Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test and Flushing: Notes
GM studies indicate that plugged or restricted transmission oil coolers and pipes cause insufficient transmission lubrication and elevated operating temperatures which can lead to premature transmission failure. Many repeat repair cases could have been prevented by following published procedures for transmission oil cooler flushing and flow checking. This procedure includes flow checking and flushing the auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if equipped.
Use the DT-45096 transmission oil cooling system flush and flow test tool to flush and flow test the transmission oil cooler and the oil cooler pipes after the transmission is removed for repairs.
Only use the appropriate GM automatic transmission fluid when doing a repair on a GM transmission.
If the fluid in the DT-45096 transmission oil cooling system flush and flow test tool is different than what is used in the transmission, after performing the flush and flow test, use compressed air to blow the residual transmission fluid out of the oil cooler and lines.
Time allowance for performing the cooler flow checking and flushing procedure has been included in the appropriate labor time guide operations since the 1987 model year. The service procedure steps for oil cooler flushing and flow testing are as follows: