How To: Check automatic transmission fluid

[j_yewchin]

i got this from work, most people who have ever wanted to check their auto tranny fluid has figured out that there usually ISNT a dipstick. which sucks. they probably also learned that there is a check plug, but don't know where it is. the car should be warmed up, and you should shift from P R N D 3 2 1 1 2 3 D N R P while holding a couple seconds in each gear. tedious i know but thats how you get the best reading. do NOT remove the check plug unless the car is running. and do NOT shut off the vehicle if you have not put the plug back in place. if you don't follow these instructions fluid probably will spray out because its not being pumped around. if after you've removed the plug, fluid comes out, let it! that means you have too much fluid. if none at all comes out you should top it up until it just starts to come out. i assume its the same for every model year from 99 up. good luck everyone.

[CyberRad]

Don't forget that the car has to be level.

[j_yewchin]

yep, very good point. don't try to do it on ramps or anything the car has to be as level as possible. it would be best to do it on a lift but we don't all have access to them..

[CyberRad]

Which brings us back to thanking the wonderful GM Design team lol

[j_yewchin]

lol no kidding, it wouldn't of been that hard to put a dipstick in there. the minivans with our engines have them! :rolleyes:

[CyberRad]

Yeah but what Trans do they have?

[j_yewchin]

dunno, all im saying is hydramatic SHOULD of just tossed on a dipstick, instead of claiming that its "sealed", and that owners don't really have to worry about it. oh well.

[juanvan]

thanks for the info going to check that this week :)

[Blight]

it says 'Courtesy of General Motors Corp' lol. I like the folds in the scan, it looks like a real paper on my screen.

[j_yewchin]

hahah good to know you enjoy that. it didn't say anything about copyright so i figured i'd post it to help people out. an update... i checked mine yesterday at work, its an 11mm plug, probably handiest to have a wrench to go at it with. 750mLs poured outta mine. so it was almost a litre too full at operating temperature. for under 75000kms the fluid was pretty sick looking too. i question how the fluid would last even CLOSE to what gm recommends changing it at.

[j_yewchin]

i recently flushed through some fluid. i did it in the driveway. not recommended. just thought i'd add a pic, theres more at:

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58704
towards the end.
i appologize for the crappy angle, but i was crawling under the wheel well when i took it. i should make it easier for you guys to figure out where the plug is though.
cya

[GrandAmGT1996]

I finally found one advantage to having a '96-'98 model, they have a dipstick!

http://www.freewebs.com/uploadxangapics/GAFORUMedit.jpg(Be kind, I have all my wires hidden now and there isnt any fender stripes on it.)

[williamGT]

I checked my tranny today, car is level ground, unplugged the check plug, some fluid came out, car is hot, I put 1/2 of fluid. I put it into PRND123 alot and left it in P, and waited for the fluid to stop leaking, and did PRND123 alot again. and left it in park again, and I put the plug back in.......

Is that fine?