How to Check the Automatic Transaxle Fluid on a Chevrolet Lumina

Too much or too little fluid in the automatic transaxle of your 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Sedan can damage your vehicle. It’s a good idea to check the level of the Automatic Transaxle fluid every time the oil is changed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A clean rag or paper towel

How to Check the Automatic Transaxle Fluid on a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Sedan

1. Check the outside temperature. Start the vehicle. Drive at a normal pace for 15 minutes if the outside temperature is above 50 degrees. If the outside temperature is below 50 degrees, drive for an addition 10 minutes.

2. Park the vehicle in a safe location on a level surface. Place the gear selector in the Park position. Apply the parking brake. Leave the engine running.

3. Place your foot on the brake pedal and apply pressure. Move the gear shift lever through each gear pausing 3-4 seconds at each location. Return the gear shift lever to the Park position.

4. Allow the engine to run at idle for 3-5 minutes. With the engine still running, pull back on the hood release lever located under the dash to the left of the driver’s side. Lift the hood to its fully opened position.

5. Locate the Automatic Transaxle fluid dipstick near the back of the engine. It will have a red loop handle. Grasp the red loop handle and pull the dipstick straight out.

6. Wipe the dipstick clean with the rag or paper towel. Insert the dipstick back into the reservoir. Wait 3-5 seconds. Pull the dipstick straight out.

7. Observe both sides of the dipstick. Read the side with the lower level of fluid on the dipstick. If the fluid is in the crosshatched area the level is acceptable. Reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir and close the hood. If the level is below the crosshatched area, more fluid should be added to the automatic transaxle.

Tips & Warnings

• Chevrolet recommends changing the Automatic Transaxle fluid and filter every 50,000 miles if you operate your Lumina in hilly or mountainous terrain, in heavy city traffic where the temperature regularly reaches 90 (F) degrees, if you frequently tow a trailer, or if you use the vehicle in taxi, police or delivery service. Otherwise the fluid and filter should not require changing.
• Overfilling the Automatic Transaxle can result in fluid leaking onto hot exhaust system parts which may cause a fire.
• Use extreme caution when checking the Automatic Transaxle fluid level. The engine will be running and some parts may be very hot.

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