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Checking Fluid Level

CAUTION: The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid fill plug 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 fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
NOTE: The transaxle fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
  1. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid temperature has reached 86-122°F (30-50°C). Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the Park range. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range. Remove the transaxle plug. See Fig 1. Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick. Is the fluid color clear red or light brown with no burnt odor? If so, go to step  4. If not, go to next step.
  2. Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color? If so, go to step  8. If not, go to next step.
  3. Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance? If so, go to step  7. If not, go to step  8.
  4. Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole. Is the fluid level low? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  11.
  5. Add appropriate automatic transaxle fluid in increments of 0.5L until the fluid drains from the plug hole. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS . Did you add more than 1.5L to the transaxle? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  11.
  6. The transaxle may have a leak. Inspect as necessary. Was a transaxle fluid leak found? If so, go to step  9. If not, go to step  11.
  7. The transaxle fluid is contaminated with engine coolant. Repair or replace the transaxle cooler in the radiator. Is the transaxle cooler repair complete? If so, go to step  9.
    8. NOTE: A very small amount of material in the bottom of the bottom pan is a normal condition.
  8. Drain the fluid by removing the bottom pan. Check the bottom pan for any excessive debris. Was excessive debris found? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  10.
  9. Repair the transaxle if required (in some cases, overhaul may be required). See appropriate OVERHAUL article. Flush the transaxle oil cooler and pipes and check flow. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING & FLOW TEST . Add enough fluid to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the threaded plug hole. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid temperature has reached 86-122°F (30-50°C). Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the Park range. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range. Remove the transaxle plug. If needed, add fluid in increments of 0.5L until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Is repair complete? If so, road test vehicle. See PERFORMANCE TESTS in appropriate DIAGNOSIS article.
  10. Change the fluid and the fluid filter. See DRAINING & REFILLING . Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle fluid temperature has reached 86-122°F (30-50°C). Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the Park range. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range. Remove the transaxle plug. If needed, add fluid in increments of 0.5L until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Is repair complete? If so, road test vehicle. See PERFORMANCE TESTS in appropriate DIAGNOSIS article.
  11. Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Wipe any excess fluid from the transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Is repair complete? If so, road test vehicle. See PERFORMANCE TESTS in appropriate DIAGNOSIS article.
Fig 1: Locating 4T40-E Oil Check Plug
G95B13699Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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