How to check and replace
A good time to check the automatic transmission fluid level is when you change your engine oil.
Change fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83000 km) if the car is mainly used in the following conditions:
- When driving in severe city conditions where the air temperature is regularly 90°F (32°С) or higher
- In hilly and mountainous areas
- When you frequently tow a trailer
- Use the car as a taxi, police car or delivery service.
If you do not use the vehicle under these conditions, the fluid and filter do not need to be replaced.
How to check
Since this operation is a little complicated, you can carry it out at the GM Service Department (general motors).
If you want to do it yourself, follow all the instructions here or you will get incorrect readings on the dipstick.
Note. Too much or too little fluid can damage the transmission.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the fluid level if you have been driving:
- When the outdoor temperature is above 90°F (32°С).
- Long enough at high speed.
- In heavy traffic - especially in hot weather.
- If you pulled a trailer.
Fluid must be at normal operating temperature of 180°F to obtain correct readings (82°С-93°С).
Fluid check hot
Warm up the car after driving approximately 15 miles (24 km), when the outdoor temperature is over 50°F (10°С).
If it is colder than 10°C, drive the vehicle in 3rd gear until the engine temperature sensor moves and remains stable for 10 minutes.
Then proceed with the hot check procedure.
Fluid check cold
A cold test is done when the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off and is for reference only. Let the engine idle for 5 minutes if the air temperature is 50°F (10°C) or higher. If below 10°C, warm up the engine at idle longer. In the event that the fluid level is low on a cold check, you must perform a hot check before adding fluid.
This will give you a more accurate fluid level reading.
Fluid level check hot or cold
Park your vehicle on level ground. Keep the engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (R).
Without removing your foot from the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear, pausing in each gear for about 3 seconds. Then put the shift lever in P.
Let the engine idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without turning off the engine, do the following:
- 1. The red transmission dipstick is located behind the engine compartment on the passenger side. Raise the handle, pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a rag or paper towel.
- 2. Insert it back, wait three seconds and pull it out again.
- 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, check the low level. The liquid level should be in the COLD area for the cold test and in the HOT area or crossed area for the hot test.
- 4. If the fluid level is within acceptable limits, reinsert the dipstick fully, then snap the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to add liquid
Determine what grade of transmission fluid to add. We only recommend DEXRON-III fluid. Add fluid only after a hot test. If the fluid level is low, add the appropriate fluid as needed to bring the level up to the HOT pad at the hot check. It won't require much liquid, usually less than one pint (0.5 liters). Don't spill.
After adding liquid, recheck the liquid level.