Fluid Level Check

To check fluid, drive vehicle for at least 15 minutes to bring fluid to operating temperature (200°F). Fluid must be at operating temperature. With vehicle on a level surface and engine idling in Park for at least three minutes with accessories off and parking brake applied, the level on the dipstick should be at the "F" mark or in the cross-hatched area To bring fluid level from the ADD mark to the FULL mark requires one pint of fluid.

If additional fluid is required, use only Dexron II automatic transmission fluid.

An early change to a darker color from the usual red or green color and/or a strong odor that is usually associated with overheated fluid is normal and should not be considered as a positive sign of required maintenance or unit failure.

When adding fluid, do not overfill, as foaming and loss of fluid through the vent may occur as the fluid heats up. Also, if fluid level is too low, complete loss of drive may occur especially when cold, which can cause transmission failure. The fluid should be drained, the fluid pan removed, the screen cleaned an fresh fluid added every 30,000 miles for trucks Under 8600 lbs. GVWR or every 24,000 miles for vehicles over 8600 GVWR. For vehicles subjected to more severe use such as heavy city traffic especially in hot weather, prolonged periods of idling or towing this maintenance should be performed eve 15,000 miles for trucks under 8600 GVWR, or every 12,000 miles for trucks over 8600 GVWR.