WARNING:
The dipstick and surrounding components are hot. Use gloves when moving components and checking the transmission fluid level. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious personal injury. |
Note:
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warm. To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating temperature (approximately
20 mi (30 km)). If your vehicle has been operating for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, turn the vehicle off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool to normal operating temperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C) before checking.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid. However, check the fluid level if the transmission is not working properly, (for example, if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage. To check the fluid level:
- Drive the vehicle
20 mi (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating temperature via the transmission fluid temperature gauge in the instrument cluster, if available
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
- With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
- Put the gearshift lever in P (park) and leave the engine running.
- Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If necessary, refer to Under Hood Overview in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
- Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
- Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient temperature.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or cleaning agents. Using these materials may affect transmission operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if there is no indication of fluid on the dipstick and the ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be in this range if at normal operating temperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C).
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C) on a level surface. The normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately
20 mi (30 km) of driving. If the ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C), an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
An overheating condition can cause high fluid levels.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Note:
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause internal transmission damage. Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated on the transmission dipstick and also in the Owner's Manual. See
Capacities and Specifications.
Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) increments through the filler tube until the level is correct.
Note:
If an overfill occurs, go to your authorized dealer to have the excess fluid removed. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or cleaning agents. Using these materials may affect transmission operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The TorqShift6™ automatic transmission is equipped with a serviceable transmission fluid filter located inside the transmission bottom pan. Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for service intervals for the automatic transmission fluid and transmission filter. For transmission filter maintenance, see your authorized dealer.