Checking Fluid Level & Condition: Transmission
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Start the engine and operate the vehicle for 15 minutes or until the transmission fluid reaches an operating temperature of 180-200°F (82-93°C). Park the vehicle on a level surface. With your foot on the brake, move the shift lever through each gear range. Pause for about 3 seconds in each range, ending in Park. Apply the parking brake and let the engine idle for 3 minutes. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. Wipe the indicator clean. Reinsert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist in order to close. Wait 3 seconds and remove the indicator. Read both sides of the indicator. The fluid must be within the hot cross-hatched area using the lowest level reading.
- Check the fluid color. Is the fluid Red in color? If so, go to step 6 . If not, go to next step.
- Is the fluid a non-transparent Pink in color? If so, go to step 15 . If not, go to next step.
- Is the fluid a Light Brown in color? If not, go to step 6 . If so, go to next step.
- Is the fluid Black in color and or have a burnt smell? If so, go to step 15 . If not, go to next step.
- Does the fluid appear as a solid liquid and not foamy or full of bubbles on level indicator? If not, go to step 8 . If so, go to next step.
- Check the fluid level. Proper level should be in middle of the "X" pattern, on level indicator. Is the level okay? If so, go to step 20 . If not, go to next step.
- Is the fluid level high on indicator? If so, go to step 13 . If not, go to next step.
- Is the fluid level low on indicator? If not, go to step 5 . If so, go to next step.
- Check for any external leak or leaks. Did you find an external leak or leaks? If not, go to step 12 . If so, go to next step.
- Correct leak or leaks as needed. Are any leak or leaks still present? If so, go to step 10 . If not, go to next step.
- Add fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is the level okay? If not, go to step 7 . If so, go to step 20 .
- Drain fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is level okay? If not, go to step 7 . If so, go to step 20 .
- Replace oil cooler and flush lines. See OIL COOLER LINES under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step 16 .
- Drain fluid and remove oil pan to inspect. See DRAINING & REFILLING . Is there sign or signs of internal component damage noted in bottom of transmission oil pan? If not, go to step 14 . If so, go to step 17 .
- Replace the filter and fluid. See DRAINING & REFILLING . Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step 7 .
- Flush oil cooler and lines. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING and TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK . Is oil cooler flushing and flow test complete? If so, go to next step.
- Overhaul transmission. See appropriate OVERHAUL article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. Is the overhaul procedure complete? If so, go to next step.
- Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete? If so, go to step 7 .
- Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, system is okay. If not, go to step 1 .