GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

When to Check and Change

A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your transmission fluid. See Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services .

How to Check

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership service department.

If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading.

Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.

Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the transmission case.

Then, follow these steps:


    Object Number: 810589  Size: B3
  1. Remove the filler plug.
  2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
  3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps.

How to Add Fluid

Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .

  1. Remove the filler plug.
  2. Remove the drain plug, drain the fluid and reinstall the drain plug.
  3. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
  4. Reinstall the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.