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Transmission Fluid Change Checker
Pick your vehicle to see its fluid and dipstick details, then enter your manual's interval to see whether a change is due.
Enter your manual's interval and both odometer readings to see whether a change is due.
Next: change or flush? · DIY steps · what it costs
Quick answer
Change transmission fluid when your manufacturer's maintenance schedule says to — the interval differs by model year, transmission and driving conditions, and towing or extreme heat usually shortens it. If the transmission already slips, shifts harshly or smells burnt, have it checked before a fluid change.
Updated November 2, 2026 · Vehicle data checked October 24, 2026 · By Jack Shi
When to change transmission fluid
The interval comes from your vehicle's maintenance schedule (in the owner's manual or a separate warranty and maintenance booklet). Look for an item named automatic transmission fluid, ATF, CVT fluid or transaxle fluid. Schedules can list:
- a replacement mileage or time, sometimes with a shorter one for severe service;
- an inspection only, with replacement when the inspection calls for it;
- a code from the car's maintenance reminder instead of a fixed mileage.
Severe service usually covers towing, extreme heat, mountain driving and frequent short or stop-and-go trips — check your schedule's own definition. If you can't find the item or don't know the service history, a dealer can look up the schedule for your VIN. More detail: how often to change transmission fluid.
What transmission fluid does and what happens if you don't change it
Transmission fluid is the oil inside an automatic, CVT, hybrid or dual-clutch transmission. It lubricates, cools and transmits hydraulic pressure for the shifts. As it ages and heats up it darkens, and debris builds up in it. Fluid that is overdue, low or overheated can show up as the symptoms drivers notice first — harsh or late shifts, slipping, shudder and a burnt smell. Compare what you see with our fluid color chart and low fluid symptoms.
How to check whether transmission fluid needs changing
Start with the mileage math in the checker above. Then look at the fluid itself if your transmission lets you: check the level and condition the way your manual describes (some use a dipstick — with the engine running or off, depending on the model — and others a level plug at a set fluid temperature). Fresh automatic fluid is usually red and translucent (your manual may describe a different color for its fluid); dark brown or black fluid, a burnt smell or a low level are reasons to have it looked at. Guides: how to check transmission fluid, hot or cold?, reading the dipstick.
Transmission fluid change vs. flush
| Service | What it does | Fluid replaced |
|---|---|---|
| Drain-and-fill (fluid change) | Drains what comes out of the pan or drain plug and refills that amount | A portion — the torque converter and cooler keep old fluid |
| Flush / fluid exchange | A machine exchanges old fluid for new through the cooler lines | Nearly all of it |
Which one to use depends on what your manufacturer specifies for your transmission. Pros, cons and when repeated drain-and-fills make sense: transmission flush vs. fluid change.
Can you change transmission fluid yourself?
Sometimes. A DIY drain-and-fill needs the right fluid, the service refill amount, a safe way to lift the car level, and the exact level-check procedure — engine state, gear selection and fluid temperature all vary by transmission. Many newer units have no owner dipstick and are checked at a fill or level plug. In our vehicle data, 3 of 46 models are sealed on most versions and 7 vary by year. The job in outline:
- Get the service procedure, fluid specification and service refill amount for your exact transmission.
- Lift and support the car level, observing the procedure's temperature and engine-state requirements.
- Drain by the specified method; service the filter and pan only if the procedure calls for it.
- Refit with new seals as specified and refill through the specified point.
- Verify the level by the manufacturer's method and check for leaks.
Full walkthrough: DIY transmission fluid change; for sealed units: sealed transmission service.
What affects transmission fluid change cost
The price depends on the fluid your transmission requires (CVT and specialty fluids cost more), how many quarts it takes, whether it is a drain-and-fill or a machine exchange, and dealer versus independent labor. See the transmission fluid change cost guide for the breakdown and an estimator.
CVT, hybrid and sealed transmissions
A CVT needs the CVT fluid its manual names — not conventional ATF. Hybrid transmissions can specify their own fluid too; the 2025 Camry hybrid manual, for example, lists Toyota Genuine e-Transaxle Fluid TE rather than ATF WS. Whether a CVT gets a drain-and-fill or a machine exchange is set by the manufacturer's procedure for that transmission, so check it before booking a "CVT flush". Sealed units are filled and checked by a temperature-specific procedure. Guides: CVT transmission fluid, how to check CVT fluid, checking without a dipstick.
Transmission fluid by vehicle: 46 models, 34 matched to OEM documents
This is the data behind the checker. For 34 of the 46 models we matched the fluid (and the check method, where the document gives it) to at least one owner's manual or manufacturer service bulletin (76 unique documents — some cover several models — re-checked October 24, 2026). None of the 46 has an owner dipstick confirmed for every model year: 36 aren't confirmed, 7 vary by year and 3 are sealed on most versions. Fluids change between years, so confirm yours in the manual.
Toyota (8)+
- Toyota Camry · 2007–present
Toyota Genuine ATF WS on the 2007 automatic transaxle and the 2024 8-speed automatic (owner's manuals). The 2025 Camry hybrid transmission specifies Toyota Genuine e-Transaxle Fluid TE. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 4 documents
- Toyota Corolla · 2009–present (non-hybrid automatic & CVT)
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Toyota RAV4 · 2006–present
Toyota Genuine ATF WS on the non-hybrid automatic (2006 and 2024 owner's manuals); the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid manual also lists ATF WS. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 4 documents
- Toyota Highlander · 2008–present
Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2008, 2017 and 2024 non-hybrid owner's manuals); the 2008 Highlander Hybrid manual also lists ATF WS. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 5 documents
- Toyota Tacoma · 2005–present
Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV on the 2005 4-speed automatic; Toyota Genuine ATF WS on the 2005 5-speed and the 2024 non-hybrid automatic. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 2 documents
- Toyota Tundra · 2007–present
Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2007 and 2022 non-hybrid owner's manuals). Other years and the hybrid: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 2 documents
- Toyota Sienna · 2004–2020 (automatic)
Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV (2004 owner's manual) or Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2020 8-speed automatic) — the fluid changed within this range, so confirm for your year
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Toyota 4Runner · 2003–present
Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV (2003, 1GR-FE and 2UZ-FE) or Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2025 8-speed) — confirm for your year
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 2 documents
Honda (6)+
- Honda Civic · 2016–present (CVT trims)
Honda HCF-2 on the conventional CVT (2016 and 2026 Civic Sedan owner's manuals). The 2025 Civic Hybrid specifies Honda HEVF-Type 1. Other years and body styles: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Honda Accord · 2018–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Honda CR-V · 2015–present (CVT)
Honda HCF-2 on the conventional CVT (2025 CR-V owner's manual). The 2025 CR-V Hybrid specifies Honda HEVF-Type 1. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 2 documents
- Honda Pilot · 2016–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Honda Odyssey · 2018–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Honda HR-V · 2016–present (CVT)
Honda HCF-2 (2016 and 2026 HR-V CVT owner's manuals). Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 2 documents
Ford (7)+
- Ford F-150 · 2017–present
2017 owner's manual: Motorcraft MERCON ULV for the 3.5L EcoBoost; Motorcraft MERCON LV for the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L and 5.0L. Other years: confirm for your engine in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 1 document
- Ford Escape · 2013–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Ford Explorer · 2011–present
Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 automatic); Motorcraft MERCON ULV (2020 automatic) — confirm for your year and engine
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 2 documents
- Ford F-250 · 2011–present (Super Duty)
Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 owner's manual, automatic transmission). Other years, including the 10-speed: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 1 document
- Ford Mustang · 2011–present
Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 owner's manual, automatic transmission). 2018+ 10-speed and other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 1 document
- Ford Edge · 2007–2024
Motorcraft MERCON V (2007 automatic); Motorcraft MERCON ULV (2020 automatic) — confirm for your year and engine
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 2 documents
- Ford Focus · 2000–2018 (US)
Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 automatic; 2018 conventional automatic); Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid (2018 PowerShift dual-clutch) — confirm which transmission your car has
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 2 documents
Chevrolet (6)+
- Chevrolet Silverado · 1999–present
DEXRON-VI or DEXRON ULV depending on model year and transmission — confirm in your owner's manual. GM bulletin 18-NA-355 specifies Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP for the torque-converter shudder repair on covered 2015–2018 Silverado 8-speed automatics
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 1 document
- Chevrolet Malibu · 2013–present
DEXRON-VI (2013 automatic); ATF-WS (2016 2.0L 8-speed); GM CVT fluid from your dealer (2025 CVT) — confirm for your year and engine
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Chevrolet Equinox · 2011–present
DEXRON-VI (2011 and 2022 owner's manuals). 2025 and later models use different transmissions — confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 2 documents
- Chevrolet Tahoe · 2000–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Chevrolet Traverse · 2009–present
DEXRON-VI (2009 and 2020 owner's manuals). 2024+ models use an 8-speed automatic — confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 2 documents
- Chevrolet Cruze · 2011–2019
DEXRON-VI on the automatic (2011 and 2019 owner's manuals). The 2019 manual lists CVT fluid for the ECO automatic — check which transmission your car has
Dipstick: No (sealed on most versions) · Sources: 2 documents
Nissan (6)+
- Nissan Altima · 2013–present (CVT)
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (2013 sedan and 2025 owner's manuals). The 2013 Altima Coupe specifies NS-2. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 4 documents
- Nissan Rogue · 2014–present (CVT)
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (2014 and 2025 owner's manuals). Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Nissan Sentra · 2013–present (CVT)
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (2013 and 2025 owner's manuals). Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Nissan Pathfinder · 2013–2020 (CVT); 2022+ (9-speed automatic)
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Nissan Murano · 2003–present
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 (2009 CVT) or NS-3 (2013 and 2024 CVT); the 2025 Murano's automatic uses Genuine NISSAN Matic R ATF — confirm for your year
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 5 documents
- Nissan Frontier · 2005–present
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF (2013 5-speed automatic); Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF (2020 and 2025 9-speed automatic). Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 4 documents
Jeep (4)+
- Jeep Grand Cherokee · 1999–present
Mopar ATF+4 (2012 5-speed and 6-speed automatics); Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF (2014 8-speed and 2023 automatic). Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: Some years · Sources: 3 documents
- Jeep Wrangler · 2007–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- Jeep Cherokee · 2014–2023 (KL)
Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF (2014 and 2023 owner's manuals). Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Dipstick: No (sealed on most versions) · Sources: 2 documents
- Jeep Compass · 2007–present
2014: Mopar CVTF+4 (CVT) or SK Energy ATF SP-4 (6-speed automatic). 2017: Mopar AW-1 (6-speed FWD) or Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF (9-speed 4WD). 2023 8-speed: Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF — confirm for your year and transmission
Dipstick: No (sealed on most versions) · Sources: 3 documents
Hyundai (5)+
- Hyundai Elantra · 2011–present
SP-IV (2011 6-speed automatic); SP-CVT1 (2020 and 2024 IVT); SAE 70W API GL-4 (2024 dual-clutch) — confirm for your year and transmission
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Hyundai Tucson · 2010–present
SP-IV (2010 6-speed automatic); SP4-M ATF (2022 2.5L 8-speed); GL-4 SAE 70W (2016–2018 1.6T dual-clutch) — confirm for your year and transmission
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Hyundai Santa Fe · 2007–present
SP-III (2007–2009 4-/5-speed); SP-IV (2010 6-speed); SP4-M ATF (2019–2020 8-speed); the 2021 2.5T wet dual-clutch uses two oils (WDH0-1 and WDG0-1) — confirm for your year and transmission
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Hyundai Sonata · 2011–present
SP-IV (2011 6-speed, including hybrid); SP4-M ATF (2020–2022 8-speed); GL-4 SAE 70W (2015 1.6T dry dual-clutch); WDH0-1 and WDG0-1 (2021 N Line wet dual-clutch) — confirm for your year and transmission
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
- Hyundai Kona · 2018–present
SP4-M ATF (2018 2.0L 6-speed); GL-4 SAE 70W (2018 1.6T dual-clutch); Hyundai Genuine ATF SP4M-1 (2024 1.6T automatic); Hyundai Genuine CVTF SP-CVT1 (2024 2.0L IVT) — confirm for your year and engine
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: 3 documents
BMW (4)+
- BMW 3 Series · 2012–present (F30 / G20)
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- BMW X3 · 2011–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- BMW X5 · 2007–present
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
- BMW 5 Series · 2010–present (F10 / G30 / G60)
Not yet matched to an official document — use the fluid your owner's manual names.
Dipstick: Not confirmed · Sources: None on file
Each vehicle page lists its documents with links. For models with no document on file we don't show a fluid here — use the one your owner's manual names.
How this transmission fluid change checker works
- Vehicle details come from the same data as our vehicle pages: the fluid (and check method, where given) named in owner's manuals and service bulletins we opened and read. Models without a document on file show no fluid or dipstick claim.
- Due or not is simple math on numbers you enter: last change + your manual's interval − today's odometer. "Due soon" means within the last 10% of that interval.
- We don't publish intervals, capacities or prices in the checker, because we have not matched them to an official document for every configuration.
- The mileage figures you type stay in your browser; we only count which vehicle was picked, in anonymous analytics.
Read more about our sourcing on the About page.
Frequently asked questions
How often should transmission fluid be changed?+
Use the maintenance schedule for your exact model year and transmission — there is no single mileage that fits every automatic, CVT or hybrid. Many schedules list a shorter interval for severe service such as towing or extreme heat, and some tie the service to a maintenance reminder. See how often to change transmission fluid.
How much is a transmission fluid change?+
It depends on the fluid your transmission needs, how much it holds, whether it is a drain-and-fill or a machine exchange, and local labor rates. Our transmission fluid change cost guide breaks down the price factors and has an estimator.
Can I change transmission fluid myself?+
Only if you have the service procedure for your exact transmission and can check the level the way it specifies. Many newer transmissions have no owner dipstick and are level-checked at a plug at a set fluid temperature. Follow the DIY transmission fluid change steps or use a shop.
Is a transmission flush better than a fluid change?+
A drain-and-fill replaces part of the fluid; a flush machine exchanges nearly all of it. Follow the service your manufacturer specifies — see transmission flush vs. fluid change.
Should I change the fluid if the transmission is already slipping?+
Get the level and fluid condition checked first. A fluid change is maintenance, not a repair for a fault that already exists. Use the symptom checker to judge how urgent it is.
Does this checker tell me my car's change interval?+
No. We only publish details we have matched to an official document, and change intervals vary by year, transmission and driving conditions. You enter the interval from your own maintenance schedule and the checker does the mileage math.
Written by
Jack Shi
Jack Shi is an independent developer and the founder of CLOOMS, where he builds focused web tools and reference sites — including TransmissionFluid.net. He began his career at Alibaba's International Commerce Business Unit (ICBU) in 2008, then went independent to build the practical, no-nonsense tools he saw people missing.
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