Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmissionfluid may damage the vehicle, and the damagesmay not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.Always use the automatic transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13.Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in theMaintenance Schedule. See Scheduled Maintenance onpage 7-4. Be sure to use the transmission fluid listedin Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13.How to Check Automatic TransmissionFluidNotice: Too much or too little fluid can damage yourtransmission. Too much can mean that some of thefluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts orexhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluidcould cause the transmission to overheat. Be sureto get an accurate reading if you check yourtransmission fluid.Before checking the fluid level, prepare the vehicle asfollows:1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a levelsurface. Keep the engine running.2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever inP (Park).3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, move theshift lever back to P (Park).4. Allow the engine to idle (500 – 800 rpm) for at leastone minute. Slowly release the brake pedal.5. Keep the engine running and press the Trip/Fuelbutton or trip odometer reset stem until TRANSTEMP (Transmission Temperature) displays on theDriver Information Center (DIC).6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine andperform the appropriate check procedure. If theTRANS TEMP reading is not within the requiredtemperature ranges, allow the vehicle to cool,or operate the vehicle until the appropriatetransmission fluid temperature is reached.6-21
