DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE - ENGINE AND CHASSIS
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid		 Do-It-Yourself Maintenance - Engine and Chassis - Checking Manual Transmission OilDo-It-Yourself Maintenance - Engine and ChassisDo-It-Yourself Maintenance - Engine and Chassis - Checking Differential OilSupra Handbook
 


  1. Check the fluid level when the transmission is hot (normal operating temperature).
    If the vehicle has been driven over 16 km or 10 miles (24 km or 15 miles in frigid temperatures) and the fluid temperature is 70oC - 80oC (160oF - 175oF), the transmission is hot.
    If the vehicle has just been driven for a long time at high speed or in city traffic in hot weather, or if the vehicle has been pulling a trailer, an accurate fluid level cannot be obtained. Check the level after the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes).
    You may check the level when the transmission is cold. If the vehicle has not been driven for over five hours and the fluid is about room temperature 20oC - 30oCC (70oF - 85oF), the transmission is cold. However, checking a cold transmission is to be used for your reference only and the tranmission must be checked again for correct level at normal operating temperature.
  2. With the vehicle level, first set the parking brake and then start the engine. While the engine is idling, depress the brake pedal and shift the selector lever into each range from "P" to "L" and return to "P". With the engine still idling, check the fluid level and condition on the dipstick.
    1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
    2. Reinsert the dipstick - push it in as far as it will go.
    3. Pull the dipstick out and look at the fluid level. If the transmission is hot, the fluid level should be in the "HOT" range on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is cold, the level should be in the "COOL" range.
    4. While checking the fluid level, also checkthe condition. If the fluid is black or if it smells burnt, have it changed.

    3. CAUTION:

    When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts.

  3. If the level is low, add DEXRON®-II automatic transmission fluid.
    If the level is at the low side of either range, add DEXRON®-II automatic transmission fluid to bring the level within the range. (Fluid is added through the dipstick tube, using a funnel.)
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the transmission could be damaged.