GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2002 🢒 L100/L200/LW200 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Frame and Underbody 🢒 Transmission Fluid Check

Transmission Fluid Check Level Check

  1. Start the engine and operate the vehicle until the transaxle fluid temperature reaches at least 40°C (104°F).
  2. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through all the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.

    3. Object Number: 893363 Size: SH

    Important: For 4-cylinder vehicles only, perform steps 3-5.

    Important: Note the original position of the AIR components, if equipped.

  3. Remove the clamp from the AIR hose behind the cooling fan.
  4. Separate the AIR tube from the hose and push the tube back towards the transaxle.

    5. Object Number: 893366 Size: SH
  5. Remove the hose clip holding the 2 power steering lines together.

    6. Object Number: 893207 Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  6. Raise the vehicle. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running.

    7. Caution: The transaxle fluid is hot. Caution must be taken to prevent personal injury when the transaxle fluid drains from the transaxle.

  7. Remove the transaxle level plug with the engine running.
  8. Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
  9. Check the condition of the transaxle fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

    10. Notice: Saturn ATF P/N 21005966 is not compatible with this transaxle. If Saturn ATF is used, transaxle damage will result. This transaxle uses DEXRON® III ATF P/N 21019223.

  10. If the fluid level is low, add DEXRON® III automatic transaxle fluid in increments of 0-47 liters (0.5 quarts) until the fluid drains from the plug hole. If more than 1.5 liters (1.6 quarts) of fluid needs to be added to the transaxle, the transaxle may have a leak. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis .

    11. Important: Before installing the transaxle level plug, apply LOCTITE Threadlocker 242®.

  11. Allow the fluid to finish draining from the plug hole. Install the plug and wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle fluid level plug to 12 N·m (9 lb ft).

    Important: For 4-cylinder vehicles only, perform steps 11-14.

  12. Install the hose clip to the 2 power steering lines.
  13. Pull the AIR tube back to the original position.

    14. Object Number: 893363 Size: SH

    Important: The clamp must be installed with the locking portion facing down.

  14. Insert the tube into the hose and install the clamp.

    15. Important: There is a stand-off clip between the A.I.R. tube and the wiring harness at the front of the transaxle. This must be in place to eliminate the possibility of chafing between the tube and the harness.

  15. Ensure the stand-off clip between the AIR tube and the wiring harness is installed correctly.

Transmission Fluid Check Color Check

Fluid Color

Correction

Red or Light Brown

This is the normal color for automatic transaxle fluid. Make sure the transaxle fluid is at the proper level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Non-Transparent (Cloudy or Milky Pink)

Determine the sources of contamination, possibly an oil cooler leak.

Notice: Antifreeze will deteriorate the Viton® O-ring seals and glue used to bond the clutch material to the clutch plates. Both conditions may cause transaxle damage.

Perform the following steps if the transaxle oil cooler has developed a leak, allowing engine coolant to enter the transaxle.

    • Disassemble the transaxle and replace all rubber type seals because the coolant will attack the seal material and cause leaks.
    • Replace composition faced clutch plates because the facing material may separate from the steel portion of the plate.
    • Replace all nylon parts including the washers.
    • Replace the torque converter.
    • Thoroughly clean and rebuild the transaxle using new gaskets and a new oil filter.
    • Flush the cooler lines after you have properly repaired or replaced the transaxle cooler.

Foaming Fluid

The following could be possible causes of this condition:

    • The transaxle fluid is degraded.
    • The transaxle fluid is contaminated.
    • The transaxle is overfilled.
    • The transaxle cooler lines are plugged.
    • The transaxle oil filter is clogged or cracked.
    • The oil filter seal is leaking.
    • The side cover seal is damaged.
    • The oil level control valve is damaged or loose.
    • The engine is overheating.
    • The vehicle is overloading.

Dark Brown

Drain the fluid to determine the source of possible contamination.

    • If the fluid contains metal or other debris, possible transaxle damage may have occurred.
    • If the fluid does not contain metal or other debris, the fluid may have been over-heated.