CHECKING PROPER FLUID LEVEL PROCEDURE

Model and Year: 1987-88 CHEVROLET VEHICLES WITH THM 125C, 200-4R, 400, 440-T4, AND 700-R4 TRANSMISSIONS

This bulletin outlines proper hot and cold fluid level checking procedures for the transmissions and transaxles listed above.

A. "COLD" CHECK PROCEDURE: ----------------------- 1. Start vehicle and let idle in Park for 3 minutes.

Note for THM 440-T4: Start vehicle and cycle range selector through 1, 2, D, OD, and R for approximately 3 seconds in each range. Complete check preparation by letting vehicle idle in Park for 3 minutes.

2. With vehicle level, accessories turned off, and engine idling in Park, check fluid level as outlined below.

o THM 200-4R, 400, 700-R4 (Refer to Figure 1):

When cold, 27 Degrees C (80 Degrees F), a full transmission will show the fluid level below the "Add" mark on the indicator. As the transmission warms to normal operating temperature, the fluid expands, raising the level to within the cross-hatched area.

o THM 125C 440-T4 (Refer to Figures 2 and 3):

When cold, 27 Degrees C (80 Degrees F), a full transaxle will show the fluid level to be above the "Full Hot" mark. This is a result of fluid stored in the bottom pan when cold. As the transaxle warms to normal operating temperature, fluid is captured in the side pan, lowering the fluid level to within the cross-hatched area.

NOTICE:

The "cold" check procedure cannot take the place of a "hot" check. The "cold" check will let the technician know there is enough fluid to perform a Preliminary Check Procedure an accurate road test, and allow normal operating temperature to be obtained prior to the necessary "hot" check.

B. "HOT" CHECK PROCEDURE: --------------------- 1. Drive vehicle in all ranges to attain a fluid temperature of 80 to 90 Degrees C (180 to 200 Degrees F).

2. Idle at normal idle speed in Park for 3 minutes.

3. With vehicle level, accessories turned off, and engine idling in Park, check fluid level.

4. Fluid level should be within the cross-hatched area. (Read front and back, use the lowest level.)

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.