Exactly how did you test the fluid level of transmission ? You might
have overfilled it.

Document ID# 542875
2000 Oldsmobile Alero
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Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure
Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure (Diagnosis) Step
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No

1
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid
temperature has reached the value specified.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges,
pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK
range.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine
running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Refer to Lifting and Jacking
the Vehicle in General Information.

Caution
The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed,
or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the
actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have
a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with
the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being
expelled out of the oil fill opening.

Remove the transmission plug.

Important
The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always
indicate contamination or oxidation.

Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick.
Is the fluid color clear red or light brown with no burnt odor?
At least 40°C

(At least 104°F)
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 2

2
Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color?
--
Go to Step 8
Go to Step 3

3
Does the fluid have a cloudy or milky appearance?
--
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 8

4
Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of
the threaded plug hole.

Is the fluid level low?
--
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 11

5
Add DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5L until
the fluid drains from the plug hole.

Did you add more than 1.5L to the transmission?
--
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 11

6
The transmission may have a leak. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis .

Was a transmission fluid leak found?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 11

7
The transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant. Repair or
replace the transmission cooler in the radiator.

Is the transmission cooler repair complete?
--
Go to Step 9
--

8
Drain the fluid by removing the bottom pan.

Important
A very small amount of material in the bottom of the bottom pan is a normal
condition.

Check the bottom pan for any excessive debris.
Was excessive debris found?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 10

9
Repair the transmission if required (in some cases, overhaul may be
required).
Flush the transmission oil cooler and pipes and check flow. Refer to
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
Add enough DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid to bring the fluid level
to the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid
temperature has reached the value specified.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges,
pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK
range.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine
running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Refer to Lifting and Jacking
the Vehicle in General Information.

Caution
The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed,
or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the
actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have
a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with
the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being
expelled out of the oil fill opening.

Remove the transmission plug.
If needed, add DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid in increments of
0.5L until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.

Important
Before installing the fill plug apply GM P/N 12345382 to the thread of the
line pressure plug.

Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and
tighten to specified value.
Wipe any excess fluid from the transmission with a rag or shop towel.
Is the repair complete?
At least 40°C

(At least 104°F)

12 N·m

(9 lb ft)
System OK
--

10
Change the fluid and the fluid filter. Refer to Oil Filter and Seal
Replacement .
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid
temperature has reached the value specified.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges,
pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK
range.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level with the engine
running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Refer to Lifting and Jacking
the Vehicle in General Information.

Caution
The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed,
or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the
actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have
a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with
the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being
expelled out of the oil fill opening.

Remove the transmission plug.
If needed, add DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid in increments of
0.5L until the fluid drains from the threaded plug hole.

Important
Before installing the fill plug apply GM P/N 12345382 to the thread of the
line pressure plug.

Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and
tighten to specified value.
Wipe any excess fluid from the transmission with a rag or shop towel.
Is the repair complete?
At least 40°C

(At least 104°F)

12 N·m

(9 lb ft)
System OK
--

11

Important
Before installing the fill plug apply GM P/N 12345382 to the thread of the
line pressure plug.

Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and
tighten to specified value.
Wipe any excess fluid from the transmission with a rag or shop towel.
Is the repair complete?
12 N·m

(9 lb ft)
System OK
--