SonicBoy24
New member
some of us do our own maintenance, oil, tires, etc
Checking ATF Level
- Thread starter buck
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some of us do our own maintenance, oil, tires, etc
Blue hedgehog
New member
Ok. After looking around I came across a sight explaining how to check/fill the fluid on a vauxhaul 6T40. The fill/level plug is #1 the transmission should be between 40*-50*C run the transmission through all gears and check with the engine running in park on level ground. Not on a jack. If you must use a jack, use jack stands or ramps to make the car level.
At 1st I thought it was a Toyota sight. Turns out it was a banner.
At 1st I thought it was a Toyota sight. Turns out it was a banner.
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mysterslyckster
New member
From my own experience with GM's 6Txx tranny's. Follow at your own risk!
You can change the fluid to some extent and check the level. But care must be taken. The drain plug is on the very bottom of the trans. The level check plug is on the left side of the transmission just to the rear of the left side CV shaft output. Fill port is on top by the shift linkage (look for a black knob-like cap).
Checking level:
1. Vehicle needs to be level. Start engine and shift through all the gears on the shifter, pausing at each one for a few seconds. Keep the engine idling and in park.
2. Make sure trans fluid temp is between 185F and 203F. Use a scantool to check. I personally use a ScanGauge II.
3. Place a pan under the transmission.
4. Remove the level check plug. Allow any fluid to drain until it slows to a drip. If no fluid comes out, add fluid until it starts to drip. You will now be at the correct level. Replace plug and tighten to 106in/lbs. Replace fill cap.
As far as the filter goes, you're out of luck unless you wish to remove the transmission from the vehicle and split the transmission case. The filter is sealed inside. Good luck.
You can change the fluid to some extent and check the level. But care must be taken. The drain plug is on the very bottom of the trans. The level check plug is on the left side of the transmission just to the rear of the left side CV shaft output. Fill port is on top by the shift linkage (look for a black knob-like cap).
Checking level:
1. Vehicle needs to be level. Start engine and shift through all the gears on the shifter, pausing at each one for a few seconds. Keep the engine idling and in park.
2. Make sure trans fluid temp is between 185F and 203F. Use a scantool to check. I personally use a ScanGauge II.
3. Place a pan under the transmission.
4. Remove the level check plug. Allow any fluid to drain until it slows to a drip. If no fluid comes out, add fluid until it starts to drip. You will now be at the correct level. Replace plug and tighten to 106in/lbs. Replace fill cap.
As far as the filter goes, you're out of luck unless you wish to remove the transmission from the vehicle and split the transmission case. The filter is sealed inside. Good luck.
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GM_6T40_Trans_Engineer
New member
Please take your vehicle to the dealer if you wish to change fluids. They can ensure the level is set correctly.
ChrisJ
Active member
Is there really any point in checking ATF level? It doesn't evaporate and it doesn't get burned so unless it's leaking you shouldn't be low.
I don't know of low fluid can damage an automatic trans, but I do know when you get too low you will know because the torque converter stops working.
I don't know of low fluid can damage an automatic trans, but I do know when you get too low you will know because the torque converter stops working.
Maddmatts
Member
When my last car was running ~2 liters low, the 4-speed wouldn't shift higher than 3rd or engage overdrive. After I finished freaking out, I topped it off a few times over a few minutes of driving to bleed it out and it worked perfectly fine afterwards.
If it springs a slow leak, it's likely you won't be left stranded once you notice something isn't right.
If it springs a slow leak, it's likely you won't be left stranded once you notice something isn't right.
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WyrTwister
New member
If at all possible I never go to the dealer for service , unless it is warranty .
I do all the service that I possibly can , myself .
I never buy parts from a dealer , If I can source them some where else .
Dealer service and parts are WAY over priced .
God bless
Wyr
RMinNJ
Active member
I can sympathize. I have what I think is leaking transmission fluid and I asked them if perhaps the transmission was overfilled. They did not say they checked the trans fluid.
But if the dealers don't know how to service these transmissions who does ?
WyrTwister
New member
I have a 2015 Sonic 1.8l 6 speed automatic . There is no dipstick .
From what I have been able to research , there is a fill opening accessible from under the hood , using a long skinny funnel .
From underneath the car , there are 2 screw in plugs , A drain plug and an " overflow " plug . I read , with the tranny warm / hot and the car on level ground , drain the tranny into a catch / drain pan . When it finishes dripping , screw in the drain plug .
Remove the " overflow " plug and add Dexron VI ( 6 ) ATF fluid until excess fluid runs out the " overflow " plug . Screw in the overflow plug , close the fill opening , on top .
That is it . This method does not replace the fluid in the torque converter . There is no DIY accessible filter .
Search youtube for videos .
You can probably " flush " the tranny by removing the radiator / tranny cooler line , run the engine , pumping fluid into a drain / catch pan while pouring new Dexron VI . Stop when the old fluid turns cherry red color . Re-attach the cooler line & fill until fluid runs out the " overflow " plug .
I am not sure I wish to do this . I think I would rather do the first method sooner & more often .
Do not know if this applies to an automatic with a 1.4l , if that engine is available with the automatic ?
God bless
Wyr
From what I have been able to research , there is a fill opening accessible from under the hood , using a long skinny funnel .
From underneath the car , there are 2 screw in plugs , A drain plug and an " overflow " plug . I read , with the tranny warm / hot and the car on level ground , drain the tranny into a catch / drain pan . When it finishes dripping , screw in the drain plug .
Remove the " overflow " plug and add Dexron VI ( 6 ) ATF fluid until excess fluid runs out the " overflow " plug . Screw in the overflow plug , close the fill opening , on top .
That is it . This method does not replace the fluid in the torque converter . There is no DIY accessible filter .
Search youtube for videos .
You can probably " flush " the tranny by removing the radiator / tranny cooler line , run the engine , pumping fluid into a drain / catch pan while pouring new Dexron VI . Stop when the old fluid turns cherry red color . Re-attach the cooler line & fill until fluid runs out the " overflow " plug .
I am not sure I wish to do this . I think I would rather do the first method sooner & more often .
Do not know if this applies to an automatic with a 1.4l , if that engine is available with the automatic ?
God bless
Wyr
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WyrTwister
New member
From my own experience with GM's 6Txx tranny's. Follow at your own risk!
You can change the fluid to some extent and check the level. But care must be taken. The drain plug is on the very bottom of the trans. The level check plug is on the left side of the transmission just to the rear of the left side CV shaft output. Fill port is on top by the shift linkage (look for a black knob-like cap).
Checking level:
1. Vehicle needs to be level. Start engine and shift through all the gears on the shifter, pausing at each one for a few seconds. Keep the engine idling and in park.
2. Make sure trans fluid temp is between 185F and 203F. Use a scantool to check. I personally use a ScanGauge II.
3. Place a pan under the transmission.
4. Remove the level check plug. Allow any fluid to drain until it slows to a drip. If no fluid comes out, add fluid until it starts to drip. You will now be at the correct level. Replace plug and tighten to 106in/lbs. Replace fill cap.
As far as the filter goes, you're out of luck unless you wish to remove the transmission from the vehicle and split the transmission case. The filter is sealed inside. Good luck.
I think you are correct , as far as checking fluid level .
However , If I go to the trouble to do this , I am going to remove the drain plug and remove all the fluid that will drain out . Then replenish it with Dexron VI ( 6 ) .
When we purchased the car , I researched this and did some google searching . Found this add on Amazon ;
http://www.amazon.com/Havoline-2265...464120152&sr=8-3&keywords=Dexron+VI+synthetic
This says it is synthetic Dexron VI ( 6 ) and was cheaper per quart ( $ 4.25 ) than I could buy it locally .
I plan to drain & replenish the tranny , periodically . We are at a little over 15,000 miles now & I am thinking of doing it in the near future . The max wear will probably occur ( and the max internal contamination ) in the first part of the tranny's life . As ti breaks in and wears off all the " burrs " .
I hope that frequent servicing will help compensate for not being able to drain the torque converter .
As someone implied , ATF is relativly inexpensive insurance , compared to the cost of a tranny .
God bless
Wyr
WyrTwister
New member
Why should I wish to pay a dealer , if I can avoid it ?
Draining out fluid and replenishing it , is not rocket science . I am pretty sure I am capable of doing that .
I have been able to puzzle through draining engine oil , changing the oil filter & replenishing engine oil . And of using full synthetic Dexos lubricant instead of the GM Dexos , which is a blend , not full synthetic .
As far as ATF , form what I have been able to research , Dexron VI ( 6 ) is also a blend . I plan to use Dexron VI ( 6 ) that says it is synthetic .
But , if you wish to pay a dealer to do this , knock your self out . As long as you are spending your money and not mine .
God bless
Wyr
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WyrTwister
New member
Not going to happen , unless it is a warranty issue .
Anyone with a few dollars worth of tools and able to read and follow instructions can check fluid level . This ain't rocket science .
God bless
Wyr
WyrTwister
New member
Is there really any point in checking ATF level? It doesn't evaporate and it doesn't get burned so unless it's leaking you shouldn't be low.
I don't know of low fluid can damage an automatic trans, but I do know when you get too low you will know because the torque converter stops working.
There is the possibility of leaks . There is the possibility the factory messed up and it was not full in the first place ( remember , no dipstick to check it ) .
I do not know if it has any vacuum going to the tranny ? If it does , a ruptured diagram can allow the engine to suck in ATF and burn it . Lowering the ATF level .
I had an old GM car that did that .
Now , as far as contamination . Heat can degrade oil . The clutches and metal parts gradually wear . These foreign particles end up , for the most part , in the oil . They may or may not be trapped in the filter . But , wait , the filter is not serviceable without opening up the tranny . Another wise move by GM .
Wise to enable GM to sell more cars or more trannys .
Draining & replenishing the fluid , to the best you can , is the only way to get rid of contaminated or " over heated " oil . At least for us mere mortals .
God bless
Wyr
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WyrTwister
New member
All the more reason to do the work your self .
You have no idea who is " checking " your car .
If you do not know how to do these things , do what you are doing now . Read up on the subject . Plus look for DIY videos on youtube .
God bless
Wyr
Llia
New member
I'm sure there are responsible certified techs at some dealers. But so far it seems the only dipstick the sonic had was the service techs that handled my car.
Sonic in Pahrump Nevada
New member
This sonic owners forum is providing me with valuable self service information. I just ordered 2 complete oil changes off ebay. The oil life says %45 which means I have till %20 for first change? I am here because I was confused with the trans. Not confused anymore! I will change the trans. fluid at 50,000 give or take 10,000. smile
$ub$onic
The Sticker Guy
Even under severe conditions that's extremely excessive. You should look into amsoil ATF. Hell of a lot better fluid then stock and you will be able to run it longer.
You can not check the level of the fluid, just follow the instructions on how much to refill it with. But yes you need a scanner to read Trans temp to change the fluid.
WyrTwister
New member
Horse feathers !
I will check it myself . Or , rather drain it then re-fill it myself . And then check it .
I do not know why some people seem to think no one can work on a car , except the dealer ?
God bless
Wyr
