Chevrolet Trax: Transmission fluid level and condition check
This procedure checks both the transmission fluid level, as well as the
condition of the fluid itself.
CAUTION: Use Dexron VI transmission fluid only. Failure to use the
proper fluid
may result in transmission internal damage.
NOTE: Ensure the transmission has enough fluid in it to safely
start the vehicle without
damaging the transmission. With the vehicle off and the transmission fluid
temperature at approximately 20-25ºC (68-77ºF) there must be at least enough
fluid to drain out of the fluid level hole. This will ensure that there is
enough
fluid in the sump to fill the components once the vehicle is started.
Non Dipstick Level Checking Procedure
- Start the engine.
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about 3 seconds in
each range. Then move the shift lever back to PARK (P).
- Allow the engine to idle 500-800 rpm for at least 3 minutes to allow any
fluid foaming to dissipate and
the fluid level to stabilize. Release the brake pedal.
NOTE: If the TFT reading is not at the required temperature,
allow the vehicle to
cool, or operate the vehicle until the appropriate TFT is reached. If the fluid
temperature is below the specified range, perform the following procedure
to raise the fluid temperature to the specification.
Drive the vehicle in second gear until the fluid temperature is at the
specified temperature.
- Keep the engine running and observe the transmission fluid temperature (TFT)
using the Driver
Information Center or a scan tool.
CAUTION: The transmission fluid level must be checked when the
transmission
fluid temperature (TFT) is at 85-95ºC (185-203ºF). If the TFT is not at
this temperature, operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as
required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this temperature
will result in either an under or over-filled transmission. TFT 95ºC
under-filled, TFT 85ºC over-filled. An under-filled transmission will
cause premature component wear or damage. An over-filled
transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent tube, fluid
foaming, or pump cavitation.
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine
running and the shift lever in the
PARK range.
Fig. 5: View of Oil Level Plug
- While the vehicle is idling, remove the oil level set plug. Allow any
fluid to drain.
Oil Level Plug (1)
- If the fluid is flowing as a steady stream, wait until the fluid begins
to drip.
- If no fluid comes out, add fluid until fluid drips out.
- Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red or dark brown.
- If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect
the fluid for excessive metal
particles or other debris. A small amount of "friction" material is a
"normal" condition. If large
pieces and/or metal particles are noted in the fluid, flush the oil cooler
and cooler lines and
overhaul the transmission. If there are no signs of transmission internal
damage noted, replace the
fluid, repair the oil cooler, and flush the cooler lines.
- Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water
indicates engine coolant or
water contamination. Refer to Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission.
- Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis (Non Hybrid).
- If the fluid was changed, reset the transmission oil life monitor if
applicable.
Dipstick Level Checking Procedure (If equipped)
- Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake and place
the shift lever in PARK (P). Start
the engine.
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about 3 seconds in
each range. Then move the shift lever back to PARK (P).
- Allow the engine to idle 500-800 rpm for at least 3 minutes to allow any
fluid foaming to dissipate and
the fluid level to stabilize. Release the brake pedal.
- Keep the engine running and observe the transmission fluid temperature (TFT)
using the Driver
Information Center or a scan tool.
CAUTION: The transmission fluid level must be checked when the
transmission
fluid temperature (TFT) is at 85-95ºC (185-203ºF). If the TFT is not at
this temperature, operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as
required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this temperature
will result in either an under or over-filled transmission. TFT 95ºC
under-filled, TFT 85ºC over-filled. An under-filled transmission will
cause premature component wear or damage. An over-filled
transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent tube, fluid
foaming, or pump cavitation.
NOTE:
- If the TFT reading is not at the required temperature, allow the
vehicle
to cool, or operate the vehicle until the appropriate TFT is reached. If
the fluid temperature is below the specified range, perform the
following procedure to raise the fluid temperature to the
specification.
- Check the transmission fluid level when the TFT is at between 85-95º
C (185-203ºF). The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so
it is important to ensure the transmission fluid temperature is at the
specified temperature.
Drive the vehicle in second gear until the fluid temperature is at the
specified temperature.
- The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever
in the PARK range.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red or dark brown.
- If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect
the fluid for excessive metal
particles or other debris. A small amount of "friction" material is a
"normal" condition. If large
pieces and/or metal particles are noted in the fluid, flush the oil cooler
and cooler lines and
overhaul the transmission. If there are no signs of transmission internal
damage noted, replace the fluid, repair the oil cooler, and flush the cooler
lines.
- Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water
indicates engine coolant or
water contamination. Refer to Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission.
- Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis (Non Hybrid).
- If the fluid was changed, reset the transmission oil life monitor if
applicable.
Dipstick Level Checking Procedure (If equipped)
- Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake and place
the shift lever in PARK (P). Start
the engine.
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear range,
pausing for about 3 seconds in
each range. Then move the shift lever back to PARK (P).
- Allow the engine to idle 500-800 rpm for at least 3 minutes to allow any
fluid foaming to dissipate and
the fluid level to stabilize. Release the brake pedal.
- Keep the engine running and observe the transmission fluid temperature (TFT)
using the Driver
Information Center or a scan tool.
CAUTION: The transmission fluid level must be checked when the
transmission
fluid temperature (TFT) is at 85-95ºC (185-203ºF). If the TFT is not at
this temperature, operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as
required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this temperature
will result in either an under or over-filled transmission. TFT 95ºC
under-filled, TFT 85ºC over-filled. An under-filled transmission will
cause premature component wear or damage. An over-filled
transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent tube, fluid
foaming, or pump cavitation.
NOTE:
- If the TFT reading is not at the required temperature, allow
the vehicle
to cool, or operate the vehicle until the appropriate TFT is reached. If
the fluid temperature is below the specified range, perform the
following procedure to raise the fluid temperature to the
specification.
- Check the transmission fluid level when the TFT is at between 85-95º
C (185-203ºF). The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so
it is important to ensure the transmission fluid temperature is at the
specified temperature.
- Drive the vehicle in second gear until the fluid temperature is at
the
specified temperature.
- The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever
in the PARK range.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red or dark brown.
- If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect
the fluid for excessive metal
particles or other debris. A small amount of "friction" material is a "normal"
condition. If large
pieces and/or metal particles are noted in the fluid, flush the oil cooler
and cooler lines and
overhaul the transmission. If there are no signs of transmission internal
damage noted, replace the fluid, repair the oil cooler, and flush the cooler
lines.
- Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water
indicates engine coolant or
water contamination. Refer to Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission.
- Install the dipstick. Wait three seconds and then remove it again.
NOTE: Always check the fluid level at least twice. Consistent
readings are
important to maintaining proper fluid level. If inconsistent readings are
noted, inspect the transmission vent cap to ensure it is clean and
unclogged.
NOTE: It is not necessary to get the fluid level all the way up to
the MAX mark.
Anywhere within the crosshatch band is acceptable.
- Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level.
- Install and remove the dipstick again to verify the reading.
NOTE: Do not add more than one half pint (0.25L) at a time without
rechecking the
level. Once the oil is on the dipstick bullet, it will not take much more fluid
to raise the fluid level into the crosshatch band. Do not overfill. Also, if the
fluid level is low, inspect the transmission for leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak
Diagnosis (Non Hybrid).
- If the fluid level is not within the crosshatch band, and the
transmission temperature is at 90ºC (194ºF),
add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the level into the crosshatch band.
If the fluid level is low, add
only enough fluid to bring the level into the crosshatch band.
- If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, install the dipstick.
- If the fluid was changed, reset the transmission oil life monitor if
applicable.
Fluid Condition Inspection
- Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red in color. The fluid may
also turn brown form normal use,
and does not always indicate contamination.
NOTE: Fluid that is very dark or black and has a burnt odor usually
indicates
contamination or overheating.
- If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect
the fluid for excessive metal particles
or other debris which may indicate transmission damage. Refer to Road Test
to verify transmission
operation. Change the transmission fluid if no other conditions are found.
- Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water
indicates engine coolant or water
contamination. Refer to Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission.
READ NEXT:
Special Tools
GE-21867-A Oil Pressure Gauge Kit
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
Fig. 6: Illustrating Line Pressure Checking
WARNING: Keep the brakes applied at all times in o
NOTE: The Road Test Procedure should be performed only as part of
the Symptom
Diagnosis.
Perform the road test in conjunction with the symptom diagnosis. Refer to
Symptoms - Automatic
Transmission.
Torque Converter Stator
The torque converter stator roller clutch can have 2 different malfunctions.
The stator assembly freewheels in both directions.
The stator assembly remains locked up in both
SEE MORE:
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this
diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic
approach.
Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each
diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DT
NOTE:
DO NOT program a control module unless directed to by a service
procedure or a service bulletin. If the ECU is not properly configured with
the correct calibration software, the ECU will not control all of the
vehicle
features properly.
Ensure the programming tool is equipped with the