The transmission in your Cadillac is responsible for sending all the power and torque that your modern Cadillac engine makes through to the drivetrain to get you going.
Shifting gears allows the driver to speed up and slow down using the engine's rev range, putting an immense strain on the transmission's components. The fluid in the transmission is there to protect these parts from wear by lubricating all the rotating surfaces to reduce friction and keep the transmission cool.
Read on as we share more details on how to check your Cadillac transmission fluid.
What is Transmission Fluid?
The transmission fluid, be it in an automatic or manual transmission, performs many functions and is a highly engineered and essential specialized hydraulic fluid that allows your Cadillac's transmission to function properly.
In an automatic transmission, this fluid (ATF) facilitates the functioning of the torque converter; it allows for the smooth operation of the transmission valves. Plus, the fluid prevents excessive friction of the brake bands and provides the required lubrication of the transmission's internal gears and all points of friction.
The transmission fluid found in manual transmissions (MTF) performs a similar lubricating and cooling function with its specialized formulation that provides the required level of lubrication for the internal components that make up your vehicle's manual transmission.
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How Often to Change Transmission Fluid
All new Cadillac vehicles are required to adhere to their scheduled service intervals, ensuring their ongoing perfect mechanical functioning.
Failure to keep to the manufacturer's advised maintenance schedule could also invalidate your car's warranty. In automatic transmissions/transaxles, Cadillac recommends that the fluid change interval be around every 30,000 miles or 30 months. However, owners are advised to check their particular model's owner's manual or service manual for the model's specific service requirements.
In a manual transmission, the commonly accepted range for fluid replacement is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for most passenger vehicles in typical driving conditions. Regular servicing will go a long way to ensure that your transmission continues to perform at its best, with the clean transmission fluid guaranteed to be free of any damaging dirt, grime, and debris.
Signs of Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid
Low or dirty Cadillac transmission fluid will manifest in some unmistakable signs that owners should be aware of.
Difficulty in Shifting Gears
In normal driving conditions, the transmission slipping out of gear or not being able to change gear is immediately noticeable if the transmission fluid is low or no longer clean and is clogging
up the operation of an automatic transmission's valves.
Your vehicle will simply not accelerate correctly or maintain its speed, which can be frustrating but more importantly, will place the driver at risk of an accident.
Unusual Smells
Any unusual burning smells from underneath your Cadillac are a sure sign that something is amiss with the transmission. Dirty fluid or low levels can result in overheating of the transmission fluid, leading to possible damage.
Rough Running
Rough operation or unusual vibrations from the drivetrain may be a result of low fluids, which will need to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid any mechanical failure and an expensive repair bill.
Check Engine or Transmission Warning light
Your modern Cadillac is bristling with technology that includes numerous sensors that constantly monitor the health of your vehicle.
Part of these systems include the Check Engine Light as well as a transmission warning light located in the instrument cluster on your vehicle's dashboard that will light up to warn you of a problem.
How to Check Transmission Fluid
Thankfully, checking the Cadillac transmission fluid in your car is not a difficult task if the transmission fitted in your Cadillac model is not of the sealed type.
Following a few simple steps on how to check transmission fluid is well within the skills set of most Cadillac owners.
Step 1: Prepare Your Cadillac
Turn the vehicle's engine on for a few minutes to warm up the fluids after ensuring the transmission is in park and the vehicle is positioned on a flat surface before popping the hood.
Step 2: Locate the Transmission Dipstick
A quick check in your owner's manual, if available, will show you exactly where to find the transmission dipstick.
Step 3: Remove and Wipe the Dipstick
The dipstick for the transmission works just like the one for your Cadillac's engine oil. Pull the dipstick out of the tube and wipe off the fluid on the dipstick as you remove it to prevent any spills in the engine bay.
Step 4: Check Fluid Level and Condition
Reinsert the dipstick fully and remove it again to get a clearly defined fluid level reading. Rubbing the oil between your fingers will reveal any unwanted particles or dirt. Owners should have their transmission serviced immediately if any dirt or particles are detected.
The fluid should be almost clear with a pinkish color and any burnt smells from the transmission fluids will be able to be detected.
Step 5: Add Transmission Fluid if Necessary
If the transmission fluid levels are below the minimum level indicator or almost at the minimal level, a top-up of fluid is necessary to prevent possible mechanical damage.
Importance of Transmission Fluid Maintenance
Regular checking of your Cadillac transmission fluid is recommended to catch transmission issues before they cause any costly repairs.
Types of Transmission Fluid Used in Cadillacs
Depending on the transmission type fitted in your Cadillac model and as a product of GM Cadillac parent company, all newer Cadillacs use the recommended DEXRON®-VI ATF, which is a fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid. DEXRON is the GM trade name for the technical specifications used in their automatic transmission fluids.
Manual transmissions, such as those fitted to the high-performance Cadillac Blackwing models make use of the recommended Valvoline Synchromesh MTF high-performance manual transmission lubricant.
When to Consult a Professional
When you detect any of the aforementioned problems with your Cadillac's transmission, the best thing would be to seek professional help.
Your local Cadillac dealership offers Cadillac-certified service professionals and OEM backup to make sure that your vehicle's transmission functions exactly the same as the day it rolled out of the factory.
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Service Your Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac
Your iconically luxurious Cadillac deserves the best possible routine service and repairs that are available at Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT.
Experience unmatched dedicated service from our certified and expert technicians who are fully trained on all Cadillac vehicles to offer you peace of mind.
