Transmission Fluid Checking
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 GMC Yukon XL and 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. 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 three 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. Insert 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.
Transmission Fluid Checking
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: Diagnose transmission fluid conditions by color. | |||
| 1 | Check the fluid color. Is the fluid color red? |
Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 11 |
| 2 | Is the fluid level satisfactory? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Check the fluid. Is the fluid foamy? |
Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Check the fluid level. The proper fluid level should be in the middle of the X-hatch. Is the fluid level high? |
Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | The fluid will be low. Add fluid to the proper fluid level. Is the fluid level satisfactory? |
Go to Step 6 | - |
| 6 | Check for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Were any leaks found? |
Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 20 |
| 7 | Correct the leak condition. Was the leak condition corrected? |
Go to Step 20 | - |
| 8 | Is the fluid level too high? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 |
| 9 | Remove excess fluid to the proper fluid level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement
. Is the fluid level satisfactory? |
Go to Step 20 | - |
| 10 |
|
Go to Step 15 | - |
| 11 | Is the fluid color non-transparent pink? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13 |
| 12 | Replace the cooler. Is the replacement complete? |
Go to Step 15 | - |
| 13 |
IMPORTANT:
Transmission fluid may turn dark with normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination. The fluid color should be light brown.Is the fluid color light brown? |
Go to Step 14 | - |
| 14 |
IMPORTANT:
A very small amount of material in the bottom pan is a normal condition, but large pieces of metal or other material in the bottom pan require a transmission overhaul. Drain the fluid to determine if the fluid is contaminated.Is the fluid contaminated? |
Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 18 |
| 15 | Perform root cause and repair as necessary. Is the repair complete? |
Go to Step 16 | - |
| 16 | Clear TRANS ADAPT. Are the reset procedures complete? |
Go to Step 17 | - |
| 17 | Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete? |
Go to Step 20 | - |
| 18 | Change the fluid and the filter. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement
. Is this procedure complete? |
Go to Step 19 | - |
| 19 | Are the reset procedures complete? | Go to Step 20 | - |
| 20 | Is the fluid level satisfactory? | System OK | Go to Step 1 |