Transmission Fluid Check
- 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 fluid level indicator clean. Insert the fluid level indicator. Give the fluid level indicator a full twist in order to close.
- Wait 3 seconds and remove the fluid level indicator.
- Read both sides of the fluid level indicator. The fluid must be within the hot cross-hatched area using the lowest level reading.
Transmission Fluid Check
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: Diagnose transmission fluid conditions by color. | |||
| 1 | Inspect the transmission fluid color. Is the transmission fluid color red? |
Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 11 |
| 2 | Is the transmission fluid level satisfactory? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect the transmission fluid. Is the transmission fluid foamy? |
Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Measure the transmission fluid level. The proper fluid level should be in the middle of the X-hatch. Is the transmission fluid level high? |
Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | The transmission fluid is low. Add fluid to the proper level. Is the transmission fluid level satisfactory? |
Go to Step 6 | - |
| 6 | Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Did you find any leaks? |
Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 20 |
| 7 | Repair the leak condition. Did you repair the leak condition? |
Go to Step 20 | - |
| 8 | Is the transmission fluid level high? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 |
| 9 | Remove excess transmission fluid to the proper level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement . Is the transmission fluid level satisfactory? |
Go to Step 20 | - |
| 10 |
|
Go to Step 15 | - |
| 11 | Is the transmission fluid color non-transparent pink? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13 |
| 12 | Replace the cooler. Did you complete the replacement? |
Go to Step 15 | - |
| 13 |
IMPORTANT:
Transmission fluid may turn dark with normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination. The transmission fluid color should be light brown.Is the transmission fluid color light brown? |
Go to Step 14 | - |
| 14 |
IMPORTANT:
A very small amount of material in the bottom pan is a normal condition. Large pieces of metal or other material in the bottom pan require a transmission overhaul. Drain the transmission fluid in order to determine if the transmission fluid is contaminated.Is the transmission fluid contaminated? |
Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 18 |
| 15 | Perform root cause and repair, as necessary. Did you complete the repair? |
Go to Step 16 | - |
| 16 | Clear TRANS ADAPT. Did you complete the reset procedures? |
Go to Step 17 | - |
| 17 | Add new transmission fluid. Did you add new transmission fluid? |
Go to Step 20 | - |
| 18 | Replace the transmission fluid and filter. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? |
Go to Step 19 | - |
| 19 | Did you complete the reset procedures? | Go to Step 20 | - |
| 20 | Is the transmission fluid level satisfactory? | System OK | Go to Step 1 |