Checking the Fluid Level in an Automatic Transmission

            0

Warning: in these models of vehicles, the electric fan may operate with the ignition off. When working in the fan area, turn off its motor or disconnect the battery negative cable.


1. The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be maintained especially carefully. A low level can cause the gears to jump off and stop, and an overfill can cause foaming and fluid to drip out.

2. Since the transmission fluid expands when heated, the fluid level should only be checked when the transmission is warm (at normal operating temperature). The box is considered warm if the car has traveled more than 32 km (20 miles).

Caution: Correct fluid level readings cannot be obtained immediately after driving at high speeds or in city traffic in hot weather or after towing a trailer.


The liquid level can also be checked in a cold box. It is considered cold if within 5 hours. You have not driven a car, and the temperature of the liquid is about room temperature (70-95 degrees Fahrenheit). However, to get reliable results, the fluid level should be checked in a heated box.

3. Immediately after driving, park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and start the engine. While the engine is idling, depress the brake pedal and move the shift knob through all gears, starting and ending "parking lot".

4. The automatic transmission dipstick tube is located in the rear left corner of the engine compartment, behind the air cleaner housing (see picture).



5. While the engine is idling, remove the dipstick from the tube, wipe it with a clean rag, reinstall it into the tube until it stops and remove it, measure the fluid level.


6. If the automatic transmission is not warmed up, the level should correspond to the room temperature range on the dipstick (between two circles), if it is hot, then the level should be in the operating temperature range (between two lines) - see picture. If the level is low, add special automatic transmission fluid through the dipstick tube - use a funnel to avoid spilling.



7. Fill the box with fluid to the correct level. It takes about 1 pint of hot liquid to raise the level from low to high, so add in small amounts and keep an eye on the level.

8. Along with the level, also keep an eye on the condition of the fluid. If it is black or dark red, or smells burnt, then it should be replaced (see section 27). If you have doubts about its quality, get some fresh and compare them by color and smell.







Link to this page in different formats
HTMLTextBB Code


Visitor comments


No comments yet