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I
A utomatic Transmission FIuid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your fluid. See "Scheduled
Maintenance Services" in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at your Geo dealership 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:
Too much or too little tluid 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.
Be sure to get an accurate reading
if
you check your transmission tluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking
the transmission fluid level if you have
been driving:
0
When outside temperatures are above
0
At high speed for quite
a while.
0
In heavy traffic
-
especially i n hot
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the
vehicle warmed up by driving about
IS
miles (24 km) when outside temperatures
are above 50°F
(
10°C). If it's colder than
50°F (IOOC), drive the vehicle in "D"
(Third Gear) until the engine temperature
gage moves
and
then remains steady
for
ten minutes. Then follow the hot check
procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold:
A
cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine off and
i s
used only as a reference.
Let the engine run
a t
idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C)
or more. If it's colder
than
50°F (IO'C),
you may have to idle the engine longer.
90°F (32°C).
weather.
Should the fluid level be low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a
more accurate reading of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold
0
Park your vehicle on a level place.
0
With the parking brake applied, place
0
With your foot on the brake pedal,
Keep the engine running.
the shift lever in
" P '
(Park).
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in "P" (Park).
minutes or more.
0
Let the engine run at idle for three
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