03 Ion checking trans fluid
 

Got a dumn question, I have an 03 Ion, when checking the trans fluid should the motor be off or running in park.

Moved to Ion section

motor should be at operating temp, then shifted slowly through the different gears and returned to PARK.


Then check the level

No dipstick on these so you have to check by pulling the overfill plug. The transmission needs to be at normal operating temperature. The car should be raised and level. when checking and/or adding fluid the engine needs to be running. Run the transmission through all the gear selections slowly. If/when fluid starts coming out of the overflow port you have enough fluid in the transmission. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS RAISED AND LEVEL WHEN DOING THIS.

why raised?

so you can get under the vehicle to access the fill level plug. If you have an umpaloompa that can fit under it while sitting on its tire that will work too.

hey,

Goalie is half umpaloompa and he will not take kindly to your vicious insensitive remark. That is if he ever comes back to the board

I knew the answer--just wanted to see how sarcastic your response was.

You did not disappoint.

There is a dipstick. Its down toward the front of the trans, its held in with a bolt.

Anybody ever used the lucas trans fix in one of these.

no problem glad I didn't disappoint. If Goalie is half umpaloompa do you think he can score some of those golden chocolate eggs?

Oh sorry here is the proper procedure for the ION with the AF23-5 automatic transmission:
Park the vehicle on a flat level surface.

Confirm that the ATF temperature is at normal operating range of 60–70°C (140–158°F).

NOTE
Important

ATF level increases as it heats up. Therefore, inspect the ATF level at its normal operating temperature, on a flat level surface, to ensure accuracy.

With the engine at a base idle, apply the service brakes and then slowly move the automatic transmission gearshift selector through all ranges, returning to the PARK position.

Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe the fluid level indicator with a clean, lint free cloth. Reinsert the fluid level indicator into the fluid level indicator tube making sure that the fluid level indicator is fully seated into the fluid level indicator tube.

Remove the fluid level indicator and verify that the ATF level is within the "HOT" level markings as indicated on the fluid level indicator.

NOTE
Important

If the AFT level on the fluid level indicator is different from front to back when inspecting, add or remove ATF until the lower of the two readings is within the correct level.

Adjust the ATF level as necessary, by adding or draining ATF, in order to obtain the desired reading in the "HOT" range on the fluid level indicator.