auto trans question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
auto trans question
How do you check the auto trans fluid level? I have let the dealer do this and replace but I am thinking about doing it myself this weekend along with the fuel filter.
Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated.
Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Have to raise the vehicle or lay on your back. If you raise the vehicle, it has to be level when checking. If on your back, the location has to be level. Then follow these instructions:
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified; 30°C to 50°C (86°F to 122°F).
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Caution: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
- Remove the transmission plug.
Important
The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
- Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick.
- Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
- If needed, add DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5 L until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.
- Install drain plug and tighten to 30 N.m (22 lb. ft.)
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified; 30°C to 50°C (86°F to 122°F).
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Caution: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
- Remove the transmission plug.
Important
The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
- Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick.
- Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
- If needed, add DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5 L until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.
- Install drain plug and tighten to 30 N.m (22 lb. ft.)
Last edited by WhiteC5Vette; Nov 27, 2004 at 02:16 PM.
