For 1990-2009 cars

### Diagnostic Instructions

• | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

• | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

• | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

### DTC Descriptor

DTC P0897: Transmission Fluid Life

### Circuit/System Description

Transmission fluid life is determined by monitoring transmission fluid temperature over a period of time. The transmission control module (TCM) calculates transmission fluid life based on a set of temperature ranges stored in TCM memory. As the vehicle is driven, a counter increments. The rate at which the counter increments, depends on the temperature range in which the transmission is currently operating. The higher the temperature range, the faster the counter increments. As the counts increment, the TCM will begin to decrease the fluid life percentage from 100, high fluid life, to 0, low fluid life.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | No Transmission Fluid Overtemperature DTC P0218.

• | No TFT DTCs P0711, P0712, or P0713.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

The calculated transmission oil life remaining is 10 percent or less.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | DTC P0897 is a Type C DTC.

• | CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID displays on the driver information center (DIC).

### Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0897 is a Type C DTC.

### Diagnostic Aids

Inspect the transmission cooling system for possible blockage and restrictions.

### Reference Information

#### Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

#### Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

#### Description and Operation

Transmission General Description

#### Electrical Information Reference

• | Circuit Testing

• | Connector Repairs

• | Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

• | Wiring Repairs

#### DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

#### Scan Tool Reference

Transmission Control Module Scan Tool Information

### Circuit/System Testing

1. Replace the transmission fluid and filter.
2. Use the scan tool in order to reset the transmission oil life.
3. Ensure the transmission oil life monitor displays 99 percent or greater.

### Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement