Where in the engine bay is the automatic transmission fluid dipstick, and where is the automatic transmission fluid added? I have a 2003 Acura TL type S. I feel like an idiot because I can find all the other fluids (brake, oil, washer, etc.) but I don't know where the dang automatic transmission fluid is. Please help--thanks

 

the dipstick is hidden a bit--yellow handle for atf
look right and down from center for dipstick
there is a special procedure for cking atf level -not done cold

to do a fluid change you use the larger ATF bolt on top center of trans
yours may have the older style with external oil jet kit in that filler hole,
it comes right out and allows fast filling,,the dipstick as filler is very slow

 

Thanks for the quick response--i'm just trying to check the fluid color and add Lucas transmission fix. So this yellow dipstick, could you say what side of the engine it is closest to? The oil dipstick and washer fluid are on the left, and the brake fluid is in the back on the right. In relation to those, where would it be? Sorry for the hassle--I spent 20 minutes looking around in the engine bay and couldn't find earlier today.
thanks for your help

 

Look at your battery. Look to the left of the battery. You'll see it. It's almost touching the battery.

I hate Lucas products...

 

Dont add the Lucas additive.

 

AND WHY NOT!?!??!
haha jkjk, i've never tried it, but y shouldn't he put it in?

 

because you will eff your trans up!!!--is that enough reason?

the TL has certain issue- which are not cured with thicker fluid
we dont use additives in engine oil either-vtec relies on oil pressure changes and pressure to operate

you dont even know the fluid condition and level and you want to add something to it?
why not say what your trans is doing and we can guide you from there

note: here is the level cking procedure once you spot that yellow handle
driver side,on trans, top area

from overnight sitting Cold- start car and drive 15 minutes on freeway--avoid any town stop and go driving as this changes fluid temp
at 15 minutes casual freeway speed- get off and park in safe level spot

car in park- engine OFF- remove dipstick and wipe clean
insert fully- be sure! remove and read level
there are 2 dots- levels should be BETWEEN the dots, not at upper--
or at lower,,between them--middle of range

at the fluid temp after 15 freeway minutes that will be correct.
level indicated changes with fluid temp..hotter reads higher

if your dipstick has 3 dots,,one way lower than the 2,,its not for you to be concerned about~

 

If you had the TSB work done on your car to install the additional transmission cooler you no longer have a dipstick (not sure if your year had the issue).
The TSB called for the dealer to remove the dipstick and replace it with some sort of fluid re-director.

It should be directly below the throttle body intake.

 

great reason!! ha, damn i love Azine

 

dont use Lucas like they said above...

 

This could not be more WRONG

the recall issued in 2004 installed an atf line to a device installed in the normal atf filler hole on top of trans ,,NOT the dipstick--which remains as normal for you to use

that `oil jet kit` was soley to bring fluid to the 2nd gear shaft and gearset- which, due to low flow in that area, was snapping the shaft while on freeway!
thats what created the recall- it was a major safety hazard, which the jet kit did fix

To chage atf on cars with that kit- it unbolts and removes- pulls right out
add fluid and re-install kit

cars with post 2005 warranty replacement trans have that kit moved internal of trans, and large bolt with ATF stamped on it will be there
It has nothing to do with our main problem of early clutch friction plates wearout

TSB are technical service bulletins- meant for acura techs and others to speed diagnosis on funky problems- someone finds a weird issue and reports it so others dont spend hours looking for a loose wire
they are not a recall or mandatory anything--its just service dept info