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1977 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
DIAGNOSIS, MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Approximately 2.8 litres (3 quarts) of fluid are required
to refill transmission after the oil pan has been drained. The
fluid capacity of the Turbo Hydra-Matic 200 transmission
and converter assembly is approximately 6.2 litres (6.5
quarts) but correct level is determined by mark on the
dipstick rather
than by
amount added. Use only
DEXRONO-I1 D-number automatic transmission fluid or
its equivalent.
NOTE: If the oil changes to a darker color at an early
stage, from the usual red color and/or to a strong odor,
this is normal even though it is usually associated with
overheated transmission fluid. It is not a positive sign
of required maintenance or transmission failure.
SEQUENCE FOR DIAGNOSIS
1. Check and correct oil level.
2. Check and adjust T.V. cable.
3. Check and correct manual linkage.
4. Install oil pressure gage.
5. Road test car.
a. Road test using all selective ranges noting when
differences in operation or oil pressure occur.
b. Attempt to isolate the unit or circuit involved in the
malfunction.
c. If engine performance indicates an engine tune up is
required, this should be performed before road testing is
completed or transmission correction attempted. Poor engine
performance can result in rough shifting or other
malfunctions.
MAINTENANCE
The fluid level should be checked at each oil change (see
below). When adding or changing fluid, use DEXRONO-I1
D-number or equivalent automatic transmission fluid. Under
normal driving conditions, change transmission fluid every
60,000 miles.
CHECKING A N D ADDING FLUID
Transmission at Operating Temperature (Fig.
7A1-2)
The automatic transmission is designed to operate at the
"FULL HOT'' mark on the dip stick at normal operating
temperature of 88" to 93°C. (190" to 200°F.) and should be
checked under these conditions. The normal operating
temperature is obtained only after at least 15 miles of highway
type driving or the equivalent of city driving.
To determine proper level, preceed as follows:
1. Apply parking brake and block car wheels.
2. With the selector lever in the PARK position, start
engine. DO NOT RACE ENGINE. Move selector lever
through each range.
3. Immediately check fluid with the selector lever in
PARK, engine running at SLOW IDLE and the car on a
LEVEL surface. The fluid level on the dip stick should be
at the "FULL HOT" mark.
4. If additional fluid is required, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the "FULL HOT" mark on the dipstick.
(65'45')
COOL
HOT
-
WARM
1115
Fig. 7A1-2 Transmission Dipstick
Transmission at Room Temperature (Fig. 7A1-2)
Automatic transmissions are frequently overfilled
because the fluid level is checked when the fluid is cold and
the dipstick indicates fluid should be added. However, the
low reading is normal since the level will rise as the fluid
temperature increases. A level change of over 19 mm (3/4")
will occur as fluid temperature rises from 16" to 82°C. (60"
to 180°F.).
Overfilling can cause foaming and loss of fluid through
the vent. Slippage and transmission failure can result.
Fluid level too low can cause slipping, particularly, when
the transmission is cold or the car is on a hill.
Check the transmission fluid level with the engine
running, the shift lever in park, and the car level.
NOTE: If the car has recently been operated for an
extended period of high speed or in city traffic in hot
weather or the car is being used to pull a trailer, an
accurate fluid level cannot be determined until the fluid
has cooled down-usually about 30 minutes after the car
has been parked.)
Remove the dipstick and touch the transmission end of
the dipstick cautiously to find out if the fluid is cool, warm
or hot.
Wipe it clean and re-insert until cap seats. Remove
dipstick and note reading:
1. If the fluid feels cool, about room temperature 18" to
29°C. (65" to 85"F.), the level should be between the two
dimples below the "ADD" mark.
2. If it feels warm the level should be close to the "ADD"
mark (either above or below).
3. If it feels hot (cannot be held comfortably) the level
should be between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks.
FLUID DRAIN INTERVALS
The transmission operating temperature resulting from
the type of driving conditions under which the car is used is
the main consideration in establishing the proper frequency
of transmission fluid changes.
Change the transmission fluid and service screen every
15,000 miles if the car is usually driven under one or more
of the following conditions which are considered severe
transmission service:
1. In heavy city traffic.
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