2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 432

Automatic Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmission®) When to Check and Change Automatic Transmission Fluid A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in Additional Required Services (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-7, and be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-14. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic - especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: 1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. 2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. With your foot on the brake pedal, run the engine for at least once minute and shift to DRIVE (D). Then shift to NEUTRAL (N) and then REVERSE (R) to fill the hydraulic system. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). 4. Allow the engine to run at idle (500-800 rpm). Slowly release the brake pedal. How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine part or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. 5-30