the dipstick is on the pasenger side of your car it is metal so you got to do it when your car is cold if not then u will burn your fingers i know this because it has happen to me about 3 times now but u should change it if it is really dark red like so dark that it is black or close too it the dipstick u have got to turn it u can't pull it out. it is right by the axle under alot of hoses.... oh yeah a good brand for Transmission fluid is lucas i use it in my car hope this helps