A/T - Fluid Level Checking
NO: 21-20-94GROUP: Transmission
DATE: Oct. 28, 1994
SUBJECT:
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels on RWD Vehicles
MODELS:
1990 - 1995 (AB) Ram Van/Ram Wagon
1990 - 1993 (AD) Ram Pickup/Ram Chassis/Ram Charger
1990 - 1995 (AN) Dakota/Dakota Chassis Cab
1994 - 1995 (BR) Ram Truck
1990 - 1995 (XJ) Cherokee
1990 - 1995 (YJ) Wrangler
1993 - 1995 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee
DISCUSSION:
All automatic rear wheel drive transmission fluid levels must be checked with the engine running and the transmission in Neutral. This is different from front wheel drive transaxles.
A description of the procedure is listed below. Please refer to the appropriate Service Manual for complete service procedures.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
WARNING:
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT, PULLEYS OR FAN BLADE. DO NOT STAND IN A DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN BLADE.
1. Vehicle should be driven for at least 15 minutes prior to checking to ensure proper fluid temperature.
2. Place vehicle on level surface.
3. Apply parking brake.
4. With brake applied, start and run engine at idle. Move the transmission through all the gear positions, pausing momentarily in each and ending with the lever in Neutral.
5. Raise hood and remove dipstick, wipe clean and determine if fluid is hot or warm.
^ Hot fluid is approximately 180 degrees which is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been driven at least 15 miles. The fluid cannot comfortably be held between the finger tips. When hot, the fluid should be below the maximum mark on the dipstick.
^ Warm exists when fluid is between 85 to 125 degrees. If the vehicle has run for more than 60 seconds but less than 15 minutes, the transaxle can be considered warm, the fluid level should be above the minimum mark on the dipstick.
6. Reinsert dipstick until cap seals. Remove and note reading. If the fluid level checks low, add sufficient fluid to bring the level to within the marks for the appropriate temperature. Add only enough fluid to restore level to the Max mark on dipstick.
NOTE:
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE LEVEL IS CHECKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. IF THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK, AN INCORRECT LEVEL WILL BE SHOWN.
7. Repeat above procedure to verify level check.
NOTE:
IF FLUID HAS BEEN ADDED, BEWARE OF RESIDUAL FLUID IN THE TUBE GIVING A FALSE READING.
POLICY: Information Only