How to Check if the Transmission Fluid is Sufficient?
3 Answers
ETC behind is the anti-tamper switch, which will automatically deactivate once released and cannot be reactivated by ordinary users. The ETC system utilizes microwave technology to identify the unique code of the vehicle's ETC device through the signal transceiver of the lane-side control system, determine vehicle type information, calculate toll fees, and automatically deduct the toll from the user's dedicated account. The automatic activation method for ETC is as follows: 1. There is a socket in the ETC where the ETC card can be inserted. Before the electronic tag displays "Bluetooth on," insert and remove the ETC card twice consecutively. If the electronic tag is not attached, displaying "Tag invalid" is not normal; simply press the button on the upper part of the electronic tag. 2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and open the corresponding app or mini-program. 3. Click "Device Connection," select the device model to connect, and wait for the "Connection successful" prompt. 4. After successful connection, follow the prompts to complete verification by uploading a front photo of the vehicle. Wait for a review period of 3 to 5 days; once approved, it can be used normally.
Last time I helped my neighbor check their car, I encountered this exact issue. The most obvious symptom of low transmission fluid is jerky shifting that feels like riding a sedan chair, especially noticeable during cold starts. Checking it is actually quite simple: First, park the car on level ground and let it warm up for 10 minutes to normalize the oil temperature. Then pull out the transmission dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, wait two seconds, and pull it out again. The oil mark should fall within the HOT range to indicate sufficient levels - ideally, it should be peanut butter-colored with a pinkish tint. If it's blackened and has a burnt smell, it needs immediate replacement. For manual transmission models, some require unscrewing the side overflow port screw - a thin stream of oil should flow out to meet the standard. Remember not to check on a slope, as the reading can be misleading.
As a mechanic with fifteen years of experience, I've seen too many transmissions damaged due to oil starvation. Here's a practical trick: After a cold start, shift into D gear and hold the brake, then listen for any whistling sound from the transmission. For a proper check, warm up the engine to around 80°C, turn it off, and check the dipstick within 60 seconds to see if the oil level is within the grid area. If the oil level is in the middle to lower range, just top it up with the same type of oil, but never mix different brands. Some new cars have eliminated the dipstick, requiring a lift to inspect the overflow hole—don’t attempt this yourself if you're inexperienced. When changing the oil, watch the mechanic drain the old oil first and then measure the amount. Many roadside shops take shortcuts by directly adding four liters, which is often insufficient.
