Transmission Cooling System Buick Encore I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test

GM studies indicate that plugged or restricted transmission oil coolers and pipes cause insufficient transmission lubrication and elevated operating temperatures which can lead to premature transmission failure. Many repeat repair cases could have been prevented by following published procedures for transmission oil cooler flushing and flow checking. This procedure includes flow checking and flushing the auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if equipped.

Note. Use the DT-45096 flush and flow test tool or equivalent to flush and flow test the transmission oil cooler and the oil cooler pipes after the transaxle is removed for repairs.

Only GM Goodwrench DEXRON®VI automatic transmission fluid should be used when doing a repair on a GM transmission.

Time allowance for performing the cooler flow checking and flushing procedure has been included in the appropriate labor time guide operations since the 1987 model year. The service procedure steps for oil cooler flushing and flow testing are as follows

Cooler Flow Check and Flushing Steps

1. Machine Set-up
2. Determine Minimum Flow Rate
3. Back Flush
4. Forward Flush
5. Flow Test
6. Code Recording Procedure
7. Clean-up

Special Tools

1. DT-45096 Transmission Oil Cooling System Flush and Flow Test Tool
2. DT-45096-50 Transmission Cooler Flush Adapter
3. Shop air supply with water/oil filters, regulator and pressure gauge - minimum 90 psi
4. Eye protection
5. Rubber gloves

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Machine Set-up

1. Verify that the main power switch (1) is in the OFF position.
2. Place the main function switch (2) in the IDLE position.
3. Connect DT-45096 flush and flow test tool to the vehicle 12V DC power source by connecting the red battery clip to the positive, +, battery post on the vehicle and connect the negative lead to a known good chassis ground.
4. Turn the main power switch to the ON position.
5. Fill the supply tank with Dexron®VI through the fill port.
6. Reinstall and tighten the fill cap.
7. Connect a shop air supply hose to the quick-disconnect on the rear panel marked SUPPLY AIR.

Determine Minimum Flow Rate

1. From the machine display, identify the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid that is stored in the supply vessel of DT-45096 flush and flow test tool.
2. Determine whether the transmission oil cooler is steel or aluminum by using a magnet (1) at the cooler flange (2) at the radiator.
3. Refer to the table below. Using the temperature from step 1, locate on either the Steel MINIMUM Flow Rate table or the Aluminum MINIMUM Flow Rate table the minimum flow rate in gallons per minutes (GPM). Record the minimum flow rate in GPMs and the supply fluid temperature for further reference. Example Fluid temperature: 75°F Cooler type: Steel The MINIMUM flow rate for this example would be 0.8 GPM.
4. Inspect transmission oil cooler lines for damage or kinks that could cause restricted oil flow. Repair as needed and refer to the appropriate GM service manual procedures.

Minimum Flow Rate in Gallons Per Minute (gpm)

Back Flush Procedure

1. Connect the DT-45096-50 cooler flush adapter (1) to the vehicle transmission oil cooler supply and return lines at the transmission.
2. Connect the black supply hose (1) to the return line, top connector of the transmission, and the clear waste hose (2) to the feed line, bottom connector of the transmission, to the vehicle cooler lines. This is the reverse flow - backflush direction.
3. Turn the main function switch to the FLUSH position. Allow the machine to operate for 30 seconds.
4. Turn the main function switch to the IDLE position and allow the supply vessel pressure to dissipate.

Forward Flush

1. Disconnect the supply and waste hoses from the vehicle cooler lines. Reverse the supply and waste hoses to provide a normal flow direction.
2. Turn the main function switch to the FLUSH position and allow machine to operate for 30 seconds.

Flow Test

1. Turn the main function switch to the FLOW position and allow the oil to flow for 15 seconds. Observe and note the flow rate; this is the TESTED flow rate.
2. Compare the TESTED flow rate to the MINIMUM flow rate information previously recorded. If the TESTED flow rate is equal to or greater than the MINIMUM flow rate recorded, the oil cooling system is functioning properly. Perform Code Recording Procedure. If the TESTED flow rate is less than the MINIMUM flow rate previously recorded, repeat the back flush and forward flush procedures.
3. If the TESTED flow rate is less than the MINIMUM flow rate after the second test, perform Code Recording Procedure. Replace the transmission oil cooler. Reconnect supply and waste hoses to the cooler lines in the normal flow direction. Perform Flow Test. Perform Code Recording Procedure.

Code Recording Procedure

1. Turn the main function switch to the CODE position.
2. Record TESTED flow rate, temperature, cycle and seven-character flow code information on repair order.

Clean-up

1. Turn the main function switch (2) to the IDLE position and allow the supply vessel pressure to dissipate.
2. Turn the main power switch (1) to the OFF position.
3. Disconnect the supply and waste hoses and the 12-volt power source from the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the air supply hose from DT-45096 flush and flow test tool.
5. Dispose of the waste ATF in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Scheme 40

Transmission Fluid Auxiliary Cooler Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to «Cooling System Draining and Filling»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-system)
2. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes from the oil cooler fittings on the radiator. Refer to «Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#transmission-cooling-system)
3. Remove the oil cooler fitting from the radiator.

Installation Procedure

1. Inspect the new O-ring seals for cracks, cuts or damage. Replace if necessary.
2. Install the oil cooler fitting to the radiator and tighten to 20 (15 lb ft).
3. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes to the oil cooler fittings on the radiator. Refer to «Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#transmission-cooling-system)
4. Fill the cooling system. Refer to «Cooling System Draining and Filling»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-system) .
5. Adjust the transmission fluid level. Refer to «Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) .
6. Inspect for fluid leaks.

1. Pull the plastic cap back from the quick connect fitting and down along the cooler line about 5 cm (2 in).
2. Using a bent-tip screwdriver, pull on one of the open ends of the retaining ring (1) in order to rotate the retaining ring around the quick connect fitting until the retaining ring is out of position and can be completely removed.
3. Remove the retaining ring from the quick connect fitting.
4. Discard the retaining ring.
5. Pull the cooler line (1) straight out from the quick connect fitting (2).

1. Install a new retaining ring into the quick connect fitting using the following procedure
2. Hook one of the open ends of the retaining ring (1) in one of the slots in the quick connect fitting.
3. Rotate the retaining ring (1) around the fitting until the retaining ring is positioned with all three ears through the three slots on the fitting.
4. Do not install the new retaining ring (1) onto the fitting by pushing the retaining ring.
5. Ensure that the three retaining ring ears are seen from inside the fitting (1) and that the retaining ring moves freely in the fitting slots.
6. Install the cooler line (1) into the quick connect fitting (2).
7. Insert the cooler line end into the quick connect fitting until a click is either heard or felt.
8. Do not use the plastic cap (1) on the cooler line in order to install the cooler line into the fitting.
9. Pull back sharply on the cooler line in order to ensure that the cooler line is fastened into the quick connect fitting.
10. Position (snap) the plastic cap (1) onto the fitting. Do not manually depress the retaining ring when installing the plastic cap onto the quick connect fitting.
11. Ensure that the plastic cap is fully seated against the fitting.
12. Ensure that no gap is present between the plastic cap (1) and the fitting (2).
13. Ensure that the yellow identification band (1) on the tube is hidden within the quick connect fitting.
14. A hidden yellow identification band (1) indicates proper joint seating.
15. Fill the transmission to the proper level. Refer to «Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__transmission-fluid-level-and-condition-check) .

Scheme 41

Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement

Scheme 42

Transmission Fluid Cooler Inlet Pipe Replacement

Scheme 43

Transmission Fluid Cooler Outlet Pipe Replacement

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/ Description DT 45096 J 45096 Transmission Oil Cooling System Flush and Flow Test Tool DT 45096-50 J 45096-50 Transmission Cooler Flush Adapter

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

See also:
• Special Tools
• Front Bumper Fascia Replacement (Trax)
• AIR CLEANER INLET DUCT REPLACEMENT
• Radiator Air Upper Baffle and Deflector Replacement (LUJ, LUV)
• Fastener Caution
• Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check
• Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill
• Power Steering Pump Replacement
• Battery Tray Replacement
• Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Trax)
• Transmission Fluid Cooler Outlet Pipe Replacement