We show how to check the fluid level in an automatic transmission of a car with a 1.6 engine.
Automatic transmission fluid level gauge
We perform the check immediately after the trip (so that the fluid in the gearbox is warmed up to the operating temperature of 70–80°) — on a horizontal platform, while the engine should be idling and the selector (gear selector lever) be in position "P".
Before removing the fluid level indicator, carefully remove any dirt from the surface of the parts in its immediate vicinity. Even a small amount of foreign particles entering the internal cavity of the gearbox is unacceptable, as this may disrupt its normal operation and cause increased wear of the mechanism parts.
We take out the fluid level indicator from the gearbox guide tube. To check the fluid condition, we blot the indicator with a white sheet of paper. The fluid should be transparent. A fine suspension, brown or black, clearly visible on white paper, indicates severe wear of the clutches. In this case, you should contact a service station for gearbox diagnostics.
Using a clean, lint-free cloth, remove any remaining liquid from the indicator and insert it into the guide tube until it stops.
We take out the pointer again and determine the location of the liquid film on the pointer.
Location of control marks on the liquid level indicator
The volume of fluid in the gearbox is normal if the edge of the fluid film is located between the two HOT marks (hot zone) on the indicator. If the edge of the film is below the hot zone marks, you need to top up the fluid. If necessary, top up the gearbox with the fluid recommended by the manufacturer. Pour the fluid into the guide tube of the indicator using a funnel in small portions, monitoring the level.
The automatic transmission on a car with a 1.8 engine does not have a fluid level indicator. The fluid level in the gearbox is determined through the inspection hole (corked), located in the gearbox housing under the outer joint housing of the right wheel drive. We check the level under the same conditions (see above), having unscrewed the plug. The fluid level in the gearbox should reach the lower edge of the inspection hole. If the level is low, we add the fluid recommended by the manufacturer to the gearbox using a syringe for transmission oil.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible fluid level, as this may result in failure of the gearbox.
[Original version of the article on the website ChevyMan.ru]