How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you maychoose to have this done at the dealer/retailer servicedepartment.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructionshere or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damageyour transmission. Too much can mean that someof the fluid could come out and fall on hot engineparts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.Too little fluid could cause the transmission tooverheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if youcheck your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking thetransmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be atnormal operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km(15 miles) when outside temperatures are above10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you mayhave to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the enginerunning.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift leverin P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, positionthe shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. Locate the transmission fluid cap which is locatednext to the radiator hose and below the engine aircleaner/filter assembly on the driver side of thevehicle. The cap is marked TRANS FLUID.SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12for more information on location.
2. After removing the engine air cleaner/filter assemblyto reach the transmission fluid cap, turn the capcounterclockwise to remove. Pull out the dipstickand wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
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{WARNING:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank
pressure cap — even a little — they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolantas follows:
1. Remove the coolantsurge tank pressurecap when the coolingsystem, includingthe coolant surge tankpressure cap andupper radiator hose, isno longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise.If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hissmeans there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surgetank with the propermixture to theFULL COLD markon the side ofthe coolant surge tank.
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4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engineand let it run until you can feel the upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watch out for the enginecooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolantsurge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, addmore of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tankuntil the level reaches the FULL COLD mark onthe side of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap. Be sure the cap is hand-tight andfully seated.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,coolant loss and possible engine damage mayoccur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightlysecured.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engineoverheating.
There is an engine temperature warning light and/orgage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Warning Light on page 4-55andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-56.
The vehicle may also display a ENGINE OVERHEATEDIDLE ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE message displayed in the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67for more information. You willalso hear a chime.
4.6L L37 Engine shown, 4.6L LD8 Engine similar
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Once a Year
•Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-6.
•Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. SeeOwner Checks andServices on page 7-6.
•Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. SeeOwner Checks and Services onpage 7-6.
•Ignition transmission lock check. SeeOwner
Checks and Services on page 7-6.
•Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenseroutside cleaning. SeeCooling System on page 6-22.
•Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection
for loose or damaged components.
•Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort, or
binding. Replace if needed.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
•Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Morefrequent replacement may be required if vehicleis driven regularly under dusty conditions.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-17.
•Automatic transmission fluid and filter change
(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavycity traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainousterrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used fortaxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 6-19.
7-5
First Engine Oil Change After Every
120 000 km/75,000 Miles
•Professional Vehicle Only: Engine cooling system
drain, flush, and refill, cooling system and cappressure check, and cleaning of outside of radiatorand air conditioning condenser (or every 5 years,whichever occurs first). SeeEngine Coolanton page 6-23.An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•Automatic transmission fluid and filter change
(normal service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluidon page 6-19.
•Spark plug replacement.An Emission Control
Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•Except Professional Vehicle: Engine cooling system
drain, flush, and refill, cooling system and cappressure check, and cleaning of outside of radiatorand air conditioning condenser (or every 5 years,whichever occurs first). SeeEngine Coolanton page 6-23.An Emission Control Service.
•Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage andreplacement, if needed.An Emission ControlService.
Owner Checks and Services
Starter Switch Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enoughroom around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regularbrake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-30.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready toturn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicleshould start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If thevehicle starts in any other position, contactyour dealer/retailer for service.
7-6