Basic ATF question

[olsan100]

I seem to experience some tranny slip around corners. I checked the Bentley manual and it says to check the level of the ATF fluid/add fluid. Okay. Is that even possible for a simpleton without to many tools at all? I noticed a cap under the hood that says ATF oil, what's that for? I seems like it might be some kind of dipstick, but it it's just a short little dipstick.

I did a search on tranny fluids and I can see that it might ultimately need a tranny flush.

I guess I'm hoping there's something a little more basic that I'm just missing.

Thanks in adavance!

[JD525IA]

most likely you power steering reservoir (towards the front of the left wheel well). The oil dipstick is in the middle of the engine bay and has a red handle.

The ATF dipstick (if you have one, and you should since you have the same year and model car) is near the oil dipstick but closer to the windshield. It is a black handled little item that looks like a 1.5" can. Push towards the rear of the engine and lift up. When you are first trying it, it can seem to be stuck but keep at it. I find that the best method to get it started coming out is to slightly tilt the handle and lift.

Check the ATF while the engine is at operating temp and running.

JD

[olsan100]

Ok, I'll check that. Why would there be a cap/lid labled ATF Oil toward the front left of the engine bay then?

[632 Regal]

Thats to indicate that your power steering fluid uses ATF too. I wouldnt recommend doing a trans flush, a member just recently did one and the trans was toast in a day...do a search on it, was a week or so ago.

Ok, I'll check that. Why would there be a cap/lid labled ATF Oil toward the front left of the engine bay then?

[olsan100]

You mean don't do it myself? Or just don't do it? Or just have a garage add tranny fluid? Or just have a garage do the tranny flush?

Recomendations please. Thanks again!

[olsan100]

most likely you power steering reservoir (towards the front of the left wheel well). The oil dipstick is in the middle of the engine bay and has a red handle.

The ATF dipstick (if you have one, and you should since you have the same year and model car) is near the oil dipstick but closer to the windshield. It is a black handled little item that looks like a 1.5" can. Push towards the rear of the engine and lift up. When you are first trying it, it can seem to be stuck but keep at it. I find that the best method to get it started coming out is to slightly tilt the handle and lift.

Check the ATF while the engine is at operating temp and running.

JD

I don't think I have that ATF dipstick you're refering to. I can't seem to see it anyway. Maybe I'll look again tomorrow, as I'm dishearted that I can't accomplish something seemingly simple. Ah well.

[Bill R.]

back by the firewall and fairly low. It will have an arrow on the dipstick, you have to push the dipstick in the direction of the arrow while pulling up to get it out. If you don't have a dipstick the procedure to add some becomes more difficult

I don't think I have that ATF dipstick you're refering to. I can't seem to see it anyway. Maybe I'll look again tomorrow, as I'm dishearted that I can't accomplish something seemingly simple. Ah well.

[olsan100]

Ok. Thanks for the help guys. I might just have someone else do it I guess. It seems like something I could screw up.

If I take it to a garage, what should I be telling them to do so they don't try to get to ? Just add some ATF fluid? Or do that list of things Bruno's site recommends?

Check electrics - Alternator and battery.
Replace DME Relay and Fuel Pump Relay - not expensive.
Remove disassemble, clean and reassemble gear selector switch - If it looks beyond saving, replace ($200)
Service the transmission ($130 from a specialist) and check/replace transmission speed sensor ($90)

[uscharalph]

Ok. Thanks for the help guys. I might just have someone else do it I guess. It seems like something I could screw up.

If I take it to a garage, what should I be telling them to do so they don't try to get to ? Just add some ATF fluid? Or do that list of things Bruno's site recommends?

Check electrics - Alternator and battery.
Replace DME Relay and Fuel Pump Relay - not expensive.
Remove disassemble, clean and reassemble gear selector switch - If it looks beyond saving, replace ($200)
Service the transmission ($130 from a specialist) and check/replace transmission speed sensor ($90)

What we're saying is if your ATF has never been changed, don't do a complete change. Just have them drop the pan, change the filter and o-ring and replace whatever fluid comes out. This will change about half the fluid. Do a search on this topic.

[Kalevera]

Ralph, dropping the pan and changing the filter would effectively be a fluid change.

Jeff is trying to say: if it has a dipstick, check the level (idling in park with the car warmed up) and add fluid if necessary.

If it doesn't have a dipstick, it's got lifetime fluid and needs to be checked by a shop, preferably one familiar with this procedure.

best, whit