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Checking Fluid Levels

CAUTION: Do not overfill. When transaxle is cold, fluid level will rise from minimum level to maximum level on dipstick as transaxle reaches normal operating temperature. If vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time at high speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or if vehicle has been pulling a trailer, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be made until vehicle has been parked and ATF is allowed to cool for about 30 minutes.
CAUTION: The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transaxle fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
NOTE: The 4T40-E and 4T45-E transaxles are not equipped with a dipstick.
  1. Perform the following:
    1. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid temperature has reached at least 104°F (40°C).
    2. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the Park range.
    3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range.
    4. Remove the transaxle oil level control plug. See Fig 1 .
      NOTE: The transaxle fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
    5. Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick. If the fluid color is clear red or light brown with no burnt odor, go to step  4 . If the fluid is none of the above, proceed to the next step.
  2. If the fluid has a burnt odor or a dark brown color, go to step  8 . If the fluid is none of the above, proceed to the next step.
  3. If the fluid has a cloudy or milky appearance, go to step  7 . If the fluid has none of the above, go to step  8 .
  4. Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole. If the fluid is low, go to next step. If the fluid level is good, go to step  11 .
  5. Add appropriate automatic transaxle fluid in increments of 0.5 qt. (0.5L) until the fluid drains from the plug hole. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS  . If more than 1.6 qts. (1.5L) was added to the transaxle, go to the next step. If less than 1.6 qts. (1.5L) was needed, go to step  11 .
  6. The transaxle may have a leak. If the transaxle leak was found, go to step  9 . If there was no leak found, go to step  11 .
  7. The transaxle fluid is contaminated with engine coolant. Repair or replace the transaxle cooler in the radiator. When the repair is completed, go to step  9 .
  8. Perform the following:
    1. Drain the fluid by removing the bottom pan.
      NOTE: A very small amount of material in the bottom of the bottom pan is a normal condition.
    2. If there is excessive debris found in the bottom of the pan, proceed to next step. If there is no excessive debris, go to step  10 .
  9. Perform the following:
    1. Repair the transaxle if required. In some cases, overhaul may be required.
    2. Flush the transaxle oil cooler and pipes and check flow. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING & FLOW CHECK  .
    3. Add appropriate automatic transaxle fluid to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded plug hole. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS  .
    4. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid temperature has reached at least 40°C (104°F).
    5. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the Park range.
    6. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range.
    7. Remove the transaxle plug.
    8. If needed, add appropriate automatic transaxle fluid in increments of 0.5 qts. (0.5L) until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS  .
    9. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specified value. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
    10. Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel.
    11. If the repair is completed, the system is in working condition.
  10. Perform the following:
    1. Change the fluid and the fluid filter.
    2. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid temperature has reached at least 104°F (40°C).
    3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the Park range.
    4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range.
    5. Remove the transaxle plug.
    6. If needed, add appropriate automatic transaxle fluid in increments of 0.5 qt. (0.5L) until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.
      NOTE: Before installing the fill plug, apply thread sealer to the thread of the line pressure plug.
    7. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specified value. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
    8. Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel.
    9. If the repair is completed, the system is in working condition.
  11. Perform the following:
    1. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specified value.
      NOTE: Before installing the fill plug, apply thread sealer to the thread of the line pressure plug.
    2. Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel.
    3. If the repair is completed, the system is in working condition.
Fig 1: Locating Oil Check Plug
G95B13699Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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