How to Check Transmission Fluid in a Semi Truck

Is your truck shifting hard? Do you hear a squeal or some other noise when you press down on the clutch? Are there indications of a leak under your rig? These are all signs that it’s time to check the transmission fluid. Ourservice department wants to help keep your rig on the road, so we’ve put together the guide below on how to check transmission fluid in asemi-truck.

How to Check Transmission Fluid in a Semi Truck

There are multiple possible causes for the issues we described above. But the first thing to check in each case is the transmission fluid. So, follow the steps below:

How to Check Transmission Fluid in a Semi Truck

1. Park your truck on a level area.
2. Deploy your parking brake and keep your engine running.
3. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It should be behind the engine near the firewall. The handle is often, but not always, yellow.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe the tip off, then re-insert it.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the fluid level.
6. If the transmission fluid is below the minimum line, fill it with the correct transmission fluid (consult your owner’s manual). Do not overfill.
7. Check the color of the transmission fluid. It should be clear pink or red. If it is dark or there are indications of dirt or debris, the transmission may need to be serviced.

Why You Should Have the Transmission Checked by a Professional

One note about topping off your transmission fluid if it is below the minimum line – this is a temporary measure. You shouldschedule service as soon as possible. Why? Because simply refilling the transmission fluid doesn’t address why the transmission was low in the first place. Is there a leak? Is it something worse? A qualified technician will be able to determine the cause and fix the issue. The same is true if your transmission fluid is dirty. The fix could just be as simple as changing the transmission filter, but you’ll want to find out for certain.

Trust the Transmission Experts at Rechtien International Trucks

We know how important it is to keep your truck running so you can provide for your family, and we treat it accordingly. We also want to make sure our quality service is affordable, so check out ourservice specials. We have several convenient locations in South Florida, so bring your truck in orcontact us today.