Need some help understanding
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
Need some help understanding
Don't laugh too hard, but I have been looking for the dipstick for the auto transmission in my 1998 convertible. I finally decided to look in the owners manual and see where to check it. It said something about taking it to the dealer for that. I don't have a service manual so short of me putting it up on the lift [which is where my motorless 1974 is currently residing] how does one check and add atf if needed? The car has only 25,000 miles and doesn't leak, but maybe it wouldn't hurt to know what the level of fluid is in it. Manual said not to service until 50,000 miles however with the car being a 1998 Maybe it should have that done as well. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 13
From: Kinston North Carolina
Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure
4L60-E Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure Step
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No
1
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified.
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 Vehicle Lifting and Jacking 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.
Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick.
Important
The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Is the fluid color clear red or light brown with no burnt odor?
30°C to 50°C
(86°F to 122°F)
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 2
2
Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color?
--
Go to Step 8
Go to Step 3
3
Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance?
--
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 8
4
Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
4L60-E Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure Step
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No
1
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified.
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 Vehicle Lifting and Jacking 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.
Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick.
Important
The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Is the fluid color clear red or light brown with no burnt odor?
30°C to 50°C
(86°F to 122°F)
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 2
2
Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color?
--
Go to Step 8
Go to Step 3
3
Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance?
--
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 8
4
Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
