Transmission Fluid Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Buick Lucerne. 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 82-93°C (180-200°F).
- 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, and reinsert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist 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.
NOTE:
Applying the brake pedal during this procedure will affect the fluid level reading.
| Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check the fluid life monitor. Is the monitor life 10% or less? |
- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 2 |
| 2 | Check the fluid color. Is the fluid red in color? |
- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Is the fluid color non-transparent pink? | - | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 |
IMPORTANT:
Transmission fluid may turn a dark brown color from normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination. Is the fluid light brown in color? |
- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Is the fluid black in color and/or have a burnt smell? | - | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Does the fluid appear as solid liquid, and not foamy or full of bubbles, on the fluid level indicator? | - | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 8 |
| 7 | Check the fluid level. The proper level should be in the middle of the X pattern on the fluid level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? |
- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Is the fluid level high on the indicator? | - | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Is the fluid level low on the indicator? | - | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
| 10 | Check for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Did you find an external leak? |
- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 12 |
| 11 | Repair the leaks as needed. Are any leaks still present? |
- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 12 |
| 12 | Add fluid until the level of the fluid is in the middle of the X pattern on the fluid level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? |
- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 7 |
| 13 | Drain the fluid until the fluid level is in the middle of the X mark on the fluid level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? |
- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 7 |
| 14 |
|
- | Go to Step 16 | - |
| 15 |
IMPORTANT:
A small amount of friction material in the bottom of the pan is a normal condition. Large pieces of material and/or metal particles may require a complete transmission overhaul.
|
- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 14 |
| 16 | Replace the transmission fluid and filter. Refer to Auxiliary Control Valve Body Cover, Fluid Filter Seal, and Filter Removal . Did you complete the replacement? |
- | Go to Step 7 | - |
| 17 | Flush the oil cooler and the lines. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J 45096) or Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J 35944-A) . Did you complete the Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test? |
- | Go to Step 19 | - |
| 18 | Overhaul the transmission. Is the Transmission Overhaul Procedure complete? |
- | Go to Step 19 | - |
| 19 | Add new transmission fluid. Did you add new transmission fluid? |
- | Go to Step 7 | - |
| 20 | Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory? |
- | Go to Step 21 | - |
| 21 | If equipped, reset the oil life monitor to 100%. Are all of the reset procedures complete? |
- | System OK | - |