Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission
uid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 566, and
be sure to use the transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 574.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false
reading on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little uid can
damage your transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the uid could come out
and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system
parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be
at normal operating temperature, which is
180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
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Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that
the failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the indicated
intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,
transmission shift linkage, and parking brake
cable guides. Control arm ball joints are
maintenance-free.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, cha ng,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake
parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect
power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, cha ng, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joints, rubber
boots, and axle seals for leaks.(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, ttings, and clamps; replace with
genuine GM parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or
cracking. Replace wiper blades that appear worn
or damaged or that streak or miss areas of
the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly. Look for
any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also
look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
568
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be
performed at the intervals speci ed to help
ensure the safety, dependability, and emission
control performance of your vehicle. Your
GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you with
these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at
once. Whenever any uids or lubricants are added
to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper
ones, as shown inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 574.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood
checks at each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper
oil if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 446for
further details.
Notice:It is important to check the engine
oil regularly and keep it at the proper
level. Failure to keep the engine oil at the
proper level can cause damage to the engine
not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. See
Engine Coolant on page 457for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in
the windshield washer uid reservoir and add
the proper uid if necessary.
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