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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE2004BRAVADA RWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 210 (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICING)LUBRICATIONCHECKING FLUID LEVEL & CONDITION
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWD

Checking Fluid Level & Condition

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION Checking Fluid Level & Condition
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transaxle has reached 180-200°F (82-93°C). Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each gear. Is the fluid Red or Light Brown? If so, go to step  4 . If not, go to next step.
  2. Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a Dark Brown color? If so, go to step  11 . If not, go to next step.
  3. Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance? If so, go to step  10 . If not, go to next step.
  4. Check the fluid level. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the Park range. Check both sides of the fluid level indicator, and read the lower level. The proper fluid level should be in the middle of the cross-hatch. Is the fluid level too high? If so, go to step  9 . If not, go to next step.
  5. Is the fluid level low? If not, system is okay. If so, go to next step.
  6. Add recommended transmission fluid in increments of 17 oz. (0.5L) until the fluid is in the middle of the cross-hatch. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS  . Check both sides of the fluid level indicator, and read the lower level. Did you add more than 51 oz. (1.5L) to the transaxle? If not, go to step  9 . If so, go to next step.
  7. Check for external leaks. Did you find any leaks? If not, go to step  15 . If so, go to next step.
  8. Correct the leak condition. Did you correct the leak condition? If so, go to step  15 .
  9. Remove any excess fluid to the proper level, the middle of the cross-hatch. Is the fluid level satisfactory? If so, system is okay.
  10. The transaxle is contaminated with engine coolant. Replace the cooler. Is the replacement complete? If so, go to step  12 .
    NOTE: Transmission fluid may turn dark with normal use. This does not always indicate oxidation or contamination.
  11. Drain the fluid to determine if the fluid is contaminated. A very small amount of material in the bottom pan is a normal condition, but large pieces of metal or other material in the bottom pan require a transaxle overhaul. Was the fluid contaminated? If so, go to step  13 . If not, go to next step.
  12. Perform root cause and repair as necessary.
  13. Flush the cooler. See OIL COOLER FLUSHING  . Has the cooler been flushed? If so, go to next step.
  14. Change the fluid and the filter. See DRAINING & REFILLING  . Is the procedure complete? If so, go to next step.
  15. Add new fluid to the proper level, in the middle of the cross-hatch. Is the procedure complete? If so, system is okay.
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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.