For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Important: Transmission fluid may turn dark with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation. Inspect the fluid color. Is the fluid color red? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 2
2 | Inspect the fluid color. Is the fluid color a non-transparent pink? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 3
3 | Inspect the fluid color. Is the fluid color light brown? | -- | Go to Step 18 | --
4 | Inspect the fluid. Is the fluid foamy? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5
5 | Inspect the fluid level. Is the fluid level high? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6
6 | Inspect the fluid level. Is the fluid level low? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7
7 | Confirm that the fluid level is OK. Is the fluid inspection complete? | -- | Go to Step 20 | --
8 | Remove excess fluid. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 20 | --
9 | Add fluid in order to obtain the proper level. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 10 | --
10 | Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis and Repair . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 11 | --
11 | Repair the leak. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 20 | --
12 | Inspect for a high fluid level. Is the fluid level high? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 13
13 | Test for contaminants in the fluid. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 14 | --
14 | Drain the fluid in order to determine the source of contamination. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 15 | --
15 | Perform a transmission overhaul. Refer to Unit Repair. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 16 | --
16 | Add new fluid. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 17 | --
17 | Inspect the fluid level. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 20 | --
18 | Important: A very small amount of material in the bottom pan is a normal condition. Drain the fluid in order to determine if there is contamination. Are there large pieces of metal or other material in the bottom of the pan? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 19
19 | Change the fluid and filter. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 20 | --
20 | Perform the road test. Refer to Road Test . Is the action complete? | -- | System OK | --

### Checking Fluid Level (Automatic Transaxle at Normal Operating Temperature)

Inspect the transaxle fluid level at every engine oil change. Perform a fluid level check when the transaxle fluid is at normal temperature, 70-80°C (158-175°F). Driving the vehicle at 60 km/h (37 mph) in the D range for 15 minutes will raise fluid temperature to the normal operating temperature. The fluid level check procedure is as follows:

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake and block the vehicle wheels.
3. With the selector lever in the P position, start the engine. DO NOT race the engine.
4. Run the engine at idle and move the selector lever through each range and return to the P position.
5. With the engine running at idle, remove the fluid level indicator from the filler tube and wipe the indicator off.
6. Reinsert the fluid level indicator into the filler tube making sure it is seated in its original position.
7. Remove the indicator (1) and inspect the fluid level.

The level should be between the FULL HOT (2) and the LOW HOT (3) marks.

If the level is below the LOW HOT (3) mark, add the fluid to bring the level to the FULL HOT (2) mark. Bringing the fluid level from the LOW HOT (3) mark to the FULL HOT (2) mark requires 0.3 liters (0.3 qts) of fluid. Use Dexron®-III automatic transmission fluid GM P/N 12346143, or the equivalent.

### Checking Fluid level (Automatic Transaxle at Room Temperature)

If the transaxle has been overhauled or the fluid has been drained for oil pan and/or valve body service, refill the transaxle after the assembly and inspect its level according to the following procedures.

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake and block the vehicle wheels.
3. With the selector lever in the P position, start the engine and run the engine at idle for five minutes. DO NOT race the engine.

Notice: Do not overfill automatic transaxle. Overfilling may cause foaming and loss of fluid through the vent. Transaxle slippage and mechanical failure may result.

4. With the engine running at idle, inspect the level on the fluid level indicator (1).

The fluid level should be between the FULL COLD (4) and the LOW COLD (5) marks.

If the fluid level is below the LOW COLD (5) mark, add fluid between the LOW COLD (5) and the FULL COLD (5) marks. Use Dexron®-III automatic Transmission fluid GM P/N 12346143, or the equivalent. DO NOT overfill.