Vehicle Care
99
5. Perform a hot check at the first
opportunity after the normal
operating temperature of 71 °C
(160 °F) to 93 °C (200 °F) is
reached.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Hot Check Procedure
The fluid must be hot to ensure an
accurate check. The fluid level rises
as temperature increases.
1. Operate the transmission in D
(Drive) until the normal
operating temperature of 71 °C
(160 °F) to 93 °C (200 °F) is
reached.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again. Repeat the
check procedure to verify the
reading.
4. Safe operating level is within
the HOT band on the dipstick.
The width of the HOT band
represents approximately 1.0 L
(1.06 qt) of fluid at normal
operating temperature.
5. If the fluid level is not within the
HOT band, add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the fluid
level to within the HOT band.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedures
described previously. Consistency is
important to maintaining proper fluid
level. If inconsistent readings
persist, check the transmission
breather to be sure it is clean and
unclogged. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact your dealer.
What Transmission Fluid
to Use
Cold Operation
When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission will prevent certain
operations to protect against
damage. The information below
shows shift range availability based
on transmission oil temperatures:
.
All shift ranges available at
−25 °C (−13 °F) or above.
.
2 (Second) and 3 (Third) shift
ranges only at −35 °C (−31 °F)
to −25 °C (−13 °F).
.
2 (Second) shift range only at
−35 °C (−31 °F) or lower.
Torque converter clutch operation
will also be prevented when air or
transmission oil temperatures are
below certain levels.
Transmission shifting might be
firmer with a cold transmission. This
difference in shift quality is normal.