International standards prescribe checking the oil volume every 15 thousand km. Its volume needs to be replenished as needed. Knowing how to add oil to an automatic transmission will be useful to any driver of a car with an automatic transmission.
How to add oil to automatic transmission?
For automatic transmissions, oil with the ATF marking is produced. Before filling with liquid, it is necessary to know exactly the oil level in the tank. Experts recommend taking measurements with the engine warm. If the vehicle has been in motion for a long enough time (more than 30 minutes), the engine should be idle. Then the indicators will be as accurate as possible and there will be no risk of insufficient flooding or, conversely, overflow of the transmission substance. In a previously unheated box, the oil level is usually too high, that is, the automatic transmission may already need to top up the oil.
Ideal: check the oil level 2 times - in a cold and hot car.
The procedure is carried out on an overpass. Typically, the oil dipstick is located near the engine. Before carrying out the procedure, the probe must be wiped with a rag in order to perfectly dry its surface. The measurement results are very easy to interpret: if the liquid level does not reach the extreme lower limit, then there is not enough oil in the system.
The sequence of the oil measuring procedure
In the manual for each car, the brand and the required amount of oil for filling are indicated. This information can be indicated by engraving on the stylus. For some models, it is permissible to use several types of oil at once. Liquids from different manufacturers must not be mixed.
To add special liquid a funnel should be inserted into the hole where the dipstick enters. It is best to use a long-necked funnel. It is more stable and facilitates the pouring procedure. The required volume of substance is poured into the funnel in small portions.
The amount of liquid to be added is individual for each vehicle. If this is the first procedure in many years, then it is better to start with a minimum volume of 1 liter. After filling, the dipstick must be immersed in the engine again. If the oil level is insufficient, it is recommended to add about half a liter more. These steps must be repeated until the liquid level rises to the normal level.
For complete replacement oil in the system will require at least five liters. To fill a completely dry automatic transmission - about 8 liters.
After the oil level has been brought to the optimum, the dipstick must be replaced. In most vehicles, it must be rotated until it clicks. The click is a guarantee that transmission fluid will not spill out while the car is moving. The final stage- starting the engine and running the gearbox selector in all positions.
Good luck on the road!
The gearbox is one of the most important vehicle units. Due to her, the car is set in motion. Therefore, it is important for any motorist to timely monitor the oil in the gearbox. The check should be carried out at least three times a week. If the check is not carried out in a timely manner, the lubricant may begin to leak as a result of damage to the transmission. As a result, the transmission itself will have to be repaired.
If you do not know how to check the oil in your car's gearbox, then follow the tips below. Verification is very simple.
How to check oil in automatic transmission
If the temperature is high outside, or the car has just driven several kilometers, it is better to start checking the lubrication no earlier than half an hour after stopping the engine. Accurate readings can only be taken from cooled oil. On certain models of cars, the transmission fluid level is checked with the engine running. You will need gloves and a dry cloth to complete the test.
The dipstick has two marks "min" and "max". The first is the minimum and the second is the maximum oil level. The volume of transmission fluid should be such that the level on the dipstick is as close to the "max" mark as possible.
It is important when checking to pay attention not only to the volume of the lubricant, but also to its smell and color. If the liquid is almost black in color and smells like fumes, this indicates that it no longer possesses the desired properties. It should be replaced.
Sequence of work
You need to do the following:
- Warm up the transmission. To do this, you will need to drive about 10 kilometers by car. Stop the machine on level ground and do not turn off the engine. Press the brake pedal.
- Hold the brake pedal and shift the gears. The transmission will need to be filled with grease.
- Remove the dipstick. To do this, open the hood. The probe loop is located near the bulkhead that separates the passenger compartment from the engine compartment. Pull gently on the loop and remove the dipstick.
- Wipe the zup with a cloth. Insert it back into the tube and then remove it again. The dry spot, which is on the lower level, will tell you about the volume of the transmission fluid. If everything is in order, you will need to put the dipstick back and close the hood.
The check should be carried out with a warm engine. If after checking you need to top up lubricating fluid, try not to overcrowd the system. If there is a lot of lubricant, it can foam and increase in volume. Look under the car. If you notice that there are smudges of grease, it means that you have added too much of it.
How to check the oil in the manual transmission
Checking with a dipstick
- Park the machine on level ground. Wait for the oil to stand. This will take no more than 15 minutes.
- Open the hood. Take out the dipstick, wipe it with a cloth and put it back.
- Remove the dipstick again. Pay attention to the indicator. If the lubricant level is less than the "max" indicator, then it is necessary to add it. Use the same brand of transmission fluid. Wait until the oil has settled, and then pay attention to the indicator again. If necessary, you can top it up again.
Ideally, the lubricating fluid in the manual transmission should be slightly above the upper mark.
Checking without using a probe
- Park the car on an overpass and remove the protection. It is better that the tilt of the vehicle is not too great. This will allow you to add oil above the highest mark.
- Unscrew the filler box. Stick your finger in there. You will be able to touch the lubricant.
- If the need arises, add the transmission fluid with a special syringe. In some cases, it is convenient to use a long tube.
If the manual transmission is too low level grease, this may result in the failure of the gearbox. Therefore, it is so important to check in a timely manner. If you notice the first signs of an oil leak, you urgently need to check the gaskets, oil seals and crankcase mountings. If these parts are worn out, they will need to be replaced.
How much oil should be in the gearbox?
Cars of different models and brands differ significantly in their design. Their transmission structure is also different. Therefore, different vehicles require different amounts of oil. To find out how much lubricant is needed for a particular car, you can only look in the instructions for its operation or by visiting a service station. It is recommended to purchase oil with a small reserve, at least 1 liter, so that it can be refilled in the event of a leak.
There are 3 types of oil in total: synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral. The first is the most modern. It is used mainly for automatic transmissions, but it is also suitable for manual transmissions. In an automatic transmission, it is better to change it every 50 kilometers. In manual transmission - every 60-70.
For many motorists, the question of how to add oil to an automatic transmission is relevant. Basically, this worries the owners of seasoned cars, as well as most of the budget foreign cars. Many modern cars are equipped with automatic transmissions that do not require any maintenance. But even in them, experts recommend checking the lubrication level. Usually, problems with adding oil arise on modern boxes that do not have a special filling plug, or it is located in a very inconvenient place.
According to the intention of the manufacturers, this complexity should interfere with the owners, do this work on their own and contact service centres where this problem is solved by removing the box.
Level check
How to add oil to automatic transmission? Before looking for an answer to this question, determine if you need to top up. Please note that automatic boxes they react equally negatively to both the lack of lubricant and its excess. Therefore, for a start, it is better to check the liquid level in the boxes. To do this, open the hood, and carefully examine the checkpoint. There should be a dipstick on it. Usually it is colored quite brightly, and immediately catches the eye. If it is absent, then the oil level in the automatic transmission is controlled through the check plug located in the gearbox pan. This version of bullying a motorist can be found on:
- Opel;
- Mercedes;
- Citroen;
- Volkswagen (some models).
How to top up?
So, you have determined that you need to add oil. This means that you have a very fun lesson. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this, but you will have to tinker. First, determine what kind of lubricant is used in your box. This data can be found in the technical documents for the vehicle. Older and budget models use standard transmission oil, it may differ by brand. At the same time, many modern manufacturers use special brands of oils. Always use the same brand of oil, otherwise you may have serious problems with the automatic transmission.
If your car has a dipstick, then filling the oil is as easy as shelling pears. To do this, you need a special syringe or funnel. Ideal option there will be a filler plug in the dipstick. This can be found on Bmw... Unscrew the plug and add grease. In this case, with a certain skill, you can do it directly from the bank. If there is no plug, then pouring is done using special devices. Not always a syringe or a suitable funnel is at hand. To get out of this situation, you will need a plastic bottle and a juice tube. Cut off the bottom of the bottle. A tube is cut into the cover, be sure to cover it with sealant. The resulting funnel is used for its intended purpose.
Special attention should be given the amount of transmission fluid used when topping up. To avoid problems with its overabundance, do not add more than 0.25 liters at a time. After that, the engine is started, and at least a kilometer is driven by the car. Then the oil level is checked and, if necessary, a new portion is added. On average, you may need 2-4 of these cycles.
In an automatic transmission without a dipstick, oil can only be added through the plug, for this you will have to use a syringe. With its help, grease is poured into the box. Prepare some utensils, excess oil will drain back. The owners of such gearboxes, although they cannot fully check the condition of the oil, may not be afraid to pour it over.
After completing all the work on adding oil, you need to drive a car about ten kilometers. The oil level is then checked again. Remember that its level should not be higher than the max mark. If you allowed an overflow, then the excess must be drained. This will save your box from premature failure.
Conclusion... Maintenance of a car with an automatic transmission is not too difficult, and practically does not differ from other types of transmissions. But, their small distribution leads to the fact that many do not know how to do some elementary trifles, for example, how to add oil to an automatic transmission. Although the job is very simple and can be done in any garage. Many car service owners profit from this, ripping off substantial money for the simplest work.
You are asking the question "How to check the oil in the box?" The answer to this question is very simple and we will consider it below.
The gearbox is the second most important unit, after the engine, which drives the car. Therefore, you need to monitor the condition of the gearbox, know when, after how many kilometers your box will need to replace this fluid.
You also need to understand that only transmission must be poured into the gearbox, which differs from oils intended for engines and other units. ensures its long and trouble-free operation:
- facilitates the work of mechanical parts;
- removes heat;
- removes the remnants of corrosion and microparticles from the places of wear.
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What volume should be in the checkpoint?
Cars of different brands and models differ in their design, respectively, there are differences in the structure of the boxes. V different models different vehicles are filled with different amounts of oil. Find an unambiguous answer to the question "how much oil should be in the box?" you can only read the manual or the instruction manual for the car, or find out at the service station. When replacing, it is worth remembering that there are differences in their compositions and types. You should always buy with a small margin (0.5 - 1 liter) so that you can refill in the event of a leak during replacement.
Types of oils
There are three types for the gearbox:
- synthetic;
- semi-synthetic;
- mineral.
Synthetic
It is considered the most modern, it is well cleaned and enriched with additives that maximally protect the mechanisms from corrosion. Basically, it is poured into automatic transmissions or into mechanical boxes high class cars. In an automatic transmission, it should be changed every 50 thousand km. mileage. In mechanical ones - every 60-70 thousand km. mileage. In terms of cost, this type is the most expensive, but also the best. But this does not mean that it can be poured into boxes of old cars: they may simply not be designed for this!
Oil pouring from the bottle Semi-synthetic
Semi-synthetic is used in most budget foreign cars, in the entire series of the 10th AVTOVAZ family (Lada Kalina, Priora). It contains a number of chemical additives that protect gears, synchronizers and other mechanical parts from wear. It costs to replace such oil every 40-50 thousand km. mileage. The biggest plus is the value for money.
Mineral
Mineral is used in bridges and gearboxes of rear-wheel drive vehicles. For example, in the entire line of classics of AVTOVAZ or similar cars, as well as in some trucks... Mineral minerals are cleaned less than all the others, respectively, degrades faster and requires replacement quite often - every 35-40 thousand km. mileage.
How to check the level in the gearbox?
Check the oil level in the box modern cars simple enough. For this, the box has a dipstick on which there are two marks "max" and "min".
Maximum level mark and minimum level mark on the dipstick The "max" mark indicates the maximum level, and "min" - the minimum. The quantity should be such that the level on the dipstick is close to the "max" indicator. Also notice the color and smell it. Wipe the dipstick with a white cloth and assess the viscous fluid. If the color is very dark, close to black, then you should think about replacing it. If the dipstick smells like burning, it means that the oil has lost its properties and burns out during operation.
How to top up?
If, when checking the level, you find that the volume is close to the “min” mark or below it, and it is not time to change the oil, then you need to top up it and find out the reason for its consumption or leakage. In many cars, the refilling process is quite simple. If the box is equipped with a filling plug, which, as a rule, is located on top and is easy to reach, then you just need to unscrew it and add the required amount of liquid.
Filler plug at the checkpoint If the gearbox does not have a plug, then you can top up through the dipstick hole. To do this, arm yourself with an ordinary large medical syringe, with which you draw oil and inject it into the hole. In cars that do not have a dipstick or a filler plug, it is necessary to add oil through the holes of the sensors. As a rule, this is a speed sensor or a sensor reverse... When refilling, the main thing is not to overdo it, since an excess of lubricant can lead to a quick failure of the gearbox.
Video "Changing the oil in the box and axle"
Using the VAZ 2106 as an example, you will see how you can change the fluid in the gearbox using a syringe.
Do you know how to check and add fluid to the checkpoint? Share your experience with our readers in the reviews!
