Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) For Solid Performance
Your car�s automatic transmission fluid is a key element to keeping your car drivable.
* Among other things, on a day-to-day basis transmission fluid: Cleans
* Cools
* Lubricates
* Transmits force
* Transmits pressure
* Inhibits varnish build-up
* Protects the transmission
You check your automatic transmission fluid much the same way as you check your engine oil: Remove a dipstick from under the hood and inspect the fluid level. The dipstick for your automatic transmission fluid may be labeled TRANS or ATF; it may also be colored bright yellow or another color for easy recognition.
In most cases, automatic transmissions must be checked when the engine is running and only after it is warmed up. Driving the car 10 miles or more is the best way to properly warm it up. Checking the ATF Overview:
* Park the car on a level surface.
* Leave your foot on the brake, keep the parking brake on, and let the engine idle.
* Move the gear shift through each gear. This will ensure that the hydraulic chambers in the transmission are filled with oil. Also, checking the level with the engine running allows for fluid to be circulating normally. By not following this step, you will get an incorrect reading.
* Note: Sometimes, checking your fluid with the car in park or neutral is required. Consult the owner�s manual for more information, or some vehicles have the instructions on the dipstick.
* Locate the transmission dipstick, usually placed at the rear of the engine. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a paper towel or a rag. Be sure to note the markings on the end of the stick that indicate fluid levels: "FULL" and "ADD 1 PINT".
* Also check the fluid for black deposits, metal particles and dirt. Do this by wiping the dipstick with clean a white paper towel and examining the fluid on the paper.
* Also check that the fluid is clean and transparent, not black and/or having a burnt smell.
To add transmission fluid:
* Only add transmission fluid if it is at or below the �Add� mark. Never fill it past the �Full� mark.
* Be sure to only use transmission fluid that is recommended by the manufacturer. Consult the owner�s manual for this information.
* Transmission fluid is usually sold in quarts. Do not add the entire quart at once; add small amounts at a time until you get the correct reading on the dipstick.
* Use a funnel to get the fluid into the small tube that the dipstick came out of.
* Wait for the fluid to settle after adding it.
* After a few minutes, start the vehicle. If it still is not reading the correct level, add more fluid.
Standards are considerably different, on my 1.9L 5 Speed, on top of the transmition, is the speedometer gear, you gave to pull that gear out to check the fluid level, if the gear is covered completely with fluid, then it is full, if it is not completely covered, then you need to add some to it, throu that very same hole.
Chevy cobalts auto or standard don't have a dipstick there is a plug under the car near the torqe converter u must have the car running and up to normal running temp raise the car evenly on all sides so its level while its running crawl under undo the plug if fluid runs out its full if not go to the top of the car near the fuse block undo the vent cap at the top of the tranny big black cap and fill there until fluid drips out of the hole by the torqe converter when it drips put plug back in and vent cap and you are done i am a mechanic at a local chev dealer and own one
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