Fluid - A/T: Description and Operation

Fluid Level And Condition Check

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Transmission Dipstick (9336A)








- Park the vehicle on a level surface.

- Remove the dipstick tube cap.


There is a risk of an accident from the vehicle moving when the engine is running. There is a risk of injury from contusions and burns if you place your hands in the engine compartment when it is started or when it is running. Secure the vehicle in order to prevent it from moving by itself. Wear properly fastened and close fitting work clothes. Do not touch hot or rotating parts.

- Press the brake pedal and start engine, allow the engine to idle in the park position.

- Shift through the transmission gears several times with the vehicle stationary and the engine idling.

• When inserting transmission dipstick (9336A) , excess insertion force may cause the dipstick to slip past the stop bracket in the transmission oil pan. An approximate distance that the dipstick could be inserted into the fill tube is 424 mm (16.69 in).

- Warm up the transmission, wait at least 2 minutes and check the fluid level with the engine running. Push the transmission dipstick (9336A) into the transmission fill tube until the tip contacts the oil pan and pull out again, read the oil level, repeat if necessary.

• The transmission dipstick (9336A) will protrude from the fill tube when installed.

- Check the transmission fluid temperature using the appropriate scan tool.

- The transmission transmission dipstick (9336A) has indicator marks every 10 mm. Determine the height of the fluid level on the dipstick and using that height, and the transmission fluid temperature as viewed with the scan too, and the transmission fluid graph above, determine if the transmission fluid level is correct.

- Add or remove fluid as necessary and recheck the level.

- Once the level is correct, install the dipstick tube cap.

Fluid Condition

Along with the fluid level, it is important to check the condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned, and is contaminated with metal or friction material particles, a complete transmission recondition is probably required. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely. If there is any doubt about its condition, drain a sample for a double check.

ATF+4 when new is, red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil, or engine coolant. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change

After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick tube cap fully to seal out water and dirt.