GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

    Important: 

       • Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.
       • Turn the engine OFF when checking fluid level.

  1. Warm the engine to normal operating temperature - until the electric radiator fan turns on at least once.
  2. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each gear.
  4. Turn OFF the engine.

  5. Object Number: 1254691  Size: SH
  6. Remove the fluid level indicator (35) located at the rear of the engine compartment with the black loop, from the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level indicator tube (37).
  7. Wipe the fluid level indicator (35) with a clean cloth.

  8. Object Number: 1254694  Size: SH
  9. Insert the fluid level indicator (35) into the fluid level indicator tube (37).

  10. Object Number: 1254693  Size: SH
  11. Remove the fluid level indicator (35) and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the upper mark (1) and the lower mark (2).
  12. If the fluid level is below the lower mark (2), inspect for fluid leaks at the transmission, the hose and line joints, and at the cooler lines. If the fluid level is above the upper mark (1), determine the cause of the overfill condition and correct as needed.

  13. Object Number: 1254694  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Always use the specified ATF. If specified ATF is not used, shift quality is affected.
       • Only add enough ATF to bring the fluid level to the upper mark on the fluid level indicator (35).

  14. When adding less than 946 ml (1 qt) of ATF, insert a funnel into the fluid level indicator tube (37), and add the correct amount of ATF to bring the level to the upper mark.
  15. When adding more than 946 ml (1 qt) of ATF, open the transmission fluid fill plug (79) located on top of the transmission case section (31).
  16. Insert the fluid level indicator back into the fluid level indicator tube (37).