INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
60A23-09070
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Specified Fluid
Use an automatic transmission fluid
equivalent to DEXRON®-III
Fluid Level Check
Check the automatic transmission fluid
level at each engine oil change. Driving
with too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission.
You must check the fluid level with the
engine running at slow idle, the vehicle
on level ground, and the automatic trans-
mission fluid at least at room temperature.
To check the fluid level:
1) Set the parking brake and then start
the engine in "P" (Park). Let it idle for
two minutes.
2) With your foot on the brake pedal,
move the selector lever through each
gear, then move it back to the " P "
(Park) position.
Be sure to depress the brake pedal
when shifting the selector lever, or the
vehicle can move suddenly.
NOTE:
Do not read the fluid level if you have
just driven the vehicle for a long time at
high speed, if you have driven in city traf-
fic in hot weather, or if the vehicle has
been pulling a trailer. Wait until the fluid
cools down (about 30 minutes), or the
fluid indicator will not be correct.
3) Remove the dipstick at the rear of the
engine compartment near the distrib-
utor. Carefully touch the wet end of
the dipstick to find out if the fluid is
warm (at least room temperature). If
it feels cold, replace the dipstick and
drive the vehicle for at least five miles
before checking again.
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4) If the fluid is at room temperature or
hotter, clean the dipstick and push it
back in until the cap seats. Pull out
the dipstick and read the fluid level.
The fluid level should be between the
two marks in the cold range on the dip-
stick if the fluid is not hot (around
20°C/68°F for 3-speed automatic
transmission or 25°C/77°F for 4-
speed automatic transmission). If the
fluid is hot (around 90°C/194°F for
3-speed automatic transmission or
75°C/167°F for 4-speed automatic
transmission), the level should be be-
tween the two marks in the hot range
on the dipstick.
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