Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check
This procedure checks both the transmission fluid level, as well
as the condition of the fluid itself.
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Caution: Use Dexron VI transmission fluid only. Failure to use the
proper fluid may result in transmission internal damage.
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Note: Ensure the
transmission has enough fluid in it to safely start the vehicle
without damaging the transmission. With the vehicle off and the
transmission fluid temperature at approximately 20–25°C
(68–77°F) there must be at least enough fluid to drain
out of the fluid level hole. This will ensure that there is enough
fluid in the sump to fill the components once the vehicle is
started.
Non Dipstick Level Checking Procedure
| 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. |
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Note: 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.
Drive the vehicle in second gear until the fluid
temperature is at the specified temperature.
|
| 4. |
Keep the engine running and
observe the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) using the Driver
Information Center or a scan tool. |
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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. |
| 5. |
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift
lever in the PARK range. |
| 6. |
While the vehicle is idling,
remove the oil level set plug. Allow any fluid to drain.
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Oil Level Plug (1)
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• |
If the fluid is flowing as a
steady stream, wait until the fluid begins to drip. |
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• |
If no fluid comes out, add
fluid until fluid drips out. |
| 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. |
| 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:
| • |
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. |
| • |
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. |
| 8. |
Install the dipstick. Wait
three seconds and then remove it again. |
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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.
|
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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.
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| 9. |
Check both sides of the
dipstick and read the lower level. |
| 10. |
Install and remove the
dipstick again to verify the reading. |
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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 .
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| 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.
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| 12. |
If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, install the dipstick. |
| 13. |
If the fluid was changed,
reset the transmission oil life monitor if applicable. |
Fluid Condition Inspection
| • |
Inspect the fluid color. The
fluid should be red in color. The fluid may also turn brown form
normal use, and does not always indicate contamination.
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Note: Fluid that is
very dark or black and has a burnt odor usually indicates
contamination or overheating.
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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 which may indicate transmission
damage. Refer to
Road Test to verify transmission operation. Change the
transmission fluid if no other conditions are found. |
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