Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lake Charles LA
Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
I've discovered the single most overlooked C5 Tech topic of all.
What is the correct factory authorized procedure to check C5 Automatic transmission fluid level, (step by step)?????
What is the correct factory authorized procedure to check C5 Automatic transmission fluid level, (step by step)?????
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level (Triple_Wild_Bill)
Here's the short story. Fluid to be checked with car RUNNING and trans fluid should be "normal operating temperature" (caution required, this means HOT).
Car must be parked on level surface. With brake on, gearshift should be moved down through each gear, stopping for a few seconds in each gear, and then back up the gears, again stopping in each gear for a few seconds.
With the side plug removed (located on tranny pan) and the car running, trans at correct temperature (hot), and the trans in PARK the fluid level should be up to the bottom of the drain plug, some will "dribble" out, that is the correct fluid level.
Hope this helps and to be sure I would wait for others confirmation on my instuctions.
Car must be parked on level surface. With brake on, gearshift should be moved down through each gear, stopping for a few seconds in each gear, and then back up the gears, again stopping in each gear for a few seconds.
With the side plug removed (located on tranny pan) and the car running, trans at correct temperature (hot), and the trans in PARK the fluid level should be up to the bottom of the drain plug, some will "dribble" out, that is the correct fluid level.
Hope this helps and to be sure I would wait for others confirmation on my instuctions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level (Miaugi)
Here's the short story. Fluid to be checked with car RUNNING and trans fluid should be "normal operating temperature" (caution required, this means HOT).
Car must be parked on level surface. With brake on, gearshift should be moved down through each gear, stopping for a few seconds in each gear, and then back up the gears, again stopping in each gear for a few seconds.
With the side plug removed (located on tranny pan) and the car running, trans at correct temperature (hot), and the trans in PARK the fluid level should be up to the bottom of the drain plug, some will "dribble" out, that is the correct fluid level.
Hope this helps and to be sure I would wait for others confirmation on my instuctions.
Car must be parked on level surface. With brake on, gearshift should be moved down through each gear, stopping for a few seconds in each gear, and then back up the gears, again stopping in each gear for a few seconds.
With the side plug removed (located on tranny pan) and the car running, trans at correct temperature (hot), and the trans in PARK the fluid level should be up to the bottom of the drain plug, some will "dribble" out, that is the correct fluid level.
Hope this helps and to be sure I would wait for others confirmation on my instuctions.
with a replacement transmission or a new torque converter you may need to repeat this procedure up to 3 times before the fluid level is properly serviced
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level (Triple_Wild_Bill)
I've discovered the single most overlooked C5 Tech topic of all.
here is the factory check procedure:
From the GM service manual
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.
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.
ref: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=216624
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[Modified by Mike Mercury, 1:21 PM 6/26/2004]
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lake Charles LA
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level (Mike Mercury)
Thanks Mike and runamuk. I am as new as I am delighted to discover the Corvette Forum 
I must have spent hours hiding from the boss here at work enjoying countless great tweaking experiences and planning the next cool mod.
(I just knew Mike would thoughtfully come through with the goods after seeing lots of his posts)
I've turned wrenches since 1969 either professionally, tearing up Dad's cars while learning,
or just mereley dabbling in recent years. 
I find it embarrassing that I have owned my '03 almost a year and don't know how to check the tranny fluid level and I'm no stranger to hot rodding.
My owners manual wasn't any help and practically dumped on me claiming it would be much too hard for me to check my own level!
I certainly didn't want the hired guns at the local Chevy dealer to know the guy with 35 years of sporadic wrench turning didn't know how to do a very basic service check!
I'm slightly anoniminous here so what the heck? I'll fire away a proverbial stupid question!
Thanks again Guys! I love this forum! Maybe we call all save each other some bucks sharing whatever. For repayment in kind, I hope I can help some of you with my experiences.
I must have spent hours hiding from the boss here at work enjoying countless great tweaking experiences and planning the next cool mod.(I just knew Mike would thoughtfully come through with the goods after seeing lots of his posts)
I've turned wrenches since 1969 either professionally, tearing up Dad's cars while learning,
or just mereley dabbling in recent years. I find it embarrassing that I have owned my '03 almost a year and don't know how to check the tranny fluid level and I'm no stranger to hot rodding. My owners manual wasn't any help and practically dumped on me claiming it would be much too hard for me to check my own level!
I certainly didn't want the hired guns at the local Chevy dealer to know the guy with 35 years of sporadic wrench turning didn't know how to do a very basic service check!I'm slightly anoniminous here so what the heck? I'll fire away a proverbial stupid question!
Thanks again Guys! I love this forum! Maybe we call all save each other some bucks sharing whatever. For repayment in kind, I hope I can help some of you with my experiences.
