Transmission fluid level

6523 Views 14 Replies 5 Participants Last post by aquanaut20, May 13, 2022

moslem770

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2020

I have a 3 speed+overdrive automatic transmission.
Should i check the fluid level when it's hot or cold, running or not.
This is what i found in the manual.

Text White Line Font Black

Text Line Font Parallel Document

Text Line Font Parallel Document

I checked when it was cold and off, it was in the cold level.
I checked when it was hot and running(as manual says), it was barely on the dipstick.
I checked when it's hot and off, it was in the hot range.
I don't want to overfill it, if i filled it when running and hot it would show overfilled when cold and off.
Thanks in advance ^-^

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2013GV

· #2 · Dec 28, 2020

warm, as per the instructions in the manual. read steps 1 thru 7 right on he first page.Engine must be running.

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moslem770

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 29, 2020

2013GV said:
warm, as per the instructions in the manual. read steps 1 thru 7 right on he first page.Engine must be running.

Won't it show overfilled when cold?
Or should i just ignore that?

Also I had that same problem that i haven't checked yet. N,R and sometimes P don't light in the dash, D doesn't light at all i think the bulb is burnt. When R doesn't light the white lights don't light as well. And when P doesn't light i can't shift out of P.

Also when shifting from N to D or R, the car jerks or jumps.
Can that happen because of low fluid level?

2013GV

· #4 · Dec 29, 2020

moslem770 said:
Won't it show overfilled when cold?
Or should i just ignore that?

yes, it will show overfilled, ignore the non running level.

Also I had that same problem that i haven't checked yet. N,R and sometimes P don't light in the dash, D doesn't light at all i think the bulb is burnt. When R doesn't light the white lights don't light as well. And when P doesn't light i can't shift out of P.

possibly 2 issues, blown lamps and a possible faulty range select switch, or its out of adjustment

Also when shifting from N to D or R, the car jerks or jumps.
Can that happen because of low fluid level?

yes, low fluid can result in the pump sucking air resulting in fluctuating line pressures. First check is oil level as per the steps in the manual.
once thats confirmed as correct, work on the range switch issue as that can also cause the TCM to send incorrect information to the pressure control solenoids as the position the TCM thinks the transmission is in ( coming from the range switch position) may not match the position of the manual valve which is controlled by he shift mechanism. If you select D and the TCM thinks its still in N then there will be a distinct shock.

but....

check the level first and foremost, you must have that correct.

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moslem770

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 29, 2020

Thanks. I will check fluid level first and continue from there

2013GV said:
possibly 2 issues, blown lamps and a possible faulty range select switch, or its out of adjustment

Forgot to mention that 2 and L gears light in the dash with no problems, idk if that makes any difference.

2013GV

· #6 · Dec 29, 2020

moslem770 said:
Thanks. I will check fluid level first and continue from there

Forgot to mention that 2 and L gears light in the dash with no problems, idk if that makes any difference.

check the lamps in the dash cluster after you have checked the level properly.

moslem770

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 21, 2021

The manual says to use dexron-3 or an equivalent. But should i use 3-H or 3-G?
Is this one good?

Liquid Electronic device Product Lighting Audio equipment

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fordem

· #8 · Jan 21, 2021

ATF Type III is not Dexron, and as far I'm aware, it's also not a Dexron III equivalent - Dexron III is probably out of production having been superseded by newer versions of Dexron, I believe the current spec is Dexron VI, which can be used but is thinner (lower viscosity) than Dexron III - Dexron III equivalents are readily available and would be my preference.

This is what I'm using.

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Max

· #9 · Jan 21, 2021

www.amazon.sa

ACDelco Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF TYPE III (H) 1L : Buy Online at Best Price in KSA - Souq is now Amazon.sa: Automotive

ACDelco Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF TYPE III (H) 1L : Buy Online at Best Price in KSA - Souq is now Amazon.sa: Automotive

www.amazon.sa

Part Number : 19347194
Brand : ACDelco
Type : Transmission Fluid

"ACDELCO ATF TYPE III (H) IS RECOMMENDED FOR THE FOLLOWING USES: WHEN DEXRON-III(H), DEXRON-III(G), DEXRON-II(E), DEXRON-II, OR TYPE A FLUIDS ARE REQUIRED, IN ALL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BUILT BY GM THAT DO NOT REQUIRE DEXRON-VI"

And also:

My current transmission fluid is not on the above list – can I determine if ATF Type III (H) is a suitable ATF replacement for my vehicle?
Yes, ATF Type III (H) can be used in any vehicle that can use DEXRON-II or DEXRON-III fluid. Refer to your owner’s manual for the specific transmission fluid required by your vehicle.

From the FAQ's below...

Filters: Engine Oil Filter Parts | GM Parts

Preserve your engine with engine oil filter parts to avoid engine erosion and failure. View available engine oil filters from GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco.

www.acdelco.com

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moslem770

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 21, 2021

fordem said:
ATF Type III is not Dexron, and as far I'm aware, it's also not a Dexron III equivalent - Dexron III is probably out of production having been superseded by newer versions of Dexron, I believe the current spec is Dexron VI, which can be used but is thinner (lower viscosity) than Dexron III - Dexron III equivalents are readily available and would be my preference.

This is what I'm using.

So the image i posted is not a dexron 3 equivalent, right?

And i should use a dexron 3 equivalent since they are not making it anymore.

Here is where i'm confused. What are dexron 3 equivalents?

Max

· #11 · Jan 21, 2021

The part number on the container that you provided the image of says 19347194. According to the Delco and Amazon references that I provided earlier, it IS a suitable oil for your transmission needs.

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moslem770

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 21, 2021

Max said:
The part number on the container that you provided the image of says 19347194. According to the Delco and Amazon references that I provided earlier, it IS a suitable oil for your transmission needs.

You are right.
But the problem is some people online say it's not.
I will see what ATF i can find.
It can be mixed with old ATF right? (Assuming it's dexron 3)

fordem

· #13 · Jan 21, 2021

moslem770 said:
So the image i posted is not a dexron 3 equivalent, right?

Based on the information Max has provided, it seems to be.

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moslem770

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 13, 2022

The lamps in the dash are replaced.
The ATF level is good.

D,N,R lamps start to light after a while of driving (this only happens when the car is cold. After that it is normal the rest of the day.)

I have checked linkage before it seemed fine.
Have to check alignment, if that is good then the sensor needs some work.

Is it easy to take the sensor out and put it back. I'm afraid of ruining it.

aquanaut20

· #15 · May 13, 2022

The gear indicator switch is on the side of the transmission, check that the connection is clean and corrosion free..

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