1994 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD check transmission fluid

HILL AND MOUNTMN ROADS
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or
rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there,
here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work
hard on mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this:
let your engine do some
of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear
when you go down a steep or long hill.
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Engine Cooling When Trailering
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating
conditions such as;
Climbing grades steeper than 4% at ambient temperatures above
90’Fahrenheit (32O Celsius)
with a loaded vehicle and trailer.
0 Stopping after high-speed driving.
0 Idling for long periods in stop and go traffic.
If the “TEMP” warning light comes on, pull
to the side of the road as
soon as it is safe to do
so. When the vehicle is at a complete stop, shift the
transmission selector to P (Park) and allow the engine to idle. If your
Electronic Climate Control system is on, shut it
off. Do not turn off the
engine or increase engine speed above a normal idle. Within
two or three
minutes the system should cool sufficiently to allow A/C operation to
resume. At that time resume driving at a reduced speed. Return to
normal driving after
10 minutes if the “TEMP” warning light is not
displayed.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule for details. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, engine drive belt, cooling system, and
brake adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual. The Index will
help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to
see that all hitch attaching nuts and bolts are tight.
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-NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine
fire:And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving. I
I AUTOAUTIC .TRANsIMISSION FLUID
‘When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to change your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have
this done at .a Cadillac dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you
cou.ld get a false reading on the dipstick.
I I Too NOTICE: much or too little fluidcan damage your. transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall
on hot engine parts or exhaust system, starting
a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading
if you check your transmission fluid. i
I
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if
you
have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32OC).
At high speed for. quite a while.
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In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal.operating
temperature, which is
180 " F .to -200 " F (82' C to 93 " C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the.vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10" C). If it's colder than 50°F (10" C), drive the vehicle in "D" (3rd
Gear) until the engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady
for ten minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold check is made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine
off and is used
only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside
temperatures are
50 " F (10 " C) or more. If it's colder than 50 " F (10 " C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold checkj you must perform a hot check before adding fluid.
This will give you a more accurate reading
of the fluid level.
To check thefluid hot or cold
0 Park your vehicle on a level place.
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in "P" (Park).
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each
gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then,
position the shift lever in "P" (Park).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of
transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the
level up to the COLD area for a cold check
or the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a int.
Don’t overfill.
We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON -111 or
DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with that label are made especially for
your automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your new vehicle
warranty. 8
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “HOW to
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
Check.”
the way.
REARAXLE
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections”
in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
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