6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Automatic
Transmission Fluid” in the Diesel Supplement.
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
D
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90
_
F (32
_
C) or higher.
D
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
D
When doing frequent trailer towing.
D
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If your vehicle’s GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do not
use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
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 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
parts 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:
D
When outside temperatures are above 90
_
F (32
_
C).
D
At high speed for quite a while.
D
In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.
D
While pulling a trailer.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
