A/T - Fluid Level Checking And Fill Procedure Revised

File In Section: 7 - Transmission

Bulletin No.: 63-71-06

Date: March, 1997

SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE

Subject:
Section 7A - Revised 4T40E Fluid Level Checking and Fill Procedure

Models:
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, Malibu
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1997 Pontiac Sunfire

This bulletin is being issued to revise the 4T40E fluid level checking and fill procedure in Section 7A of the Service Manual. The following procedure should be used for the above listed vehicles.

4T40E Fluid Level Checking and Fill Procedure

The fluid level screw is intended to be used for diagnosing a transaxle fluid leak or resetting the transaxle fluid level after service that involves a loss of fluid.

Inspect

The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near 40° C (104° F). A vehicle at room temperature can be brought to 40° C (104° F) by performing the following procedure.

Caution:
Removal of the fluid level screw when transaxle fluid is hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact with the fluid and to avoid transaxle fluid splashing on to the exhaust pipe.

The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw 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 fluid level screw. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF WITH THE FLUID LEVEL SCREW REMOVED AS YOU CAN BE INJURED BY HOT TRANSAXLE FLUID BEING EXPELLED OUT OF THE FLUID CHECK HOLE.

1. Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.

2. Apply brake.

3. Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range.

4. Place shift lever in Park.

Important:
Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.

5. Raise vehicle on hoist. Refer to "General Information".

6. Place oil container under fluid level screw.

7. Remove the fluid level screw with engine running at idle.

8. Fluid level should be at the bottom of fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to Adding Transaxle Fluid.

9. Install fluid level screw.

Tighten

Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in.).

10. Lower vehicle.

11. Shut off engine.

Adding Transaxle Fluid

With the engine running, add fluid (DEXRON(R)-III) at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.

1. Install fluid level screw.

Tighten

Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in.).

2. Lower vehicle.