This may seem like a dumb question but...how do I check my transmission fluid? What are the steps, procedures, how do I know if it has to be changed, what do I need to change it etc.?

Any help is appreciated.

Jason

PS> Sometimes my shifter goes hard into first gear and when I am going into first from second it sounds like there is some kind of scrape/whine sound? could that just be the shifter bushing?