Fluid Level Check — 6-Speed Transmission

It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is at normal operating temperature (158-176°F / 70-80°C). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can read the transmission temperature in the instrument cluster screen INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY.

Use the following procedure to check the transmission fluid level properly:

1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instrument cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required to reach the normal operating temperature. If the transmission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle cannot be driven, see the following Note and Caution about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.

2. Park the vehicle on level ground.

3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this procedure.

4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.

5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.

6. Remove the dipstick by unlocking the cap, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.

7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. Use ONLY the specified fluid CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS. After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.

   Note:

   Oil level check can only be performed with the 44 inch dipstick blade with oil level indicator holes. If the vehicle is equipped with the 15 inch dipstick then a service dipstick will be required to check the oil.

   

   15 Inch Dipstick

   

   44 Inch Dipstick

   Note:

   If it is necessary to check the transmission below the operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid change. Recheck the fluid level, and adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal operating temperature.

   CAUTION!:

   If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.

8. Reinsert the dipstick until fully seated and lock it down. The bending of the blade will orient the cap in the correct position. Do not force or rotate the cap into another position. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.