SUBJECT
Transmission Fluid Level Checking Procedure and Application Chart
MODEL
All with the ZF and GM automatic transmission
SITUATION
Checking the fluid level may be necessary if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint related to fluid level or in the event
repairs are made to the transmission.
NOTE: USE ONLY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT IS APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE SPECIFIC
TRANSMISSION AS INDICATED IN THE ATTACHED FLUIDS APPLICATION CHART. ALL OTHER FLUIDS
WILL CAUSE NON WARRANTABLE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.
PROCEDURE
Fluid Level Checking Procedure for all Transmissions without a Dipstick:
1. The transmission temperature must be between 30°C and 50°C before checking can begin. Use the DIS or the MODIC to determine the transmission temperature.
2. The vehicle must be level and without load. With the engine running, switch on the air conditioning. This will increase the idle speed and ensure that all oil passages in the transmission are filled with oil.
3. Step on the brake firmly, apply parking brake fully and move the selector lever through each gear position, pausing briefly in each gear.
4. With the engine running and the selector lever in Park position, remove the filler plug located on the transmission (see picture for location). If a small stream of oil runs out, the fluid level is correct.
5. If no oil runs out when the filler plug is removed, the fluid level is too low. Add oil until it starts to overflow.
6. With the engine running, reinstall the oil filler plug and tighten to proper torque. (Refer to section F below for proper tightening torque)

Fluid Level Checking Procedure for all Transmissions with a Dipstick (As of 02/91 the THM R1 transmissions are not equipped with a dipstick):
1. The transmission temperature must be between 30°C and 50°C before checking can begin. Use the DIS or the MODIC to determine the transmission temperature.
2. The vehicle must be level and without load. With the engine running, switch on the air conditioning. This will increase the idle speed and ensure that all oil passages in the transmission are filled with oil.
3. Step on the brake firmly, apply parking brake fully and move the selector lever through each gear position, pausing briefly in each gear.
4. Pull out dipstick and wipe clean with a lint free cloth
5. Reinsert dipstick completely. Pull out dipstick and place bottom tip on a level surface, measure level from bottom tip as shown

Compare measurement and oil temperature reading from MoDiC or DIS with Table below.
Oil °C...... 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
MIN (mm). 3 5.... 8 11 13 14 16 17 19 21 22 24 26 29 31
MAX (mm) 15 17 20 22 25 26 27 28 29 32 34 36 38 41 43
6. Add additional oil if needed.
Reinsert dipstick completely. Pull out dipstick and look at level. Level should be between MAX and MIN marks as shown.

Amount of oil between MAX and MIN marks is 0.3 lit (0.6 pts)
On vehicles with a dipstick tube if transmission fluid is needed use only Dexron III.
Adding Oil after Transmission Repairs:
1. With the engine stopped, add oil to the transmission until it overflows.
2. Insert the filler plug and tighten by hand. Place the selector lever in Park position and start the engine.
3. Follow the fluid level checking procedure as described under step A or B.

Notes on fluid level checking and adding transmission oil:
l Whenever all lifetime use oils (Shell LA 2634, Esso LT71141 or Texaco ETL 7045 or 8072B) are to be collected
in a clean container and reused .
l It is preferred to check the transmission fluid level at 30°C, this way the transmission will hold extra oil versus topping off at 50°C.
l If the transmission temperature rises above 50ºC during the fluid level checking procedure, the resulting oil level will be too low.
l Have necessary equipment, oil pump and transmission fluid available before starting the fluid level checking procedure.

Tightening Torque
ZF Trans Oil Filler Plug Oil Drain Plug GM Trans Oil Filler Plug Oil Drain Plug
A5S310Z 100 Nm 15 Nm A4S270R 25 Nm 33 Nm
A5S560Z 100 Nm 50 Nm A4S310R 25 Nm 33 Nm
A5S440Z 35 Nm 30 Nm A5S360R 20 Nm 20 Nm
A5S325Z 30 Nm 35 Nm A5S 390R 20 Nm 20 Nm

PARTS INFORMATION
Attached to this bulletin are copies of the Transmission Fluids Application Charts which identify what type of transmission
fluid is to be used with each model based on production date. These charts can be ordered from Product Engineering (a preprinted
order form is attached).
Item Number Description Price
SD 92-113 Set of Transmission Fluid Application Charts-ZF/GM $4.00
SD 92-114 Transmission Fluid Check/Filling Card-ZF/GM $2.00
SD 92-115 Set of Transmission Fluid Application & Filling Procedure Wall Charts-ZF/GM $10.00

http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/se...TFCapacity.pdf