Check transmission fluid?

Hello,

We just happen to have a great video on the transmissions service being done and it shows how to check the fluid level from the dipstick check out he video it shows it clear at 130. Also check the diagrams below to show you now.

https://youtu.be/D7bgOjIRMMw

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

Here is how you service the transmission fluid.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
3. Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug.
4. Remove the lower tube assembly from the transmission. Allow the fluid to completely drain.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

5. Install the lower tube assembly into the transmission.

Tighten
Tighten the assembly to 20 N.M (15 lb ft).
6. Temporarily install the original lower tube plug. Do not tighten.
7. Lower the vehicle.

Important: Do not use ATF P/N 21005966 or P/N 21019223. These fluids are not compatible with this transmission.

8. Fill the transmission to the proper level with Saturn DEX-CVT(R) Fluid P/N 22688912.
9. Install a scan tool.
10. With the vehicle on a flat and level surface, start the vehicle.
11. Circulate the fluid through the transmission using the following procedure:
11.1. With the brake applied, shift the transmission from the PARK (P) to REVERSE (R) for 10 seconds.
11.2. Shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for 10 seconds.
11.3. Shift the transmission to PARK (P), allowing the engine to remain running.
12. Raise and support the vehicle.
13. Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug and discard.
14. Perform the following procedure to assure proper fluid level:
- If the fluid drains down at a steady stream from the opening, allow the fluid to drain until it stops.
- If no fluid or a very small amount of fluid drains, add fluid to the transmission until a steady stream starts to drain. Stop adding fluid immediately. Allow the fluid to drain until it stops,
15. Install a new lower tube assembly plug and clean any excess fluid from the transmission.

Tighten
Tighten the plug to 11 N.M (97 lb in).

16. Lower the vehicle.

Important: Do not remove the lower tube assembly drain plug.

17. With the scan tool, record the TRANS FLUID TEMP.
- If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 20°C (68°F) or less, add 0.47 liter (0.5 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
- If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 40°C (104°F), add 0.71 liter (0.75 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
- If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 60°C (140°F), add 0.95 liter (1.0 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
- If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 80°C (176°F), add 1.2 liter (1.25 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
18. Turn OFF the ignition.
19. Add Saturn DEX-CVT additive P/N 22697447 to the transmission using the provided applicator. Inject the entire contents into the transmission.

See the diagrams below for plug location

Engine oil filter is located in the front left side of the vehicle and must be accessed from the top. You will need a 32 mm socket to loosen the cap in the picture below, or a 68 mm oil filter wrench.

Personally, I would leave the transmission fluid and servicing and fluid adding to the pros, as it is a complex process on this vehicle. But here is the information.

Transmission fluid replacement

Image one here.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Place a drain pan under the transmission.
Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug.

Image two here.

Remove the lower tube assembly from the transmission. Allow the fluid to completely drain.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Install the lower tube assembly into the transmission.
Tighten
Tighten the assembly to 20 N.M (15 lb ft).

Image three here.

Temporarily install the original lower tube plug. Do not tighten.
Lower the vehicle.
Important: Do not use ATF P/N 21005966 or P/N 21019223. These fluids are not compatible with this transmission.

Fill the transmission to the proper level with Saturn DEX-CVT(R) Fluid P/N 22688912.
Install a scan tool.
With the vehicle on a flat and level surface, start the vehicle.
Circulate the fluid through the transmission using the following procedure:
11.1. With the brake applied, shift the transmission from the PARK (P) to reverse (R) for 10 seconds.
11.2. Shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for ten seconds.
11.3. Shift the transmission to PARK (P), allowing the engine to remain running.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug and discard.
Perform the following procedure to assure proper fluid level:
If the fluid drains down at a steady stream from the opening, allow the fluid to drain until it stops.
If no fluid or a very small amount of fluid drains, add fluid to the transmission until a steady stream starts to drain. Stop adding fluid immediately. Allow the fluid to drain until it stops,
Install a new lower tube assembly plug and clean any excess fluid from the transmission.
Tighten
Tighten the plug to 11 N.M (97 lb in).

Lower the vehicle.
Important: Do not remove the lower tube assembly drain plug.

With the scan tool, record the TRANS FLUID TEMP.
If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 20°C (68°F) or less, add 0.47 liter (0.5 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 40°C (104°F), add 0.71 liter (0.75 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 60°C (140°F), add 0.95 liter (1.0 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 80°C (176°F), add 1.2 liter (1.25 qt) of fluid to the transmission.
Turn OFF the ignition.
Add Saturn DEX-CVT additive P/N 22697447 to the transmission using the provided applicator. Inject the entire contents into the transmission.

They are referring to a transmission flush. You are talking about a simple fluid and filter change, which is what I recommend. Changing the fluid and filter simply restores the worn-out additives and removes much of the varnish that has formed from the fluid being hot. Only about half of the old fluid drains out and needs to be replaced. The flush gets pretty aggressive and replaces one hundred percent of the fluid. A strong detergent is added first, then must be removed as part of the flush. Some of us feel that detergent can dissolve some of the friction material on the fiber clutch plates.

My limited experience from talking with people who have had flushes done is they were usually trying to solve a pre-existing problem, and when the flush didn't solve it, and that problem became worse, they blamed the flush for the transmission's failure. In fact, the failure was likely going to happen anyway. My opinion is if there is no problem now, there is no value in having a flush service performed, and if there is a problem, a flush is not likely to solve it. If there is any slippage problem, that's due to wear of the clutch plates or a cracked or torn rubber lip seal in the clutch pack. Those are mechanical problems and a flush will never fix a mechanical problem. If the fluid and filter change is way overdue, varnish build-up in the valve body can prevent some of the shift valves from sliding smoothly and freely. That can result in delayed or late shifts. A flush, with that harsh detergent, may solve that, but given some time, the severity of that problem is likely to be reduced just from the new additives from a fluid and filter change.