Automatic Transmission Servicing: Maintenance Oldsmobile Bravada III

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL & CONDITION

Note. The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.

1. Start the engine and operate the vehicle for 15 minutes or until the transmission fluid reaches an operating temperature of 180-200°F (82-93°C). Park the vehicle on a level surface. With your foot on the brake, move the shift lever through each gear range. Pause for about 3 seconds in each range, ending in Park. Apply the parking brake and let the engine idle for 3 minutes. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. Wipe the indicator clean. Reinsert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist in order to close. Wait 3 seconds and remove the indicator. Read both sides of the indicator. The fluid must be within the hot cross-hatched area using the lowest level reading.
2. Check the fluid color. Is the fluid Red in color? If so, go to step 6 . If not, go to next step.
3. Is the fluid a non-transparent Pink in color? If so, go to step 15 . If not, go to next step.
4. Is the fluid a Light Brown in color? If not, go to step 6 . If so, go to next step.
5. Is the fluid Black in color and or have a burnt smell? If so, go to step 15 . If not, go to next step.
6. Does the fluid appear as a solid liquid and not foamy or full of bubbles on level indicator? If not, go to step 8 . If so, go to next step.
7. Check the fluid level. Proper level should be in middle of the "X" pattern, on level indicator. Is the level okay? If so, go to step 20 . If not, go to next step.
8. Is the fluid level high on indicator? If so, go to step 13 . If not, go to next step.
9. Is the fluid level low on indicator? If not, go to step 5 . If so, go to next step.
10. Check for any external leak or leaks. Did you find an external leak or leaks? If not, go to step 12 . If so, go to next step.
11. Correct leak or leaks as needed. Are any leak or leaks still present? If so, go to step 10 . If not, go to next step.
12. Add fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is the level okay? If not, go to step 7 . If so, go to step 20 .
13. Drain fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is level okay? If not, go to step 7 . If so, go to step 20 .
14. Replace oil cooler and flush lines. See «OIL COOLER LINES»(ref-139606-S23502458212002050200000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step 16 .
15. Drain fluid and remove oil pan to inspect. See «DRAINING & REFILLING»(ref-139606-S10067083072002050200000) . Is there sign or signs of internal component damage noted in bottom of transmission oil pan? If not, go to step 14 . If so, go to step 17 .
16. Replace the filter and fluid. See «DRAINING & REFILLING»(ref-139606-S10067083072002050200000) . Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step 7 .
17. Flush oil cooler and lines. See «OIL COOLER FLUSHING»(ref-139606-S32355190462002050200000) and «TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK»(ref-139606-S40768374012002050200000) . Is oil cooler flushing and flow test complete? If so, go to next step.
18. Overhaul transmission. See appropriate OVERHAUL article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. Is the overhaul procedure complete? If so, go to next step.
19. Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete? If so, go to step 7 .
20. Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, system is okay. If not, go to step 1 .

OIL COOLER FLUSHING

Note. Do not use solutions that contain alcohol or glycol. Use of solutions that contain alcohol or glycol may damage flushing equipment, oil cooler components and/or transmission components.

Initial Flush

1. Turn the flusher water supply valve (1) to the ON position and allow water to flow through the oil cooler and pipes for 10 seconds to remove any remaining transmission fluid. (Scheme 145) If water does not flow through the oil cooler and pipes, the cause of the blockage must be diagnosed and the plugged component must be repaired or replaced. Continue with the cooler flushing and flow check procedure once the blockage is corrected.
2. Turn the flusher water supply valve (1) to the OFF position and clip the discharge hose (5) onto an appropriate container with a lid, to avoid splashback. (Scheme 146) Turn the flusher water supply valve (1) to the ON position and depress the trigger (8) to mix cooler flushing solution into the water flow. see scheme 5 Use the clip provided on the handle to hold the trigger (8) down. The discharge will foam vigorously when the solution is introduced into the water stream.
3. Flush the oil cooler and pipes with water and solution for 2 minutes. During this flush, attach the shop air supply of 120 psi (825 kPa) to the flushing system feed air valve (2) located on the flusher for 3-5 seconds at the end of every 15-20 second interval to create a surging action.
4. Release the trigger (8) and turn the flusher water supply valve (1) to the OFF position.

Scheme 145

Scheme 146

Back Flush

1. Disconnect both hoses from the oil cooler pipes and then connect them to the opposite oil cooler pipe. This will allow the oil cooler and pipes to be back flushed. Repeat steps 2 and 3 of the INITIAL FLUSH procedure. Release the trigger (8) of the flusher and allow water only to rinse the oil cooler and pipes for one minute.
2. Turn the flusher water supply valve (1) to the OFF position and turn OFF the water supply at the faucet. Attach the shop air supply to the flushing system feed air valve (2) on the flusher, and blow out the water from the oil cooler and pipes. Continue until no water comes out of the discharge hose (5).