Equinox FWD V6-3.0L (2010)
7. Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red or dark brown.
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If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect the fluid for excessive metal particles or other debris. A small amount of
"friction" material is a "normal" condition. If large pieces and/or metal particles are noted in the fluid, flush the oil cooler and cooler lines and
overhaul the transmission. If there are no signs of transmission internal damage noted, replace the fluid, repair the oil cooler, and flush the
cooler lines.
*
Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water indicates engine coolant or water contamination. Refer to Engine
Coolant/Water in Transmission (See: Testing and Inspection/Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures/6T30/6T40/6T45 - Automatic
Transmission/Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission).
8. Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis (See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and General
Diagnostics/6T30/6T40/6T45 - Automatic Transmission/Fluid Leak Diagnosis).
9. If the fluid was changed, reset the transmission oil life monitor if applicable.
Dipstick Level Checking Procedure (If equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in PARK (P). Start the engine.
2. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about 3 seconds in each range. Then move the shift lever
back to PARK (P).
3. Allow the engine to idle 500-800 rpm for at least 3 minutes to allow any fluid foaming to dissipate and the fluid level to stabilize. Release the
brake pedal.
4. Keep the engine running and observe the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) using the Driver Information Center or a scan tool.
Caution: The transmission fluid level must be checked when the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is at 85-95°C (185-203°F). If the TFT is
not at this temperature, operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this temperature will
result in either an under or over-filled transmission. TFT 95°C under-filled, TFT 85°C over-filled. An under-filled transmission will cause
premature component wear or damage. An over-filled transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent tube, fluid foaming, or pump
cavitation.
Note:
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If the TFT reading is not at the required temperature, allow the vehicle to cool, or operate the vehicle until the appropriate TFT is reached. If
the fluid temperature is below the specified range, perform the following procedure to raise the fluid temperature to the specification.
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Check the transmission fluid level when the TFT is at between 85-95°C (185-203°F). The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so it
is important to ensure the transmission fluid temperature is at the specified temperature.
Drive the vehicle in second gear until the fluid temperature is at the specified temperature.
5. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
7. Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red or dark brown.
*
If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect the fluid for excessive metal particles or other debris. A small amount of
"friction" material is a "normal" condition. If large pieces and/or metal particles are noted in the fluid, flush the oil cooler and cooler lines and
overhaul the transmission. If there are no signs of transmission internal damage noted, replace the fluid, repair the oil cooler, and flush the
cooler lines.
*
Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water indicates engine coolant or water contamination. Refer to Engine
Coolant/Water in Transmission (See: Testing and Inspection/Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures/6T30/6T40/6T45 - Automatic
Transmission/Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission).
8. Install the dipstick. Wait three seconds and then remove it again.
Note: Always check the fluid level at least twice. Consistent readings are important to maintaining proper fluid level. If inconsistent readings are
noted, inspect the transmission vent cap to ensure it is clean and unclogged.
Note: It is not necessary to get the fluid level all the way up to the MAX mark. Anywhere within the crosshatch band is acceptable.
9. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level.
10. Install and remove the dipstick again to verify the reading.
Note: Do not add more than one half pint (0.25L) at a time without rechecking the level. Once the oil is on the dipstick bullet, it will not take
much more fluid to raise the fluid level into the crosshatch band. Do not overfill. Also, if the fluid level is low, inspect the transmission for leaks.
Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis (See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and General Diagnostics/6T30/6T40/6T45 - Automatic
Transmission/Fluid Leak Diagnosis).
11. If the fluid level is not within the crosshatch band, and the transmission temperature is at 90°C (194°F), add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the
level into the crosshatch band. If the fluid level is low, add only enough fluid to bring the level into the crosshatch band.
12. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, install the dipstick.
