A semi regular outpouring of all things cars and collision including, but not limited to opinions, peeves and ponderings brought to you by Rex Impact of Collision Centers of America.
People come in to our shops here in Chicagoland all the time saying some variation of … “Well I tried to check my transmission fluid, but I can’t find the #&%$@@ dipstick!
While we do understand how frustrating that can be … you must understand that the disappearing dipstick is not a new phenomena … in fact, we’ve seen them (or actually NOT seen them) as far back as the late 90’s on some models.
The reason for this is that some auto manufacturers have designed their transmissions with extremely long service intervals with no expected reduction of fluid levels under normal driving conditions. So, unless fluid is visible in your engine coolant (from an internal leak) or under your car (from an external leak) there is no need add or check the fluid level. That is, until the recommended service period is required.
Having no easy access port for adding fluid means that the the manufacturer reduces the possibility of improper fluid (gas, water, motor oil, washer fluid, diesel fuel, etc.) being introduced into the transmission causing a fluid overfill or transmission failure. Many European cars have no dipsticks, but by the look of the list below, we can’t just blame the foreign manufacturers.
Here are just a few of the automatic transmissions that do not have dipsticks:
5-SPEED 2004-> ACURA TL, RL, RSX
5L40/5L50E 2004-05 CADILLAC CATERA
AISIN 81-40LE 2004-05 CHEVROLET AVEO
4T40/45E 1997-> CHEVROLET CAVALIER, COBALT
42RLE 2005-> CHRYSLER 300 3.5L 2WD
NAG-1 2005-> CHRYSLER 300 3.5L AWD
AF33 2005-> CHEVROLET EQUINOX
5R55N/S/W 2005-> FORD CARS
AISIN RNJ 1998-05 ISUZU NPR DIESEL
ZF-6SHP-26 2005-> LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 5.4L
5F31J 2004 MAZDA MPV W/5SPD
N4AEL 2004 MAZDA MIATA
AF23 2004-05 SATURN ION
4/5-Speed 2004-05 SATURN VU
So before it is time for a transmission service (see your owners manual), take a quick look under the hood and if you do not easily spot the transmission dipstick, chances are you don’t have one. In this case start looking for a reputable mechanical repair and service shop and schedule the needed service before your vehicle is passed the required mileage or time recommendation. Pay special attention to this, because in some cases, going beyond the recommended service period may actually void your power train warranty.
See you at the corner …
Rex
