How do you check the AT fluid level?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: How do you check the AT fluid level? (lost)
Mike Mercury, that great repository of many C5 facts, posted this a little while ago from the GM service manual. Are you sitting down? :crazy:
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
Start and run the engine at idle.
Apply the brakes.
Shift the transmission into each gear for at least 2 seconds per gear.
Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and continue to idle the engine for 3 minutes to stabilize the transmission fluid level.
After allowing the fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running at idle), check the transmission fluid temperature on the driver information center. Specification
Transmission fluid level temperature: 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F)
If the fluid temperature is above specification, turn off the engine and allow the transmission to cool, then repeat the procedure to this point before proceeding.
With the engine still running at idle, loosen the check/fill plug on the LH side of the transmission oil pan (using a 10 mm or 3/8 SAE allen wrench)..
Inspect the fluid level:
Any excess fluid will drain when the check/fill plug is loosened.
If no fluid drains, remove the check/fill plug and fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III transmission fluid until the fluid begins to overflow.
Install the check/fill plug. Tighten
Tighten the fill plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Release the brakes.
Turn off the engine.
Lower the vehicle.
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
Start and run the engine at idle.
Apply the brakes.
Shift the transmission into each gear for at least 2 seconds per gear.
Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and continue to idle the engine for 3 minutes to stabilize the transmission fluid level.
After allowing the fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running at idle), check the transmission fluid temperature on the driver information center. Specification
Transmission fluid level temperature: 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F)
If the fluid temperature is above specification, turn off the engine and allow the transmission to cool, then repeat the procedure to this point before proceeding.
With the engine still running at idle, loosen the check/fill plug on the LH side of the transmission oil pan (using a 10 mm or 3/8 SAE allen wrench)..
Inspect the fluid level:
Any excess fluid will drain when the check/fill plug is loosened.
If no fluid drains, remove the check/fill plug and fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III transmission fluid until the fluid begins to overflow.
Install the check/fill plug. Tighten
Tighten the fill plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Release the brakes.
Turn off the engine.
Lower the vehicle.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: How do you check the AT fluid level? (lost)
As patches is suggesting, it is a stinker. You can do it at home if you get the car up high enough on jack stands. I would also suggest the use of mechanics gloves, as the plug, oil, etc. can get a little hot. Just take your time, be careful and have fun..... :rolleyes: :)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Re: How do you check the AT fluid level? (carpe dm)
Thank goodness my son in laws shop has a lift. Whatever happened to the good old dipstick. I really think the AT equipped cars need another of those neat little latching lids in the back just for this purpose...
