GM 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check
If the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level is low on your GM, not only will you notice erratic shifting, slipping, delayed shifts, and banging into gear, but low transmission fluid can also cause premature component wear.
In this guide, you will find instructions on how to check the ATF level on the nine-speed GM automatic transmission used on many 2018 and newer Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles. Also known as 9T45, 9T50, 9T60, and the 9T65 transmissions.
The following procedure should only be carried out if you know that at least some ATF is present. If there is no fluid present, checking it using these steps can damage the transmission.
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How to check ATF level on your GM 9-speed
- Drive the vehicle for 10 minutes to warm up the transmission fluid. Fluid levels must be checked while the temperature (TFT) is 85– 95°C (185–203°F). Driving for 10 to 15 minutes will put the fluid temperature in the required range. You can check the fluid temperature with a GM Transmission OBD-II Scanner.
- Keep the engine running and let it idle.
- Press the brake pedal and move the shifter between Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive, keeping each gear for at least 5 seconds. Once you have cycled the gears through PRND, place the gear in Park.
- Raise the vehicle on a lift. The engine needs to stay running in Park and must be level. If you check fluid levels at home, you must jack up the vehicle at all four jack points and secure each corner with jack stands.
- Remove the plastic panel, also known as a splash guard, located under the vehicle.
- Remove the transmission fluid set plug on the side of the transmission.
If the transmission fluid level is normal, you will see very little fluid coming out.
If you notice a lot of ATF flowing out, the transmission is overfilled. Allow excessive fluid to drain.
Fluid levels are too low if no fluid comes out of the set plug. Add ATF. - If there is no fluid coming out of the set plug hole, you must add transmission fluid. The level is correct when the oil drips out of the set plug hole. The GM units require Dexron 6 fluid.
- Once the transmission fluid level has been corrected, reinstall the set plug, cover, and lower the vehicle.
- Take the vehicle for a test drive. Carry out the Transmission Service Adaptation (Fast Learn) Procedure if necessary. For this procedure, you will need a GM OBD-II Scanner.
Pay attention to the ATF color. The transmission fluid should be red or slightly brown if it is in good condition.
If the fluid is a very dark color or black and has a burned smell, it may indicate a problem. The ATF appears milky or white, indicating engine coolant contamination.
These instructions apply to several GM vehicles equipped with the 9T45, 9T50, 9T60, and 9T65 transmissions. See the application below.
Applications
- 2018+ Buick Enclave
- 2020+ Cadillac XT5
- 2020+ Cadillac XT6
- 2019+ Chevrolet Blazer
- 2018+ Chevrolet Traverse
- 2020+ GMC Acadia
GM 9 Speed Transmission Problems
We have noticed a common issue with the 9T65 transmission problem: erratic shifting when the transmission is cold. Rough shifting can occur, especially in the 1-2 upshift. This may also occur when the device is in manual mode. This issue can occur on early production 9T65 transmissions. This problem can be due to an undersized 9T65 spacer plate orifice between the 9T65 valve body and the transmission case. This problem can also trigger the check engine light.
Learn how to troubleshoot GM transmission problems.
Fault Codes
The following diagnostic trouble codes may be present in the TCM when a problem is detected.
- • P0721 Output Speed Sensor Performance.
- • P0722 Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal.
- • P0723 Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent.
- • P0741 Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) System Stuck Off.
- • P0746 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 1 Stuck Off.
- P0747 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 1 Stuck On.
- • P0776 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 2 Stuck Off.
- • P0777 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 2 Stuck On.
- • P0796 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 3 Stuck Off.
- • P0797 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 3 Stuck On.
- • P2714 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 4 Stuck Off.
- • P2715 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 4 Stuck On.
- • P2723 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 5 Stuck Off.
- • P2724 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 5 Stuck On.
- • P2731 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6 Performance.
- • P2732 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6 Stuck Off.
- • P2733 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6 Stuck On.
- • P2817 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 8 Stuck Off.
- • P2818 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 8 Stuck On.
- • P2820 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 9 Stuck Off.
- • P2821 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 9 Stuck On.
- • P187D Transmission Park Valve Stuck On.
- • P187E Transmission Park Valve Stuck Off.
- • P18E7 Transmission Park Valve Position Sensor 1 Performance.
- • P18E8 Transmission Park Valve Position Sensor 2 Performance.
- • P18AA Transmission Range Control Valve 1 Position Switch Circuit Stuck On.
- • P18AB Transmission Range Control Valve 1 Position Switch Circuit Stuck Off.
- • P18AC Transmission Range Control Valve 2 Position Switch Circuit Stuck On.
- • P18AD Transmission Range Control Valve 2 Position Switch Circuit Stuck. Off.
- • P18AE Transmission Range Control Enable Valve Stuck Off.
- • P18A8 Transmission Park Control Solenoid Actuator Stuck Off.
- • P27EC Transmission Range Control Valve 1 Position Switch Performance.
Resources
We hope you find the GM 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your GM.
