Page 380 of 455

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check–545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the“HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 381 of 455

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two“COLD”(lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the“HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7
Page 441 of 455

Brake Fluid............................ 408
Brake System........................283,376
Anti-Lock........................... 284
Disc Brakes.......................... 376
Hoses.............................. 377
Master Cylinder....................... 376
Parking............................. 282
Warning Light........................ 162
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 70
Bulb Replacement....................... 394
Bulbs, Light............................ 394
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 402
Calibration, Compass..................... 127
Camper............................... 148
Capacities, Fluid........................ 406
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 359
Power Steering........................ 367Car Washes............................ 389
Carbon Monoxide Warning............72,150,313
Cargo Light............................ 113
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 198
Cassette Tape Player................166,169,172
Catalytic Converter....................313,362
CD Changer......................170,181,187
CD Player..................179,183,185,189,192
Cellular Phone.......................... 90
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 400
Center Lap Belts......................... 44
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 142
Certification Label....................... 315
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 287
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 157
Child Restraint.......................... 59
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............63,66
Child Seat............................59,65
Cigar Lighter........................... 140
INDEX 441
10
Page 449 of 455

Synthetic............................ 359
Viscosity..........................359,406
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 353
Opener, Garage Door..................... 130
Operating Precautions.................... 353
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 86
Overdrive............................. 272
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 272
Overhead Console....................122,123
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 123
Owner’s Manual........................ 436
Parking Brake.......................... 282
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 53
Passing Light........................... 114
Phone, Cellular.......................... 90
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 90
Pickup Box............................ 147
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 292Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 364
Power
Distribution Center..................... 393
Door Locks........................... 19
Mirrors.............................. 87
Outlet.............................. 139
Seats............................... 105
Steering..........................286,367
Sunroof............................. 136
Windows............................. 33
Power Steering Fluid..................... 408
Power Wagon Features..................... 80
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features.........131,135
Programming Transmitters..............131,135
Radial Ply Tires......................... 299
INDEX 449
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