Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure

Step	Action	Value(s)	Yes	No
1	Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission has reached the value specified. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each gear. Is the fluid red or light brown?	82-93°C (180-200°F)	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 2
2	Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color?	-	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 3
3	Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance?	-	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 4
4	Check the fluid level. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Check both sides of the fluid level indicator, and read the lower level. The proper fluid level should be in the middle of the X-hatch. Is the fluid level too high?	-	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 5
5	Is the fluid level low?	-	Go to Step 6	System OK
6	Add DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5 L (0.5 qt) until the fluid is in the middle of the X-hatch. Check both sides of the fluid level indicator, and read the lower level. Did you add more than 1.5 L (1.6 qt) to the transmission?	-	Go to Step 7	Go to Step 9
7	Check for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Did you find any leaks?	-	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 15
8	Correct the leak condition. Did you correct the leak condition?	-	Go to Step 15	-
9	Remove any excess fluid to the proper level, the middle of the X-hatch. Is the fluid level satisfactory?	-	System OK	-
10	The transmission is contaminated with engine coolant. Replace the cooler. Is the replacement complete?	-	Go to Step 12	-
11	IMPORTANT: Transmission fluid may turn dark with normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination. Drain the fluid to determine if the fluid is contaminated. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement . A very small amount of material in the bottom pan is a normal condition, but large pieces of metal or other material in the bottom pan require a transmission overhaul. Was the fluid contaminated?	-	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 13
12	Perform root cause and repair as necessary. Is the repair complete?	-	Go to Step 13	-
13	Flush the cooler. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J35944-A) or Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J45096) . Has the cooler been flushed?	-	Go to Step 14	-
14	Change the fluid and the filter. Refer to Oil Filter and Seal Replacement . Is the procedure complete?	-	Go to Step 15	-
15	Add new fluid to the proper level, in the middle of the X-hatch. Is the procedure complete?	-	System OK	-