2013 Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo Owner Manual - Page 261

Vehicle Care vehicle towed to a dealer and have it repaired before driving the vehicle further. Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in Maintenance Schedule on page 11‑3, and be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑12. Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage the transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if checking the transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes with the engine off, before checking the transmission fluid level if the vehicle has been driven: . 10-13 After driving under these conditions, a hot check can be performed. The fluid should be hot, which is 71°C to 93°C (160°F to 200°F). A cold fluid level check can be performed after the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if the outside temperature is between 15°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F). Should the fluid level be low during this cold check, the fluid must be checked warm or hot before adding fluid. If the outside temperature is colder than 15°C (60°F) or hotter than 32°C (90°F), a cold check cannot be performed. A warm fluid level check can be performed by driving the vehicle under lightly loaded conditions and outside temperatures between 10°C to 27°C (50°F to 80°F). The vehicle should be driven for at least 24 km (15 mi) before performing a warm check. Checking the fluid warm or How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Because this operation can be difficult, it is recommended to have this check done at your dealer, which can monitor the transmission temperature. The transmission fluid level increases with temperature. To obtain a highly accurate fluid level check, the transmission temperature must be measured. If it is decided to check the fluid level, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or a false reading on the dipstick may occur. In hot weather, when outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F). The vehicle is heavily loaded. At high speed for quite a while in hot weather. In heavy traffic and hot weather. While pulling a trailer. . . . .