Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure: Notes

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure

Step Action Yes No
1
IMPORTANT: Transmission fluid may turn dark with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Inspect the fluid color.Is the fluid color red?
Go to Step 4  Go to Step 2 
2 Inspect the fluid color.
Is the fluid color a non-transparent pink?
Go to Step 13  Go to Step 3 
3 Inspect the fluid color.
Is the fluid color light brown?
Go to Step 18  -
4 Inspect the fluid.
Is the fluid foamy?
Go to Step 12  Go to Step 5 
5 Inspect the fluid level.
Is the fluid level high?
Go to Step 8  Go to Step 6 
6 Inspect the fluid level.
Is the fluid level low?
Go to Step 9  Go to Step 7 
7 Confirm that the fluid level is OK.
Is the fluid inspection complete?
Go to Step 20  -
8 Remove excess fluid.
Did you remove the excess fluid?
Go to Step 20  -
9 Add fluid in order to obtain the proper level.
Did you add fluid to the proper level?
Go to Step 10  -
10 Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis .
Are there any external leaks?
Go to Step 11  -
11 Repair the leak.
Did you repair the leak?
Go to Step 20  -
12 Inspect for a high fluid level.
Is the fluid level high?
Go to Step 8  Go to Step 13 
13 Inspect for contaminants in the fluid.
Are there contaminants in the fluid?
Go to Step 14  -
14 Drain the fluid in order to determine the source of contamination.
Did you drain the fluid?
Go to Step 15  -
15 Perform a transmission overhaul. Refer to Unit Repair.
Did you perform the procedure?
Go to Step 16  -
16 Add new fluid.
Did you add new fluid?
Go to Step 17  -
17 Inspect the fluid level.
Did you Inspect the fluid level?
Go to Step 20  -
18
IMPORTANT: A very small amount of material in the bottom pan is a normal condition.
Drain the fluid in order to determine if there is contamination.Are there large pieces of metal or other material in the bottom of the pan?
Go to Step 15  Go to Step 19 
19 Change the fluid and filter.
Did you change the fluid and filter?
Go to Step 20  -
20 Perform the road test. Refer to Road Test Procedure .
Did you perform the test?
System OK -
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.