How to fill transmission fluid?

[CardGuy]

Is the only place to fill the transmission with fluid through the dipstick tube? I'm thinking of dropping the pan and doing my first every tranny fluid replacement. I've always done my oil, brakes, and other tuneup items just never done a transmission yet. (gota start sometime right?) Just looking for a few pointers. Thanks!

[asilverblazer]

That is the only way I have ever added fluid but that was on an older S-10.

[SilveradoWV]

Yup, Dipstick Tube!

[fastdrvr23]

When I installed my tranny cooler, I realized there is a freakish way you have to check the new ones... Here's the method from the owner's manual.

 

Automatic Transmission Fluid

(Except Allison Transmission)

 

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal

operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F

(82°C to 93°C).

 

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles

(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F

(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (IOOC), drive the vehicle

in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage

moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.

A cold fluid check can be made 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 outside temperatures are

50°F (10°C) or more. If it's colder than 50°F (1 OOC), you

may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid

level be low during this cold check, you must check the

fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot

will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.

Checking the Fluid Level

Prepare your vehicle as follows:

 

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine

running.

 

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever

in PARK (P).

 

With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift

lever through each gear range, pausing for about

three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift

lever in PARK (P).

 

Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:

 

1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick

and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.

2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and

then pull it back out again.

[SilveradoWV]

Thats pretty much the only way I know to check them, pretty sure the OBS trucks are like that too!