Club 80-90 Forums

Hi there,

I was checking all the levels on the van yesterday and when I checked the Automatic transmission fluid level (via transmission dipstick). I realised it was a bit low.

Checked the haynes book and that's when I got very confused!!

It states:

Auto transmission fluid - use Dexron type ATF
Auto transmission final drive - use gear oil, SAE 90, to API GL 5 or equivalent.

Which fluid am I supposed to use when dipstick showing low level of fluid? Am i correct that topping up is carried out via the dipstick tube?

Thaks for your help?

Atf fluid is what goes in the gearbox and top up is down dipstick tube. Are you checking the level with engine running or not. Automatics need to be checked with engine running. Start engine and then move gera stick throguh geras. Then put into neutrel and check level. Add if low and then when added some move gearstick through gears again before checking again. Hope this helps, cheers.

There are two parts to the auto box that requires fluids. A torque conversion to a sort of friction drive that changes gear and a diffrential unit to the drive shafts that go to the wheels. The two parts have seals to keep the diffrent fluids apart from each other and also have diffrent filling positions the fluids are a diffrent type . The red dextron A.T.F level and filling can be checked and filled in the engine compartment as discribed in the Haynes manual.The diffrential unit requires a hypoid oil which is EP 90 or equiv that is filled by unscrewing a filler plug to the rear of the auto box this should be shown in the Haynes manual.

Thanks chaps.
Much appreciated.