Transmission fluid type and fluid check - dipstick?

Here is a guide to help you service the unit and the fluid type and how you check the fluid in the diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Fluid Types
Oil type .................... ATF Dexron (R)-III
Capacities
Oil capacity .................... 8.6 liter (9.1 qt)

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

No, there is no reservoir for you to top up. Did you check the level and it indicates it is low?

Transmission

1. Transmission is not equipped with a dipstick. Ensure vehicle is level, with engine running at idle and parking brake applied. Ensure fluid temperature is less than 90°F (30°C). Move gear selector through all gear positions, ending in "P" position.

2. Let engine idle for 3 minutes and open overfill screw on bottom of pan. Transmission is filled through overfill screw. Fluid will seek correct level and excess should flow out from overfill screw. See Fig. 2.

The fluid is installed from the bottom and pumped in until it overflows from the plug. Checking the automatic trans fluid can only be done under the vehicle, bottom of trans drain pan(over fill screw).

You must raise the vehicle up safely to begin

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Here are some diagram (below) to help you see what needs to be done.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

This vehicle doesn't have a dipstick. The fluid is checked by removing a plug on the bottom of the trans (#1 in the picture) and filling through that hold until it runs out.

Hi,

If you read all the info from the oil companies they will tell you that the vehicle will operate better with synthetic. Unfortunately, it is not something that you will notice. The fluid still operates the same whether it is synthetic or not. The benefits to synthetic are well established but the claims that it shifts better or it operates better are subjective because this is not something that you can measure. Clearly there are transmissions that have shifted better when the fluid was changed to synthetic but was this because it was just new fluid or was it due to the synthetic fluid. Also, there are transmissions that have shifted worse after this was done, so again was it due to the fluid or not?

I would not make the decision to switch fluids based on performance. I would look at cost vs provable claims. If it were me, I would stick with what the engineers designed the transmission to use. It is not worth the expense to switch fluids in my opinion.

Let me know if you have questions.

You are welcome. Please let us know if you have other questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.

Welcome to 2CarPros.

To fill the transmission, the engine must be running and at operating temperature. Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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Note: The first portion has been removed because it was related to replacing the filter.

See Pic 1

4. Remove the transmission overfill screw and fill transmission through overfill screw opening, using DEXRON III ATF.

NOTE: Add transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening.

5. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32°C (90°F) and 57°C (135°F) is reached.

6. Add transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening, then close the overfill screw.
Torque: 38 Nm (28 ft. Lbs.)

NOTE: Check transmission fluid temperature with scan tool.

__________________________

Let me know if this is what you needed.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

This vehicle doesn't have a traditional transmission dip stick for checking fluid level and condition. Instead, with the engine warm, running, and in park, there is a fill plug that is removed. Once removed the fluid should trickle out. If it doesn't, then you add until it does.

Here are the directions from my manual. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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1999 Isuzu Truck Rodeo LS 2WD V6-3.2L
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Vehicle Maintenance Fluids Fluid - A/T Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics
COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
Checking fluid level and condition (color and odor) at regular intervals will provide early diagnosis information about the transmission. This information may be used to correct a condition that, if not detected early, could result in major transmission repairs.

IMPORTANT: When new, automatic transmission fluid is red in color. As the vehicle is driven, the transmission fluid will begin to look darker in color. The color may eventually appear light brown. A dark brown color with burnt odor may indicate excessive fluid deterioration and signal a need for fluid change.

FLUID LEVEL
When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXRON III.

CAUTION: DO NOT OVERFILL. Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid, abnormal shifting and possible damage to the transmission.

Pic 1

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Check fluid level with engine running at idle.

NOTE: Be sure that transmission fluid temperature is below 30°C (86°F).

3. Move the selector lever through all gear ranges.
4. Move the selector lever to "Park".
5. Let engine idle for 3 minutes and open the overfill screw (1).
6. Add released transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening.
7. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32°C (90°F) and 57°C (135°F) is reached, then close the overfill screw (1).

Torque: 38 Nm (28 ft. Lbs.)

NOTE: Check transmission fluid temperature with scan tool.

Minimum fluid level 57°C (135°F)
Maximum fluid level 32°C (90°F)

CAUTION: Do not open overfill screw with engine stopped.

CAUTION: DO NOT CHECK FLUID LEVEL UNDER THESE CONDITIONS:
- Immediately after driving at sustained highway speeds.
- In heavy city traffic during hot weather.
- If vehicle is towing a trailer.

If the vehicle has been operated under these conditions, shut the engine off and allow the vehicle to "cool" for thirty (30) minutes. After the cool-down period, restart the vehicle and continue from step 2 above.

FLUID CONDITION

pic 2

- Fluid should be changed according to the maintenance schedule.

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I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe

Hello,

The fluid is installed from the bottom and flows over via the plug. Here is a guide to help you service the transmission and diagrams with instructions below to show you on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission