Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 1074

76-36 1972 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
If fluid is too low, especially when cold, complete loss of
drive may result which can cause transmission failure.
IMPORTANT:
When adding fluid use only
D EX R 0 N automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent. The difference in oil level between
ADD and FULL is one pint.
FLUID CAPACITY
The fluid capacity of the Turbo Hydra-Matic (M-38)
transmission and converter assembly is approximately 21
pints for the V-8 engine model (MA) and approximately
19 1/4 pints for the 6-cylinder engine model (JE). How-
ever, the correct fluid level is determined by the mark on
the dipstick rather than by the amount added.
Use only DEXRON, or equivalent, automatic transmission
fluid.
DRAINING AND REFILLING TRANSMISSION
Drain oil immediately after operation before it has had an
opportunity to cool. To drain oil, proceed as follows:
Raise car on hoist or place on jack stands and place
container beneath transmission to collect draining
fluid.
Remove thirteen (13) oil pan attaching bolt and
washer assemblies, oil pan and gasket. Discard gas-
ket.
Drain fluid from oil pan. Clean pan with solvent and
dry thoroughly with clean compressed air.
Remove two (2) strainer-to-valve body screws,
strainer and gasket (Fig. 76-39). Discard gasket.
Thoroughly clean strainer assembly in solvent and
dry thoroughly with clean compressed air.
Install new strainer-to-valve body gasket, strainer
and two (2) screws.
Install new gasket on oil pan and install oil pan.
Tighten its thirteen (13) attaching bolt and washer
assemblies to 12 lb. ft. torque.
Lower car and add approximately 3 pints of trans-
mission fluid through filler tube.
With selector lever in PARK position, apply hand
brake, start engine and let idle (carburetor off fast idle
step). D O NOT RACE ENGINE.
Move selector lever through each range and, with
selector lever in PARK range, check the fluid level.
Fig. 7G-39 Removing Strainer and Gasket
11. Add additional fluid to bring level to 1/4" below the
ADD mark on the dipstick.
C A U T I 0 N
:
Do not overfill. Foaming will result
'
if overfull
ADDING FLUID TO FILL DRY TRANSMISSION
AND CONVERTER ASSEMBLY
The fluid capacity of the Turbo Hydra-Matic (M-38)
transmission and converter assembly is approximately 20
pints, but correct level is determined by the mark on the
dipstick rather than by amount added. In cases of trans-
mission overhaul, when a complete fill is required, includ-
ing
a
new converter, proceed as follows:
1. Add 8 pints of transmission fluid through filler tube.
NOTE: The converter should be replaced only
if
the converter itself fails. On any major
fail-
ure, such as a clutch or gearset, the strainer
must be cleaned.
If installation of a new converter is not required, add
only 5 pints of transmission fluid.
2. With manual control lever in PARK position, start
engine and place on cold idle cam. D O NOT RACE
ENGINE. Move manual control lever through each
range.
3. Immediately check fluid level with selector lever in
PARK, engine running and vehicle on LEVEL sur-
face.
4. Add additional fluid to bring level to 1/4" below the
"ADD" mark on the dipstick. DO not overfill.