Transmission Fluid Check: Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Fig 1: Locating Transaxle Fluid Level Indicator Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Routine inspection of the transaxle fluid is not required. Transaxle fluid inspection is only required if there is a symptom indicating a concern with the fluid.

Park the vehicle on a flat level surface.
Operate the vehicle in order for the transmission fluid temperature to reach the normal operating range.
Specification: Transaxle normal temperature: 60-70°C (140-158°F)
With the engine at idle, manual shift through all transaxle ranges and return to the PARK position. Leave the engine idling.
Clean any dirt or debris away from the area of the transaxle fluid level indicator.
Remove the transaxle fluid level indicator bolt (1) from the transaxle.
Remove the transaxle fluid level indicator (2).
Wipe away any transaxle fluid from the indicator.
Insert the indicator into the transaxle until fully seated.

Fig 2: View Of Transmission Fluid Levels

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Inspecting transaxle fluid level when not at normal temperature can give an incorrect measurement. The transaxle fluid expands when warm.

Remove the indicator and inspect the level and the condition of the oil on the indicator:
- Transmission fluid level at normal operating temperature (1)
- Transmission fluid level if cold (2)
If the fluid level is incorrect inspect for the following conditions:
- Fluid below level, inspect for a leak. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis or Automatic Transmission Fluid Leaks .
- Fluid above level, inspect for contamination of the fluid.

IMPORTANT: The tranaxle uses T-IV fluid, GM P/N 88900925 (Canadian P/N 22689186). The fluid is normally red in color. The oil may darken in color with more miles on a vehicle.

Inspect the condition of the fluid for the following conditions:
- Excessively dirty with particles in the fluid
  - If there are no drivability concerns, replace the fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement .
  - If drivability concerns are present disassemble and inspect for a cause.
- Burnt smell
  - Inspect for the correct fluid. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications .
  - Inspect for conditions that may of cause overheating of the transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Overheats .
  - If there are no drivability concerns, replace the fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement .
  - If drivability concerns are present disassemble and inspect for cause.
  - Inspect the transmission oil cooler system for functioning properly. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
- Black in color
  - Disassemble the transaxle and inspect for components that may have over heated.
  - Inspect the transmission oil cooler system for functioning properly. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
- Milky or white tint in color from coolant or water
  - Inspect for failure of the transaxle oil cooler. Refer to Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission .
  - Inspect for missing or improperly routed vent hose.
  - Inspect for missing fill plug.
Install the fluid level indicator.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice .

Install the fluid indicator bolt.
Tighten: Tighten the fluid indicator bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).