Can You Add Transmission Fluid to a Sealed Transmission?

Transmission, or the gearbox, consists of gears and gear trains to provide the wheels of the vehicle speed and torque directly from the engine. Transmission fluid is a fluid that lubricates these components to ensure the car performs optimally.

Can you add transmission fluid to a sealed transmission?

Almost all transmission systems require the replacement of transmission fluid. Licensed mechanics can check a sealed transmission system and add transmission fluid through the side of the transmission system. Moreover, it is also possible to completely replace the transmission fluid.

The transmission consists of gears and gear trains. While these parts are moving, metal shavings get into the transmission fluid. As a result, the transmission fluid fills up with metal shavings and fails to lubricate the gears.

Sealed transmissions do not need transmission fuel replacements periodically. These transmissions are manufactured so that their parts last long without needing transmission fluid replacement. 

However, changing the transmission fluid of a sealed transmission system is complicated and should only be done by a certified mechanic.

Replacing transmission fluid can help save significant money. If the gears and gear trains are experiencing too much friction, they will eventually stop working. Therefore, the entire transmission may get ruined if the transmission fluid is not changed after some time.

Although changing the transmission fluid of a sealed transmission is more complicated than old transmissions, auto technicians can still change the transmission fluid without any consequences. 

It is possible to check the transmission fluid through the inspection plug present on the side of a sealed transmission.

However, you must not try checking the transmission fluid at your home by yourself. If you cause a minor accident, it can lead to permanent damage. 

Moreover, some car manufacturers will void the car warranty if they come to know an unlicensed mechanic has attempted to open the sealed transmission.

Therefore, it is possible to replace transmission fluid in a sealed transmission. But do not attempt to do it yourself. You can take your car to licensed mechanics, and they can get it changed for you.

What is a sealed transmission? Should you change the transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?

Previously, cars used to need regular maintenance and change of necessary fluids to keep the vehicle in top shape. Constant maintenance would need car owners to go to maintenance shops and auto technicians. 

Nowadays, modern cars have sealed transmissions, which do not need regular maintenance.

A sealed transmission is a transmission system that does not need a regular change of transmission fluid. Cars with a sealed transmission system do not require car owners to go to maintenance shops. 

If you see that there is no dipstick under your automobile’s hood, then your car has a sealed transmission.

There are many benefits of having a car with a sealed transmission system. Firstly, you will not have to pay significant cash for the maintenance. Secondly, you will be saving the planet by reducing the amount of used transmission fluid discarded in landfills.

As mentioned earlier, all transmission systems require transmission fluid to be changed. However, a sealed transmission system does not need a replacement of fluid. So, if your car has a sealed transmission, you will not need to get the transmission fluid changed anytime soon.

Can you open a sealed transmission to add transmission fluid?

A sealed transmission does not need transmission fluid replacement for a long time. The reason is that sealed transmission systems are manufactured to last a lifetime without any change in transmission fluid. 

However, if you experience issues, you should get a transmission fluid change.

Auto technicians are experienced and certified in relevant fields. Therefore, if you feel like your car needs a transmission fluid change, but your vehicle has a sealed transmission, you should visit them. 

They will effortlessly change the transmission fluid without causing any damage to your automobile.

If your car has a sealed transmission, you should refrain from changing the transmission fluid yourself. Most car manufacturers will void the warranty if an uncertified mechanic or person tampers with the sealed transmission system of the car. 

Moreover, you can mistakenly cause significant damage to your vehicle.

How do you add transmission fluid to a sealed transmission?

Adding transmission fluid to a sealed transmission system can be complicated, especially if you are inexperienced in this job. Follow the steps below to replace the transmission fluid of your car. Please note that the procedures may vary based on the brand of the vehicle.

Remove the plastic covering under the transmission fluid container:

A plastic cover is present under the transmission fluid container to prevent leakage. You will have to remove that to access the container holding the used transmission fluid. Use the necessary bolt openers to open it.

Drain the old transmission fluid:

Under the transmission liquid container, you will find the drain plug. Ensure that you have a container or bowl under the fluid container before opening the drain plug. Collect the old transmission fluid in the container below by slowly opening the drain plug.

Fill the transmission container with new transmission fluid:

You will have to measure the transmission fluid collected from the transmission fluid container. This volume will give you an estimate of how much transmission fluid you will need to use.

Using a siphon pump, put new transmission fluid into the container. Make sure that you do not put too much. Otherwise, the excess transmission fluid will start to leak.

Put the plastic cover back on:

After you are done putting transmission fluid into the container, make sure there are no leaks. Then put back the plastic cover on. Do not forget to use the bolts to fasten the covering.

Go for a test drive:

Start the car and idle it for a few minutes. Depress the brake pedal and switch between the gears. Then take the car for a drive to see if everything works as usual.

How much does it cost to change the transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?

It is necessary to change the transmission fluid after some time to experience a smooth driving experience. If you want to get your car’s transmission fluid changed, it will help you save significant money in the future. 

The cost of changing the transmission fluid depends on some factors.

The cost of changing the transmission fluid ranges from $80 to $250. If you go to a mechanic, it will cost you about $80 to $150. Going to a dealership for the task will cost you about $150 to $250.

The cost depends on the transmission type and the amount of transmission fluid required. If you want to save a few dollars, you can change it yourself which, will only cost you around $80. However, you may end up causing significant damage if you are inexperienced.

How to check transmission fluid on a sealed transmission?

Reviewing the transmission fluid of a sealed transmission system takes more effort. However, the basics are the same. Follow the steps below to check the transmission fluid of a sealed transmission system.

Park the car on a level area:

Park the car to check the transmission fluid. Ensure the vehicle is level with the ground and raised above the ground to access below the automobile.

Increase the temperature of the transmission fluid:

Keep the engine running and idle the car for some minutes. Idling will increase the temperature of the transmission fluid and allow you to have an accurate inspection.

Locate and open the inspection plug of the transmission unit:

Under the transmission unit, you will see the inspection plug. Open the inspection plug while wearing work gloves to avoid burning yourself.

Inspect the transmission fluid:

After removing the inspection plug, some transmission fluid will come out. If no fluid comes out, locate and open the fill plug. Add some transmission fluid slowly until some transmission fluid comes out of the inspection plug.

If the transmission fluid is dark red, you need to change it. If it is brown, it does not need to be replaced.

Close the inspection plug:

After you are done, close the inspection plug. Make sure there is no leakage.

Final Thoughts

Changing the transmission fluid allows a transmission system to function smoothly and increases the longevity of the transmission unit. If your automobile has a sealed transmission unit, you can take your car to an auto technician to get the transmission fluid changed.