- 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 indicator clean, and reinsert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist 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.
Caution: Applying the brake pedal during this procedure will affect the fluid level reading.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Check the fluid life monitor. Is the monitor life 10% or less? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 2 |
2 | Check the fluid color. Is the fluid red in color? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 3 |
3 | Is the fluid color non-transparent pink? | -- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 4 |
4 |
Note: Transmission fluid may turn a dark brown color from normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination. Is the fluid light brown in color? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Is the fluid black in color and/or have a burnt smell? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 6 |
6 | Does the fluid appear as solid liquid, and not foamy or full of bubbles, on the fluid level indicator? | -- | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Check the fluid level. The proper level should be in the middle of the X pattern on the fluid level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 8 |
8 | Is the fluid level high on the indicator? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 9 |
9 | Is the fluid level low on the indicator? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
10 | Check for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis. Did you find an external leak? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 12 |
11 | Repair the leaks as needed. Are any leaks still present? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 12 |
12 | Add fluid until the level of the fluid is in the middle of the X pattern on the fluid level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 7 |
13 | Drain the fluid until the fluid level is in the middle of the X mark on the fluid level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 7 |
14 |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 16 | -- |
15 |
Note: A small amount of friction material in the bottom of the pan is a normal condition. Large pieces of material and/or metal particles may require a complete transmission overhaul. Are there signs of internal component damage in the bottom of the transmission oil pan? | -- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 14 |
16 | Replace the transmission fluid and filter. Refer to Auxiliary Control Valve Body Cover, Fluid Filter Seal, and Filter Removal. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 7 | -- |
17 | Flush the oil cooler and the lines. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test. Did you complete the Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test? | -- | Go to Step 19 | -- |
18 | Overhaul the transmission. Is the Transmission Overhaul Procedure complete? | -- | Go to Step 19 | -- |
19 | Add new transmission fluid. Did you add new transmission fluid? | -- | Go to Step 7 | -- |
20 | Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | Go to Step 21 | -- |
21 | If equipped, reset the oil life monitor to 100%. Are all of the reset procedures complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
