SERVICE INTERVALS
Note. Driver Information Display CHANGE TRANS FLUID message may be displayed on some models. If CHANGE TRANS FLUID message is displayed, see DRAINING & REFILLING procedure. To reset message, press and hold OFF and REAR DEFOG buttons until TRANS FLUID RESET appears in Information Center (5-20 seconds).
Check transmission fluid level at every engine oil change. Transmission 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 transmission fluid to reach normal operating temperature. With engine at idle and vehicle on level ground, move gearshift lever through all gear ranges, ending in Park.
- Remove transmission dipstick, wipe clean and fully reinsert into filler tube. Remove dipstick again and inspect fluid level. Fluid level should be between ADD 1 PT. or .5L mark and FULL HOT marks, or within cross-hatched area on dipstick.
| CAUTION | DO NOT overfill transmission. When transmission is hot, one pint of fluid will raise fluid level from ADD 1 PT. or .5L mark to FULL HOT mark on dipstick. |
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Use only Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
DRAINING & REFILLING
Note. If oil pan bolts are equipped with conical washers, DO NOT reuse bolts if conical washers have become reversed. (Scheme 9)
Scheme 9
- Raise and support vehicle. Place appropriate size drain pan under transmission oil pan. Remove transmission oil pan front and side bolts only. Loosen rear bolts about 4 turns each.
- Using screwdriver, carefully pry pan loose. Allow fluid to drain. Remove remaining bolts and oil pan. Discard old pan gasket. Remove filter and "O" ring or sleeve-type seal. Remove any remaining gasket material on transmission case.
- Thoroughly clean pan, magnet and screen (if metal) with solvent, then dry using compressed air. Replace paper filter (if equipped). Install NEW "O" ring on pick-up tube or NEW sleeve into pick-up tube recess. Lubricate with clean oil before installation.
- Install filter assembly into pick-up tube recess. Install oil pan using NEW gasket and tighten oil pan bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-61356-S24857889282001100200000) . Add required amount of fluid to transmission through filler tube or fill hole.
- Start engine with gearshift lever in Park and parking brake applied. Check fluid level. See «CHECKING FLUID LEVEL»(ref-61356-S13775413592001100200000) . Add appropriate fluid as necessary. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID»(ref-61356-S40483620542001100200000) . DO NOT overfill.