the transmission fill plug (usually on top) and the check or inspection plug (on the side of the transmission case). Consult your vehicle's repair manual for the exact locations. 
4. Check the level:
   • With the engine running, slowly loosen and remove the check plug. 
   • If fluid flows out, it indicates the level is correct, so let it flow until it becomes a trickle, and then replace the plug. 
   • If no fluid comes out, the level is low. Add fluid through the fill plug until it starts to flow out of the check plug. 
5. Add fluid (if needed): If the level is low, add the correct type of transmission fluid through the fill plug using a pump until it just begins to trickle from the check plug. 
6. Tighten the plugs: Reinstall both the check and fill plugs securely. 
7. Check for signs of damage: While checking, note the fluid's color and smell. If it looks dark, brown, or has a burnt smell, it may be time for a service. 

Alternative method: Use a specialized dipstick 

1. Purchase a universal dipstick: Buy a flexible, compatible dipstick designed for vehicles without a standard transmission dipstick. 
2. Locate the fill plug: Find the fill plug on the transmission. 
3. Check the level: With the engine running and at operating temperature, remove the fill plug and insert the specialized dipstick until it reaches the bottom of the pan. 
4. Read the fluid level: Pull the dipstick out and check the fluid level against the markings. 
5. Add fluid: If the level is low, add fluid through the fill plug and recheck until the correct level is reached. 

Why is there no transmission dipstick?

There is no transmission dipstick in many modern vehicles because transmissions are now "sealed," which prevents contamination and is designed to last for the life of the vehicle. This is also due to advances in technology, which use electronic sensors for more accurate monitoring and require specific procedures for checking the fluid that a simple dipstick cannot handle. Additionally, some sealed transmissions require specialized tools and knowledge to check, which discourages owners from doing it themselves and may lead to more frequent shop visits. 
This video explains why manufacturers are eliminating transmission dipsticks: 58sJust Call Me EddieYouTube · Feb 12, 2025
Reasons for the absence of a transmission dipstick 

• Sealed transmissions: Many modern transmissions are sealed, meaning they do not lose fluid and therefore do not require regular checking by the owner. They are designed with a much higher level of efficiency and better tolerances than older models. 
• Prevention of contamination and misuse: Sealed transmissions prevent dirt, water, and other contaminants from entering the system, which can cause damage. Removing the dipstick also prevents owners from accidentally using the wrong type of transmission fluid, which could be catastrophic, especially for complex CVTs or dual-clutch systems. 
• Advanced fluid monitoring: Some modern vehicles use electronic sensors to monitor fluid levels and quality, sending this information directly to the car's dashboard. These systems are more accurate than a traditional dipstick and reduce the risk of human error. 
• Complex checking procedure: Checking the fluid in a sealed transmission often requires specific temperature conditions and a special process involving a mechanic lifting the vehicle and removing an inspection plug. A traditional dipstick is not designed to be used with this type of system. 

What to do if you don't have a dipstick

• Consult your owner's manual to determine if your vehicle has a sealed transmission and what the recommended service interval is. 
• If you suspect a leak or need to check your transmission fluid, refer to your vehicle's manual for the correct procedure or consult a dealership or qualified mechanic. 

How to tell if transmission fluid is low?

You can tell if transmission fluid is low by noticing delayed or harsh shifting, gear slippage, strange noises (like whining or grinding), and fluid leaks under the vehicle. Additionally, a burning smell, overheating warning lights, or the check engine light can signal low fluid levels. To confirm, check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick when the engine is warm and running.
 
This video demonstrates how to check transmission fluid level: 1mJiffy LubeYouTube · Jun 29, 2015
Common symptoms of low transmission fluid

• Delayed or harsh shifting: Your car may hesitate when shifting from park to drive or reverse, or the gear changes may feel abrupt, jerky, or noisy. 
• Slipping gears: The engine may rev up without the vehicle accelerating, or you might feel the gears slip out of place while driving. 
• Strange noises: Listen for unusual sounds such as grinding, whining, or clunking coming from the transmission. 
• Fluid leaks: Check for bright red or brown fluid spots on the ground under your car, which indicate a leak. 
• Overheating: The transmission can overheat without enough fluid, sometimes triggering a warning light or causing a burning smell. 
• Dashboard lights: The check engine or a specific transmission warning light may turn on, as modern vehicles use sensors to detect low fluid levels. 

How to check the fluid level

1. Warm up the engine: Drive the car for about 15 minutes to bring the transmission to normal operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: Make sure the vehicle is on a flat, level surface to get an accurate reading. 
3. Keep the engine running: With the engine still running, locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is often a different color than the engine oil dipstick and may be labeled with "transmission". 
4. Check the level: Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again. The fluid level should be between the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick. 
5. Note your owner's manual: Some vehicles, particularly newer models, do not have a dipstick and require a different procedure to check the fluid level, such as checking a fill plug on the transmission. 

This video shows how to check transmission fluid level on a car with no dipstick: 1mBudget MechanicYouTube · Mar 29, 2023