Transmission Fluid Fill Procedure

Special Tools

• DT-45096  Transmission Oil Cooling System Flush and Flow Test Tool
• DT-45096-30  Transmission Cooler Flush Adapters
• DT-45096-40  Transflow Oil Fill Adapter
• DT-51190  Transmission Fluid Fill Adapter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Check the transmission fluid level, refer to Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check .

Check Plug Method (Standpipe Design) 

Fig 1: Oil Level Check Plug

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

1. Remove the oil level check plug.
   CAUTION: For all 10 speed RWD transmission applications, use ONLY Dexron ® ULV transmission fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid may result in damaging the transmission internally.
   WARNING: The area around the automatic transmission case plug is hot due to the proximity to the exhaust system components. Always wear protective gloves to avoid personal injury.
   WARNING: Transmission Fluid is flammable. When draining the transmission, protect the catalytic converter and catalytic converter heat shield from making contact with transmission fluid. Failure to do this could cause a fire resulting in serious bodily injury or severe vehicle damage.
   NOTE:

   • The quart containers of Dexron® ULV must be shaken to stir up the additives before pouring.
   • Do NOT use Dexron® VI or Dexron® HP.
   • When the oil level check plug is removed with the engine OFF, transmission fluid may drain from the hole.
2. Install the DT-51190  fluid fill pan adapter (1) and, if necessary, one adapter from the DT 45096-30  cooler flush adapters (2).
   Fig 2: Fluid Fill Pan Adapter And Cooler Flush Adapters

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
3. Determine the approximate amount of fluid needed to fill the transmission, based on the repair performed. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities . To avoid an under-fill condition, slightly overfill the transmission and then allow the extra fluid to drain out through the oil level check plug during the tranmission fluid level and condition check procedure.
4. Using the DT-51190  fluid fill pan adapter (1), DT-45096-30  cooler flush adapters (2) and the DT-45096  flush and flow test tool (3), add transmission fluid through the check plug hole. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test and Flushing (10L80) for complete DT-45096 operating instructions. Use the FLOW position on the main function switch to pump the fluid.
   NOTE: The DT-45096  flush and flow test tool is being utilized as a convenient method to pump the fluid into the bottom pan. A suitable hand pump may also be used instead. When using the DT-45096  flush and flow test tool, monitor the display panel to determine the amount of fluid being pumped from the tool supply tank into the transmission.
5. Start the engine and move the shift lever through each gear range. Pause for at least 3 seconds in each gear range.
   NOTE: Failure to start the engine and move the shift lever through the gear ranges before removing the DT-51190  fluid fill pan adapter and DT-45096-30  cooler flush adapters from the bottom pan will result in an excess amount of fluid draining from the check plug hole. This may lead to an under-fill condition.
6. With the engine still running, remove the DT-51190  fluid fill pan adapter (1), (2) and DT-45096  flush and flow test tool (3) and then check the fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check .
   WARNING: Check the transmission fluid level immediately after adding fluid and before vehicle operation. Do not overfill the transmission. An overfilled transmission may result in foaming or fluid to be expelled out the vent tube when the vehicle is operated, possibly causing a fire that may result in serious bodily injury or severe vehicle damage. Overfilling will result in possible damage to the transmission.