CHAPTER 8: FLUID LEVEL CHECK

Fluid Level Check Activity

Objective
Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to safely check the fluid level in various
vehicle components.
NATEF Correlations
Preparing Vehicle for Service
• Vehicle identifying information.
• Identify purpose and demonstrate proper use of fender covers.
Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission and Transaxle, Manual Drivetrain and
Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine
Performance
• Research vehicle service information, including fluid type, vehicle service
history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
• Use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Engine Repair – General
• Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine
necessary action.
Engine Repair – Lubrication and Cooling Systems
• Check coolant condition and level.
Electrical/Electronic Systems – Battery Service
• Fill battery cells.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle – General
• Check fluid level in a transmission or a transaxle equipped with a dipstick.
• Check fluid level in a transmission or a transaxle not equipped with a dipstick.
• Check transmission fluid condition; check for leaks.
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle – In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle
• Inspect for leakage at external seals, gaskets, and bushings.
Manual Drivetrain and Axles – General
• Check fluid condition; check for leaks.
Manual Drivetrain and Axles – Clutch
• Check and adjust clutch master cylinder fluid level.
• Check for hydraulic system leaks.
Manual Drivetrain and Axles – Differential Case Assembly
• Check and adjust differential housing fluid level.
Suspension and Steering – Related Suspension and Steering Service
• Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.
• Inspect for power steering fluid leakage.
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Brakes – Hydraulic System
• Select, handle, store, and fill brake fluid to proper level.

Tools
Safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves, basic hand tools, fender cover
Supplies
Shop rags, correct type and amount of fluids needed
Cautions
Read the owner’s manual to identify the correct type of fluids to be used. Never remove a hot
radiator cap. Follow all procedures and safety guidelines specified by your instructor.
Directions
Check off the boxes q when completed. When you see a hand ? next to the task, write the
information in the activity journal. If you have any questions during the duration of this activity,
stop and ask the instructor for assistance. Reread the procedures in the text to correctly check and
add fluids. Since variations can occur from one vehicle manufacturer to another and from one
model to another, reread the owner’s manual for specific procedures and type of fluids. The
following are general procedures.
Pre-Service
q Use the vehicle’s maintenance records, the owner’s manual, a service manual, and the
Internet to research applicable vehicle and service information, fluid type, vehicle
service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
q Apply the parking brake.
q Remove the key from the ignition.
Warning: On a push button keyless ignition refer to the owner’s manual for
specific safety procedures to prevent an unintended engine startup.
q Put on your safety glasses.
q Pop open the hood.
q Use a fender cover to protect the vehicle’s finish.
q Inspect the engine compartment and underneath the vehicle for fluid leaks.

Procedure 1 - Engine Oil

q Locate the engine oil dipstick and oil filler cap.
q Pull out the dipstick, inspect the oil condition, and wipe it off with a paper towel.
q Reinsert the dipstick completely, remove it again, and note the reading.
q Clean around the oil filler cap.
q If low, remove the oil filler cap and use a clean funnel to add the correct type of oil.
Do not overfill. Allow the oil time to flow to the pan.
q Recheck the level and correct if needed.

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Procedure 2 - Transmission Fluid
q Locate the transmission dipstick (if automatic transmission). Note: Some automatic
transmissions do not have a dipstick and must be checked with a special tool and/or
procedure.
q With the engine idling (most vehicles), pull out the dipstick, inspect the fluid
condition, and wipe it off with a paper towel.
q Reinsert the dipstick completely, remove it again, and note the reading. Shut off the
engine.
q If low use a clean funnel to add the correct fluid directly into the dipstick tube or hole. Do
not overfill.
q Recheck the level and correct if needed.

Procedure 3 - Power Steering Fluid

q Locate the power steering fluid cap and dipstick unit. Some power steering reservoirs
are translucent with “MIN” and “MAX” lines.
q Clean around the power steering fluid cap.
q Remove the dipstick, inspect the fluid condition, and wipe it off with a paper towel.
q Reinstall the dipstick, remove it again, and note the reading.
q If low, add the correct type of power steering fluid to the reservoir. Do not overfill.

Procedure 4 - Brake Fluid

q Locate the brake fluid reservoir.
q Clean around the cap and reservoir.
q Check the brake fluid level through the translucent reservoir with “MIN” and “MAX”
lines.
q If low, remove the cap and add the correct type of fluid. Do not overfill.
q When reinstalling the cap, make sure that the rubber gasket seats properly.

Procedure 5 - Clutch Fluid

q Locate the clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmissions only). It is usually next to the
brake master cylinder.
q Clean around the cap and reservoir.
q Check the clutch fluid level. It should be at or near the top.
q If low, remove the cap and add the correct type of fluid. Do not overfill.

Procedure 6 - Differential Fluid

q Locate the differential fluid check plug on the rear and/or front axle housings (where
applicable on RWD and 4WD vehicles).
q Clean around and then remove the check plug.
q If low, add the correct type of fluid. On most vehicles the level should be at the
bottom of the plug hole, but check the owner’s manual.

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Procedure 7 - Coolant
q Locate the overflow reservoir and radiator.
q Clean around the overflow reservoir and caps.
q When the engine is cool, check the coolant level in the reservoir.
q If low, remove the reservoir cap and add the correct type and mixture of coolant. Do not
overfill.
q Remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level.
Warning: Never remove a hot radiator cap - severe burns could result.
q If low, add the correct type and mixture of coolant.

Procedure 8 - Battery Electrolyte

q Refer to the owner’s manual or read the top of the battery to determine if it is a sealed
battery. Some battery caps are not removable.
q Take off your rings and watch.
q Put on chemical resistant gloves and safety goggles.
q Wipe off the top of the battery with a shop rag.
q Check the battery electrolyte level if applicable.
q Remove the battery caps.
q Shine a flashlight into the cells and inspect the level in each cell. Commonly a split
ring indicator in each cell identifies the correct electrolyte level.
q If any cells are low, add only distilled water to make all cells the proper level. Be sure
the electrolyte covers the plates. Do not overfill.
q Replace the caps.
q Warning: Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any
battery acid after removing gloves.

Procedure 9 - Windshield Washer Fluid

q Check the windshield washer fluid level.
q To add windshield washer fluid, remove the cap and fill until the fluid almost reaches the
top.

Clean Up
q Clean and put away all tools and supplies.
q Wash your hands thoroughly.

Activity Journal
1. What type and viscosity of oil does the owner’s manual recommend to use?
2. What type of transmission fluid is recommended to use in your vehicle?
3. What type of power steering fluid does the owner’s manual recommend to use?
4. What type of brake fluid is recommended for your vehicle?
5. What type and mixture of coolant is recommended for your vehicle?

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