Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flush and Flow Test Essential Tool J 45096 TransFlow

This bulletin is being revised to update the models to 2008. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Numbers 03-07-30-002B and 02-07-30-052D (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).

Important: All labor operations that include removal of the transmission from the vehicle include labor time to flush the transmission oil cooler system.

The J 45096 transmission oil cooling system flush and flow test tool replaces current tool J 35944-A. J 45096 is a self-contained unit utilizing a 12-volt flow meter, shop air supply and DEXRON® VI automatic transmission fluid (ATF). In the flush mode, transmission fluid is cycled through the transmission oil cooling system. High-pressure air is automatically injected into the fluid stream adding agitation to the ATF oil to enhance the removal of contaminated ATF oil and debris. In the flow mode, an electronic flow meter is used to measure the flow capability of the ATF oil cooling system. A digital display indicates the ATF oil flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) along with the amount of ATF oil in the supply vessel, supply vessel ATF oil temperature, machine cycles and the operating mode. The supply oil vessel has 30 L (32 qt) capacity and the waste oil vessel has 32 L (34 qt) capacity. The waste oil vessel is constructed of a translucent composite material that allows the user to easily identify the oil level. The waste oil vessel can accommodate vacuum evacuation and gravity draining. In the code mode, a random, encrypted code is generated that can be used for verification of flow test results.

Current essential cooler line adapters are used to connect the J 45096 to the automatic transmission oil cooler lines that allows J 45096 to adapt to General Motors passenger cars and light duty trucks, current and past models (except the Pontiac Vibe, Wave and Chevrolet Aveo).

The tool may be adapted for use on the Pontiac Vibe, Wave and Chevrolet Aveo by dealership personnel with a barbed hose connector and rubber hose obtained locally. The Vibe's/Wave's/Aveo's transmission has a transmission oil requirement which is slightly different than DEXRON® VI ATF. However, flushing the cooler with DEXRON® VI automatic transmission fluid is an acceptable service procedure. Very little fluid remains in the cooler after the flush procedure and the residual DEXRON® VI ATF in the cooler is compatible with the Vibe's/Wave's/Aveo's transmission fluid.

Notice: Insufficient oil flow through the ATF oil cooling system will cause premature transmission failure. The required minimum ATF oil flow rate reading is directly related to the supply oil temperature. Refer to the flow rate reference chart for the oil flow rate specification based on the temperature of the ATF in the supply vessel.

Helpful Hints for Maintaining the Temperature at or above 18°C (65°F)

Important: 

Store the Transmission Cooling System Service Tool, J 45096, Transflow® machine in a room where the temperature is maintained at or above 18°C (65°F).

Keep the ATF level in the reservoir low when the Transmission Cooling System Service Tool, J 45096, Transflow®, is not in use. Store several gallons of oil in an area where the temperature is maintained at or above 18°C (65°F). Fill the reservoir of the J 45096 as needed before using the machine on each repair.

With the ATF in a tightly sealed container, place the container in a tub of hot water for a period of time. Then pour the ATF into the reservoir. This method works best with a low fluid level in the reservoir.

Place the Transflow® machine in the direct sunlight with the cabinet door open to expose the reservoir to the rays of the warm sun.

Flush / Flow Test Procedure

Important: All labor operations that include removal of the transmission from the vehicle include labor time to flush the transmission oil cooler system.

Refer to SI for Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test J 45096 for the appropriate procedure.

Important: The J 45096 can be used to flush the transmission oil cooler system on an Allison equipped vehicle, but the flow meter should not be utilized. Refer to SI for Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test J 45096 for the appropriate flow check procedure.

Machine Displays

After completion of the flush and flow test, the following information is to be recorded on the repair order. This information is displayed on the Transmission Cooling System Service Tool, J 45096, Transflow® machine when the dial is in the code position.

Important: All labor operations that include removal of the transmission from the vehicle include labor time to flush the transmission oil cooler system.

Performing a transmission oil cooling system flush and flow test will use between 4.7-7.5 L (5-8 qts) of DEXRON®VI transmission fluid. The amount of transmission fluid (ATF), (DEXRON®VI) (fluid) that is to be charged for the flush portion of the repair should not exceed the allowable charge for 7.5 L (2 gal) of fluid. This expense should be shown in the net item column of the warranty claim document.

The Seven digit Alpha/Numeric flow code, i.e. A10DFB2, "MUST" be written on the repair order and placed in the comments section of the warranty claim. Any repair that requires the technician to contact the Product Quality Center (PQC) must also include the seven digit flow code. The agent will request the seven digit flow code and add the information to the PQC case prior to providing authorization for the warranty claim.

In Canada, the Seven digit Alpha/Numeric flow code, i.e. A10DFB2, "MUST" be written on the repair order. Any repair that requires the technician to contact the Product Quality Center (PQC) must also include the seven digit flow code. The agent will request the seven digit flow code and add the information to the PQC case prior to providing authorization for the warranty claim.