- 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 three minutes.
- Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. Wipe the indicator clean. Reinsert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist in order to close.
- Wait three 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.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DEFINITION: Diagnose transmission fluid conditions by color | ||||
1 | Check the fluid color. Is the fluid color red? | -- | ||
2 | Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | System OK | |
3 | Check the fluid. Is the fluid foamy? | -- | ||
4 | Check the fluid level. The proper fluid level should be in the middle of the X-hatch. Is the level high? | -- | ||
5 | Fluid will be low. Add fluid to the proper fluid level. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | -- | |
6 | Check for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Were any leaks found? | -- | ||
7 | Correct the leak condition. Was the leak condition corrected? | -- | -- | |
8 | Is the fluid level too high? | -- | ||
9 | Remove excess fluid to the proper fluid level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | -- | -- | |
10 | Check for contaminants in the fluid. Drain the fluid to determine the source of the contamination. Was the fluid drained? | -- | -- | |
11 | Is the fluid color non-transparent pink? | -- | ||
12 | Replace the cooler. Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
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? | -- | -- | |
14 | Drain the fluid to determine if the fluid is contaminated. Notice: 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. Was the fluid contaminated? | -- | ||
15 | Overhaul the transmission. Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L80-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair Manual. Is the overhaul complete? | -- | -- | |
16 | Clear TRANS ADAPT. Are the reset procedures complete? | -- | -- | |
17 | Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete? | -- | -- | |
18 | Change the fluid and the filter. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement. Is this procedure complete? | -- | -- | |
19 | Are the reset procedures complete? | -- | -- | |
20 | Is the fluid level satisfactory? If not, correct as needed. | -- | System OK | |
