Fluid Drain and Refill

Checking Oil Level

With vehicle on a level surface, start engine and operate at idle. With parking brake applied, place selector lever in Neutral and check fluid level. When checking fluid level, transmission should be at operating temperature (approximately 170°F). Fluid level should be between the Add and Full notches on the dipstick. When adding fluid, use only the type labeled Dexron or Dexron II.

Changing Fluid

Under normal operating conditions, automatic transmission fluid change is not required. Under severe conditions, such as trailer towing, prolonged operation in city traffic or commercial use, fluid and filter should be changed and bands adjusted every 30,000 miles. When refilling transmission, use only fluid of the type labeled Dexron or Dexron II.
1. Raise and support front of vehicle, then position a drain pan under transmission oil pan.
2. Loosen transmission oil pan attaching bolts, then tap pan at one corner to loosen and allow fluid to drain, then remove pan.
3. Adjust low/reverse band, if necessary.
4. Install replacement transmission filter on bottom of valve body and torque attaching screws to 2.2-3.6 ft-lbs.
5. Clean transmission oil pan, then install pan and gasket on transmission. Torque pan attaching bolts to 11-14 ft-lbs.
6. Add four quarts of Dexron or Dexron II type automatic transmission fluid through transmission dipstick tube.
7. Start engine and operate at idle for approximately 2 minutes, then with parking brake applied, move selector lever through all detent positions.
8. Place selector lever in drive, then check transmission fluid level. Fluid level should be at the lower notch on the dipstick. Add fluid as necessary.
9. After transmission has reached operating temperature, check fluid level. Fluid level should be between the Add and Full notches on the dipstick. Add fluid as necessary.