Fluid Level Check
- Start the engine.
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about 3 seconds in each range. Then move the shift lever back to PARK (P).
- Allow the engine to idle between 500 to 800 RPM for at least 3 minutes, to allow any fluid frothing to dissipate and the fluid level to stabilize. Release the brake pedal.
- Keep the engine running and observe the transmission fluid temperature (TFT), using the Driver Information Center or a scan tool.
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
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WARNING:
The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
While the vehicle is idling, remove the transmission fluid level plug (1). Allow any fluid to drain into a drip pan.
- If the fluid is flowing as a steady stream, wait until the fluid drips out one time per second. Continue with step 12.
- If no fluid comes out, add fluid until it drips out of the transmission fluid level plug hole one time per second. Continue with step 7.
- Lower the vehicle.
Transmission Fluid Filler Cap (1) - Remove
- While the vehicle is idling, add fluid through the transmission fluid filler cap hole, until fluid is flowing as a stream out of the transmission fluid level plug hole. Wait until the fluid is only dripping out of the transmission fluid level plug hole one time per second.
- Transmission Fluid Filler Cap - Install
- Raise the vehicle.
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CAUTION:
Transmission Fluid Level Hole Plug (1) - Install and tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
- Lower the vehicle.
- Stop the engine.
- Raise the vehicle.
- Front Compartment Insulator - Install - Front Compartment Insulator Replacement
- Lower the vehicle.
The transmission fluid level must be checked when the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is at 85-95°C (185-203°F). If the TFT is not at this temperature, operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this temperature will result in either an under or over-filled transmission. TFT over 95°C under-filled, TFT under 85°C over-filled. An under-filled transmission will cause premature component wear or damage. An over-filled transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent tube, fluid foaming, or pump cavitation.
When performing a transmission fluid fill, verify that the vehicle is raised level. A vehicle that is not horizontally aligned will result in too high or too low transmission fluid level. An under or over filled transmission will cause malfunction or damage to the transmission.
While checking the fluid level, the engine must be running and the shift lever has to be in the PARK range.