Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Checking Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
Checking fluid level and condition (color and odor) at regular intervals will provide early diagnosis information about the transmission. This information may be used to correct a condition that, if not detected early, could result in major transmission repairs.

Important: When new, automatic fluid is red in color. As the vehicle is driven, the transmission fluid will begin to look darker in color. The color may eventually appear light brown.

A dark brown color with burnt odor may indicate excessive fluid deterioration and signal a need for fluid change.

Fluid Level
When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXRON D-III.

Caution: DO NOT OVERALL.

Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid, abnormal shifting and possible damage to the transmission.

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Check fluid level with engine running at idle.

Note: Be sure that transmission fluid temperature is below 30°C (86°F).

3. Move the selector lever through all gear ranges.
4. Move the selector lever to "Park".
5. Let engine idle for 3 minutes and open the overfill screw (1).
6. Add released transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening.





7. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32°C (90°F) and 57°C (135°F) is reached, then close the overfill screw (1).
Torque: 38 Nm (28 ft. lbs.)

Note: To prevent fluid leaks, the overfill screw and oil drain screws gasket must be replaced each time these screws are removed.

Note: Check transmission fluid temperature with scan tool.

Minimum fluid level -> 57°C (135°F)
Maximum fluid level -> 32°C (90°F)

Caution: Do not open overfill screw with engine stopped.

Caution: DO NOT CHECK FLUID LEVEL UNDER THESE CONDITIONS:
^ Immediately after driving at sustained highway speeds.
^ In heavy city traffic during hot weather.
^ If vehicle is towing a trailer.

If the vehicle has been operated under these conditions, shut the engine off and allow the vehicle to "cool" for thirty (30) minutes. After the cool down period, restart the vehicle and continue from step 2 above.

Fluid Condition





*Fluid should be changed according to maintenance schedule.