For 1990-2009 cars

### Transaxle Fluid Level Checking Procedure

Important: The "Add Cold" and "Max Cold" marks on the oil level indicator are for reference only. To determine the proper transaxle fluid level, it must be checked according to the procedures above.

1. Start engine and operate vehicle for 25 km (15 miles), 15 minutes or until a normal transaxle operating temperature 88-93°C (190-200°F) is reached.
2. Park vehicle on level ground.
3. Apply parking brake.
4. Move gear selector through all gear positions.
5. Move gear selector to P (Park).
6. Let vehicle idle for three minutes with accessories Off.
7. With the engine running, pull out the oil level indicator, dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.
8. Push the oil level indicator back in all the way, and then immediately pull it back out.
9. Check both sides of the oil level indicator, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched area. There may be some spatters of fluid on the oil level indicator above the fluid level. This is normal.
10. If the fluid level is in the cross-hatched area on the oil level indicator, push the oil level indicator back in all the way. If the fluid level is below the "ADD" mark, then add only enough Saturn Transaxle Fluid to bring the fluid level up into the cross-hatched area. When the fluid level is at the "ADD" mark it will take approximately 0.5 L (0.5 qts) to bring the fluid level up to the normal operating range.

### Transaxle Fluid Level Checking Procedure When Towing a Saturn On All Four Wheels

Notice: To prevent damage to the automatic transaxle when towing a Saturn vehicle on all four wheels, make sure the transaxle fluid is no higher than the "MAX HOT FOR 4-WHEEL TOWING" level or no lower than the "ADD HOT" level shown on the dipstick. Too much or too little transaxle fluid may damage the automatic transaxle when towing a Saturn on all four wheels. This is especially true if the transaxle is over-filled with transaxle fluid.

Important: If it is necessary to remove transaxle fluid from the transaxle in order to achieve the desired level for four-wheel towing, it will not be necessary to add transaxle fluid when not towing the vehicle. This is provided so the transaxle fluid level falls in the cross-hatched area when checked at the proper temperature.

1. Start engine and operate vehicle for 25 km (15 miles), 15 minutes or until a normal operating temperature 88-93°C (190-200°F) is reached.
2. Park vehicle on level ground.
3. Apply parking brake.
4. Move gear selector through all gear positions.
5. Move gear selector to P (Park).
6. Let vehicle idle for three minutes with accessories Off.
7. With the engine running, pull out the oil level indicator, dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.
8. Push the oil level indicator back in all the way, and then immediately pull it back out.
9. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower transaxle fluid level. For four wheel towing, the transaxle fluid level must be in the cross-hatched area, below the line in the illustration labeled "MAX HOT FOR 4-WHEEL TOWING." It is normal if there are some splatters of transaxle fluid on the dipstick, above the transaxle fluid fill level.
10. If the transaxle fluid level is:

• | in the cross-hatched area on the dipstick, push the dipstick back in all the way. There is no need to add or remove any transaxle fluid to the automatic transaxle.

• | below the "ADD" mark, then add only enough Saturn Transaxle Fluid to bring the transaxle fluid level up into the cross-hatched area.

• | above the "FULL" mark, remove enough transaxle fluid to bring the fluid level into the cross-hatched area.

### Check Fluid Color

Fluid Color | Dipstick Indication | Correction
--- | --- | ---
Red | High-Normal | Drain excess fluid.
Low-Normal | Add fluid to proper level and check for leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis .
High-Foamy | Allow 15 minutes for fluid to settle and recheck. If fluid level high, drain excess fluid. If fluid level is low, allow another 15 minutes, then add and check again.
Non-Transparent Pink (Milky Pink) | Normal | Determine sources of contamination (possible oil cooler leak). Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis
Dark Brown | Normal | Drain fluid to determine source of possible contamination.

• | If fluid contains metal or other materials, possible transaxle damage.

• | Over-heated fluid.

Clear | Normal | Over-heated fluid. Transaxle damaged and must be rebuilt.