Fluid Level Check

Checking fluid level, color and condition at regular intervals will provide early diagnosis information about the transmission. This information may then be used to correct a condition at, if not detected early, could result in major transmission repairs if not detected early. When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXTRON(R) III.

NOTICE: Do not overfill. Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid and possible damage to transmission.

Important:
- When new, automatic transmission fluid should be red. The red dye is added so the assembly plant can identify it as transmission fluid and distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye, which is not an indicator of fluid quality? is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven the transmission fluid will begin to look darker. The color may eventually appear light brown.
- To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 820 to 94° C (180 to 200° F).

Hot Check:
- Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km (15 miles), when outside temperatures are above 10° C (50° F). If it's colder than 10° C (50° F), you may have to drive longer.
Cold Check:
- A cold check can be made when the transmission temperature is between 24 to 29° C (75 to 85° F). Let the engine run at slow idle for 5 minutes if the outside temperature is 10° C (50 F) or more. If it's colder than 10° C (50° F), you may have to idle the engine longer.
Fluid Check Procedure Hot or Cold:
a. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
b. Place the range selector lever in "PARK" with the parking brake applied.
c. Filth your foot on the brake pedal, move the range selector lever through each gear range, pausing for about 3 seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in "PARK."
d. Let the engine idle for 3 minutes or more.
e. Then follow these steps to check the fluid level:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait 3 seconds and then pull it back out again.
f. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the "COLD" area for a cold check or in the "HOT" area or cross-hatched area for a hot check.
g. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the dipstick back in all the way.
h. If the fluid level is low, add only enough DEXRON(R) III or if unavailable, DEXTRON(R) III is acceptable to bring the fluid level up to the "COLD" area for a cold check or the "HOT" area for a hot check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less than a pint. DO NOT OVERFILL.
i. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described above. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way.
Fluid color
- Should be red when new.