Checking Fluid Level & Condition

Start the engine and operate the vehicle for 15 minutes or until the transmission fluid reaches an operating temperature of 180-200°F (82-93°C). 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, and reinsert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist 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.

1. Check the fluid life monitor. Is the monitor life 10 percent or less? If so, go to step  16 . If not, go to next step.
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 color non-transparent Pink? If so, go to step  15 . If not, go to next step.
   NOTE: Transmission fluid may turn a Dark Brown color from normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination.
4. Is the fluid Light Brown in color? If so, go to step  6 . If not, go to next step.
5. Is the fluid Black in color and/or have a burnt smell? If so, go to step  18 . If not, go to next step.
6. Does the fluid appear as solid liquid, and not foamy or full of bubbles, on the level indicator? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  8 .
7. Check the fluid level. The proper level should be in the middle of the crisscross pattern on the level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, go to step  20 . If not, go to next step.
8. Is the fluid level high on the indicator? If so, go to step  13 . If not, go to next step.
9. Is the fluid level low on the indicator? If not, go to step  5 . If so, go to next step.
10. Check for external leaks. Did you find an external leak? If not, go to step  12 . If so, go to next step.
11. Repair the leaks as needed. Are any leaks still present? If so, go to step  10 . If so, go to next step.
12. Add fluid until the level of the fluid is in the middle of the crisscross pattern on the level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If not, go to step  7 . If so, go to step  20 .
13. Drain the fluid until the fluid level is in the middle of the crisscross mark on the level indicator. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, go to step  20 . If not, go to step  7 .
14. Replace the oil cooler. Flush the oil cooler lines. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING  . Did you complete the replacement? If so, go to step  16 .
    NOTE: A small amount of friction material in the bottom of the pan is a normal condition. Large pieces of material and/or metal particles may require a complete transaxle overhaul.
15. Drain the transmission fluid. Inspect the oil pan. Are there signs of internal component damage in the bottom of the transaxle oil pan? If so, go to step  18 . If not, go to step  14 .
16. Replace the transmission fluid and filter. See DRAINING & REFILLING  . Did you complete the replacement? If so, go to step  7 .
17. Flush the oil cooler and the lines. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING  . Did you complete the transmission oil cooler flushing and flow test? If so, go to step  19 .
18. Overhaul the transaxle. See appropriate OVERHAUL article. Is the transaxle overhaul procedure complete? If so, go to step  17 .
19. Add new transmission fluid. Did you add new transmission fluid? If so, go to step  7 .
20. Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, go to next step.
21. If equipped, reset the oil life monitor to 100 percent. Are all of the reset procedures complete? If so, system is okay.