Checking The Fluid Level - GMC 2010 Savana 1500 Cargo Owner's Manual

If it is decided to check the fluid level, be sure to follow
all the instructions here, or a false reading on the
dipstick may occur.
Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the engine Off, before
checking the transmission fluid level if the vehicle has
been driven:
•
In hot weather, when outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
•
The vehicle is heavily loaded.
•
At high speed for quite a while in hot weather.
•
In heavy traffic and hot weather.
•
While pulling a trailer.
After driving under these conditions, a hot check can be
performed. The fluid should be Hot, which is 71°C
to 93°C (160°F to 200°F).
A cold fluid level check can be performed after the
vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine Off, but this is used only as a reference. Let
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the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside
temperatures is between 15°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F).
Should the fluid level be low during this cold check,
the fluid must be checked Warm or Hot before adding
fluid. If the outside temperature is colder than 15°C
(60°F) or hotter than 32°C (90°F), a cold check cannot
be performed.
A warm fluid level check can be performed by driving
the vehicle under lightly loaded conditions and outside
temperatures between 10°C to 27°C (50°F to 80°F). The
vehicle should be driven for at least 15 miles before
performing a warm check. Checking the fluid Warm or
Hot will give a more accurate reading of the fluid
level than a cold check.
Because the vehicle is equipped with a high-efficiency
air-to-oil cooler, the transmission fluid temperature
may not reach the required Hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly loaded driving vehicle
conditions.

Checking the Fluid Level

Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in P (Park).