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Checking Fluid Levels

NOTE: The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
  1. 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 3 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. Reinsert 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.
  2. Check the fluid color. Is the fluid red in color? If so, go to step  6 . If not, go to next step.
  3. Is the fluid a non-transparent pink in color? If so, go to step  15 . If not, go to next step.
  4. Is the fluid a light brown in color? If not, go to step  6 . If so, go to next step.
  5. Is the fluid black in color and or have a "burnt" smell? If so, go to step  15 . If not, go to next step.
  6. Does the fluid appear as a solid "liquid" and not "foamy" or full of bubbles on level indicator? If not, go to step  8 . If so, go to next step.
  7. Check the fluid level. Proper level should be in middle of the "X" pattern, on level indicator. Is the level OK? If so, go to step  20 . If not, go to next step.
  8. Is the fluid level high on indicator? If so, go to step  13 . If not, go to next step.
  9. Is the fluid level low on indicator? If not, go to step  5 . If so, go to next step.
  10. Check for any external leak or leaks. Did you find an external leak or leaks? If not, go to step  12 . If so, go to next step.
  11. Correct leak or leaks as needed. Are any leak or leaks still present? If so, go to step  10 . If not, go to next step.
  12. Add fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is the level OK? If not, go to step  7 . If so, go to step  20 .
  13. Drain fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is level OK? If not, go to step  7 . If so, go to step  20 .
  14. Replace oil cooler and flush lines. See TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSE/PIPE  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step  16 .
  15. Drain fluid and remove oil pan to inspect. See DRAINING & REFILLING  . Is there sign or signs of internal component damage noted in bottom of transmission oil pan? If not, go to step  14 . If so, go to step  17 .
  16. Replace the filter and fluid. See DRAINING & REFILLING  . Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step  7 .
  17. Flush oil cooler and lines. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING  and TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK  . Is the automatic transmission oil cooler flushing and flow test complete? If so, go to next step.
  18. Overhaul transmission. See appropriate OVERHAUL article. Is the transmission overhaul procedure complete? If so, go to next step.
  19. Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete? If so, go to step  7 .
  20. Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, system is okay. If not, go to step  1 .
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