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Checking Fluid Levels

WARNING: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. See Fig 1. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening. Fluid should be at least 140°F (40°C).
  1. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid has reached operating temperature.
  2. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
  3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
  4. Ensure transmission fluid is at least 140°F (40°C). Remove the transaxle oil level control plug. See Fig 1.
    5. NOTE: The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
  5. Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick. Is the fluid color clear Red or Light Brown with no burnt odor? If so, go to step  8. If not, go to next step.
  6. Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a Dark Brown color? If so, go to step  12. If not, go to next step.
  7. Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance? If so, go to step  11. If not, go to step  12.
  8. Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole. See Fig 1. Is the fluid level low? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  15.
  9. Add appropriate fluid in increments of one pt. (0.5L) until the fluid drains from the plug hole. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS . Did you add more than 3 pts. (1.5L) to the transaxle? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  15.
  10. The transaxle may have a leak. Was a transaxle fluid leak found? If so, go to step  13. If not, go to step  15.
  11. The transaxle fluid is contaminated with engine coolant. Repair or replace the transaxle cooler in the radiator. After repairs, go to step  13.
    12. NOTE: A very small amount of material in the bottom of the bottom pan is a normal condition.
  12. Drain the fluid by removing the bottom pan. Check the bottom pan for any excessive debris. Was excessive debris found? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  14.
  13. Perform the following:
    1. Repair the transaxle if required. In some cases, overhaul may be required. See appropriate OVERHAUL article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
    2. Flush the transaxle oil cooler and pipes and check flow. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING .
    3. Add enough appropriate fluid to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded plug hole. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS .
    4. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid has reached operating temperature.
    5. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
    6. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
    7. Remove the transaxle plug. See Fig 1.
    8. If needed, add appropriate fluid in increments of one pt. (0.5L) until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.
      9. NOTE: Before installing the fill plug, apply Sealant (GM P/N 12345382, GM P/N Canada 10953489) to the threads of the fill plug.
    9. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten.
    10. Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Is the repair complete? If so, system is okay.
  14. Perform the following:
    1. Change the fluid and the fluid filter. See DRAINING & REFILLING .
    2. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified.
    3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
    4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
    5. Remove the transaxle plug. See Fig 1.
    6. If needed, add ATF in increments of one pt. (0.5L) until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.
      7. NOTE: Before installing the fill plug apply Sealant (GM P/N 12345382, GM P/N Canada 10953489) to the threads of the fill plug.
    7. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
    8. Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Is the repair complete? If so, system is okay.
  15. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Is the repair complete? If so, system is okay.
Fig 1: Locating 4T40-E Oil Check Plug
G95B13699Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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