The transmission fluid checking procedure is an important
part of any mechanical/hydraulic system diagnosis. The transmission fluid
condition can be a reliable indicator of the presence of problems within the
transmission.
Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
1
| Was the Powertrain or Transmission On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) System Check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 2
| Go to
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
|
2
|
- Warm the transmission to the operating temperature by driving
the vehicle the specified distance, or by running the engine until the Transmission
Fluid Temperature has reached the value specified.
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level when removing
the transmission fluid fill plug. If a hoist is unavailable, the vehicle must
be lifted at both ends and suitably supported.
Caution: Do not turn the engine off with the transmission fluid fill plug removed.
The engine must be running when the fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid
loss will occur. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Stand clear
when removing the fill plug since the actual fluid level is unknown.
Transmission fluid may be hot. Wear gloves and safety glasses when removing
the transmission fluid fill plug in order to prevent personal injury.
- Start the engine.
- With the engine running and the transmission at the normal operating
temperature, remove the transmission fluid fill plug.
- Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as
a dip stick.
Important: The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always
indicate contamination or oxidation.
Is the fluid color clear red or light brown with no burnt odor?
| 15 miles (24 km) 113-185°F (45-85°C)
|
Go to Step 5
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color?
| --
|
Go to Step 8
|
Go to Step 4
|
4
| Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance?
| --
|
Go to Step 7
|
Go to Step 8
|
5
| Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the threaded opening in the transmission pan.
Is the fluid level low?
| --
|
Go to Step 6
| Return to
Functional Test
|
6
|
- With the engine running, add only enough DEXTRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded
opening in the transmission pan.
- Check the transmission for any external leaks in the following
areas:
• | The transmission pan and gasket |
Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis.
Is the repair complete?
| --
| Return to
Functional Test
| --
|
7
| Replace the transmission cooler.
Is the repair complete?
| --
|
Go to Step 9
| --
|
8
|
Important: A very small amount of material in the bottom of the pan is a normal
condition.
Drain the fluid. Check the bottom of the pan for any excessive debris.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 9
|
Go to Step
10
|
9
|
- Overhaul the transmission if required.
- Flush transmission cooler and lines.
- Add enough DEXTRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid to bring
the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded opening in the transmission
pan.
- Start the engine.
- Continue to add fluid as the torque converter and other components
fill with fluid. Allow the transmission to reach the normal operating temperature.
- Add enough DEXTRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid in order
to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded opening in the transmission
pan.
Is the repair complete?
| --
| Return to
Functional Test
| --
|
10
|
- Change the fluid and the fluid filter.
- Add enough DEXTRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid in order
to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded opening in the transmission
pan.
- Start the engine.
- Continue to add the fluid as the torque converter and the other
components fill with fluid. Allow the transmission to reach normal operating
temperature.
- Add enough DEXTRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid in order to
bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded opening in the transmission
pan.
Is the repair complete?
| --
| Return to
Functional Test
| --
|