SERVICE INTERVALS
Check transaxle fluid level at every engine oil change. Transaxle fluid should not be changed under normal operating conditions. Under continuous extreme operating conditions (trailer towing, heavy city traffic with ambient temperature greater than 90°F (32°C) or delivery service), fluid and filter should be changed every 50,000 miles.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
| CAUTION | If vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time at high speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or if vehicle has been pulling a trailer, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be made until vehicle has been parked and ATF is allowed to cool for about 30 minutes. |
- Start engine and allow transaxle fluid to reach normal operating temperature. With engine at idle, parking brake applied, drive wheels blocked and vehicle on level ground, move gearshift lever through all gear ranges, ending in Park.
- Remove transaxle dipstick, wipe clean, and fully reinsert into filler tube. Remove dipstick again and inspect fluid level. Fluid level should be between FULL HOT and LOW HOT marks, or within HOT area defined by upper and lower notches on dipstick. (Scheme 36)
| CAUTION | DO NOT overfill transaxle. When transaxle is hot, .3 quart (.3 liter) of fluid will raise fluid level from LOW HOT to FULL HOT mark on dipstick. |
Scheme 36
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Use only Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
DRAINING & REFILLING
- Raise and support vehicle. Place appropriate size drain pan under transaxle oil pan. Remove transaxle drain plug, and drain fluid.
- Remove 15 bolts, transaxle fluid pan guard and fluid pan. If fluid pan is frozen to transaxle case, use a rubber mallet and block of wood to lightly tap pan free. DO NOT pry fluid pan away from case with metal tools. Remove gasket from transaxle. Remove 6 bolts, and fluid filter screen from valve body. Note routing and position of solenoid and wiring clamp.
- Thoroughly clean pan, magnet and screen with solvent, then dry using compressed air. Replace filter screen, if screen mesh is damaged. If large amounts of metal filings or other foreign material is deposited on magnet, disassembly and inspection of transaxle is required. Clean all gasket material from pan-to-case mounting surfaces.
- Install filter screen on valve body with solenoid wire clamp in correct position. (Scheme 37) Tighten fluid filter screen bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-1442-S01661789702000031300000). Install NEW fluid pan gasket. Install fluid pan and pan guard on transaxle case. Apply Thread Sealant (GM part number 12346004) or equivalent to 2 bolts with cross-recesses and install in proper position. Install remaining bolts, and tighten all bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-1442-S01661789702000031300000).
- Install transaxle drain plug. Remove drain pan and lower vehicle. Refill transaxle. Start engine with gearshift lever in Park and parking brake applied. Check fluid level. See «CHECKING FLUID LEVEL»(ref-1442-S39667932432000031300000). Add appropriate fluid as necessary. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID»(ref-1442-S00854906812000031300000). DO NOT overfill.
