- 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 3 minutes.
- Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist in order to close.
- Wait 3 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 | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
DEFINITION: Diagnose transmission fluid conditions by color. | |||
1 | Check the fluid color. Is the fluid color red? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 11 |
2 | Is the fluid level satisfactory? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
3 | Check the fluid. Is the fluid foamy? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Check the fluid level. The proper fluid level should be in the middle of the X-hatch. Is the fluid level high? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | The fluid will be low. Add fluid to the proper fluid level. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | Go to Step 6 | -- |
6 | Check for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Were any leaks found? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 20 |
7 | Correct the leak condition. Was the leak condition corrected? | Go to Step 20 | -- |
8 | Is the fluid level too high? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 |
9 | Remove excess fluid to the proper fluid level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement. Is the fluid level satisfactory? | Go to Step 20 | -- |
10 |
Was the fluid drained? | Go to Step 15 | -- |
11 | Is the fluid color non-transparent pink? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13 |
12 | Replace the cooler. Is the replacement complete? | Go to Step 15 | -- |
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? | Go to Step 14 | -- |
14 |
Important: 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. Drain the fluid to determine if the fluid is contaminated. Is the fluid contaminated? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 18 |
15 | Perform root cause and repair as necessary. Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 16 | -- |
16 | Clear TRANS ADAPT. Are the reset procedures complete? | Go to Step 17 | -- |
17 | Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete? | Go to Step 20 | -- |
18 | Change the fluid and the filter. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement. Is this procedure complete? | Go to Step 19 | -- |
19 | Are the reset procedures complete? | Go to Step 20 | -- |
20 | Is the fluid level satisfactory? | System OK | Go to Step 1 |
