Automatic Transmission Fluid - Pontiac 2009 Vibe Owner's Manual

9-14 Vehicle Service and Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Check the fluid in the transmission
and differential at the intervals listed
in Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services on page 11-3, and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11-18.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
This operation can be difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the
dealer/retailer service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow
all the instructions here, or you
could get a false reading on
the dipstick.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid
listed in Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11-18.
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
•
When outside temperatures are
above 90°F (32°C).
•
At high speed for quite a while.
•
In heavy traffic — especially
in hot weather.
•
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 158°F to
176°F (70°C to 80°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 15 miles (24 km)
when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder
than 50°F (10°C), you may have
to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park your vehicle on a level
place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied,
place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake
pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for
three to five minutes.