Automatic Transmission Fluid - Chevrolet 2005 SSR Pickup Owner's Manual

Automatic Transmission Fluid

When to Check and Change the
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter at the first oil change
after 25,000 miles (41 500 km) if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
•
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
•
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
•
When doing frequent trailer towing.
•
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at the first oil
change after 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at the 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 fluid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
part 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 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 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C). If your vehicle has the auxiliary
gage package, you can check the transmission fluid
temperature. See Auxiliary Gage Package on
page 3-40 for more information.
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