Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: Joplin Mo
Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park??
Looking at the service manual, it goes through the transmission fluid level check but its wording is a bit confusing as it says after allowing the fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running) check the transmission fluid temp. It then goes on to say if the temp is within specs, with the engine still running at idle, check the level. It didn't say anything about leaving it in neutral or in park. I've always checked auto trannys while in park but then I read this. I know my Jeep Cherokee has to be in neutral. It DOES make a difference in the readings, or at least it did on the Jeep. Just wondering about the 4L60e's. I'm still have some TCC lockup issues and I just want to make sure I've checked the obvious (low tranny fluid). :cheers:
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Waco and Plano TX
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (MikeyD)
i always learned to do it while its in neutral cause then the fluid is being pumped through the transmission so you can get an accurate reading
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (MikeyD)
Short story: PARK.
Long story, the 2003 service manual page 7-233 says to:
1. Start engine allow to idle until fluid reaches 86-122 F.
2. Depress brake and move shifter through gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever the PARK range.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
4. Remove transmission plug ......
Long story, the 2003 service manual page 7-233 says to:
1. Start engine allow to idle until fluid reaches 86-122 F.
2. Depress brake and move shifter through gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever the PARK range.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
4. Remove transmission plug ......
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: Joplin Mo
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (mapman)
In the 1997 manual is says the following:
1. Start engine and run engine at idle.
2. Apply the brakes.
3. Shift the transmission into each gear for at least 2 seconds per gear.
4. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and continue to idle for 3 minutes to stabilize the fluid level.
5. After allowing fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running at idle), check fluid temperature.
6. If fluid temp is above specs, turn off engine allow allow transmission to cool, then repeat procedure to this point before proceeding.
7. With the engine still running at idle, loosen the check/fill plug and inspect fluid level.
8. Install the check/fill plug and tighten to 22 ft/lbs.
9. Shift transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brakes.
11. Turn off engine.
12. Lower the vehicle.
1. Start engine and run engine at idle.
2. Apply the brakes.
3. Shift the transmission into each gear for at least 2 seconds per gear.
4. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and continue to idle for 3 minutes to stabilize the fluid level.
5. After allowing fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running at idle), check fluid temperature.
6. If fluid temp is above specs, turn off engine allow allow transmission to cool, then repeat procedure to this point before proceeding.
7. With the engine still running at idle, loosen the check/fill plug and inspect fluid level.
8. Install the check/fill plug and tighten to 22 ft/lbs.
9. Shift transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brakes.
11. Turn off engine.
12. Lower the vehicle.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Payne Ohio
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (MikeyD)
The best way to check the fluid is to stand in front of the car with it in gear and your ex wife behind the wheel with her foot firmly, ha ha , on the brake. Just make sure she has been removed a the beneficiary of your insurance policy. :jester
[Modified by mozart, 5:42 AM 6/6/2003]
[Modified by mozart, 5:42 AM 6/6/2003]
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: Joplin Mo
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (mozart)
The best way to check the fluid is to stand in front of the car with it in gear and your ex wife behind the wheel with her foot firmly, ha ha , on the brake. Just make sure she has been removed a the beneficiary of your insurance policy. :jester
[Modified by mozart, 5:42 AM 6/6/2003]
[Modified by mozart, 5:42 AM 6/6/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (MikeyD)
MikeyD/mozart,
Interesting thread. I wonder what year the "NEUTRAL" to"PARK" change was made? Also now they tell you to put it on a lift and have it level.
You just KNOW some mechanic put a customer's Vette on an incline, in NEUTRAL, then got out and watched it roll into another $$$$$ car. :lol: :lol: (I, of course, would NOT be laughing if it was my Corvette!)
mozart, from your post I get the feeling you must be a fan of the "DARWIN AWARDS".
"The best way to check the fluid is to stand in front of the car with it in gear and your ex wife behind the wheel with her foot firmly .... on the brake. ....." :lol: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :lolg: :lolg:
Interesting thread. I wonder what year the "NEUTRAL" to"PARK" change was made? Also now they tell you to put it on a lift and have it level.
You just KNOW some mechanic put a customer's Vette on an incline, in NEUTRAL, then got out and watched it roll into another $$$$$ car. :lol: :lol: (I, of course, would NOT be laughing if it was my Corvette!)
mozart, from your post I get the feeling you must be a fan of the "DARWIN AWARDS".
"The best way to check the fluid is to stand in front of the car with it in gear and your ex wife behind the wheel with her foot firmly .... on the brake. ....." :lol: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :lolg: :lolg:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Tranny Fluid Check. Neutral or park?? (MikeyD)
Park, has to be the correct answer or every lawyer at GM would jump on this one! I think either will work; the important thing is to NOT turn the key to "off"...... :D
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