A/T - Proper Fluid Checking
87olds4SUBJECT PROPER FLUID LEVEL CHECKING PROCEDURE NUMBER: 88-T-01
1987 THROUGH 1988 THM 125C, 200-4R, 400,
440-T4, F-7, AND 700-R4
DATE: August 21, 1987
MODELS/YEARS ALL MODELS
SECTION: 7A
Bulletin Covers:
This bulletin outlines proper hot and cold fluid level checking procedures for the transmissions and tranaxles listed above.
NOTICE: Oldsmobile does not use the F-7 transaxle or the 700-R4 transmission referred to in this bulletin.
Service Action:
To obtain a proper "cold" fluid level check for listed transmissions and transaxles:
1. Start vehicle and let idle in park* for 3 minutes.
*A. THM 440-T4 and F-7: Start vehicle and cycle gear range selector through 1, 2, D, OD, and R for approximately 3 seconds in each range. Complete "cold" check preparation by letting vehicle idle in park for 3 minutes.
2. With vehicle level, accessories turned off, and engine idling in park, check fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be indicated as outlined below:
FIGURE 1:
THM 200-R, 400, 700-R4:
When cold, 27 degrees C (80 degrees F), a full THM 200-4R, 400, and 700-R4 transmission will show the fluid level to be below "add" mark on the fluid level indicator (refer to Figure 1). As the transmission warms to normal operating temperature, the fluid expands raising the level to within the cross-hatched areas on the fluid level indicator.
FIGURE 2:
FIGURE 4:
THM 125C, 440-T4:
When cold, 27 degrees C (80 degrees F), a full THM 125C and 440-T4 transaxle will show the fluid level to be above the "full hot" mark on the fluid level indicator (refer to Figure 2 and 4). This is a result of the fluid that is stored in the bottom pan when the transaxle is cold. As the transaxle warms to normal operating temperature, fluid is captured in the side pan lowering the fluid level to within the cross-hatched area on the fluid level indicator.
FIGURE 3:
THM F-7:
When cold, 27 degrees C (80 degrees F), a full THM F-7 transaxle will show the fluid level to be just below the "full hot" mark on the fluid level indicator (refer to Figure 3). As the transaxle warms to normal operating temperature, the fluid level will rise to the "full hot" mark on the fluid level indicator.
NOTICE: The cold level checking procedure cannot take the place of a "hot" level check. The cold level will let the technician know that there is enough fluid in the transmission/transaxle to perform a preliminary check procedure, an accurate road test, and allow normal operating temperature to be obtained prior to the necessary "hot" check.
To obtain a proper "hot" fluid level check for all THM transmissions/transaxles:
1. Drive vehicle in all ranges to attain a fluid temperature of 80 to 90 degrees C (180 to 200 degrees F).
2. Idle at normal idle speed in park for 3 minutes.
3. With vehicle level, accessories turned off, and engine, idling in park, check fluid level.
4. Fluid level should be within the cross-hatched area. (Read front and back of the fluid level indicator and use the lowest level.)