Buick Regal: Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test and Flushing (AF50-8)

Special Tools

• DT - 45096 TransFlow Cooler Flush Machine
• DT - 45096 - 30 TransFlow Adapter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

GM studies indicate that plugged or restricted transmission oil coolers and pipes cause insufficient transmission lubrication and elevated operating temperatures which can lead to premature transmission failure. Many repeat repair cases could have been prevented by following published procedures for transmission oil cooler flushing and flow checking. This procedure includes flow checking and flushing the auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if equipped.

NOTE: Use the DT - 45096 TransFlow Cooler Flush Machine to flush and flow test the transmission oil cooler and the oil cooler pipes after the transaxle is removed for repairs or replacement. Use only GM Goodwrench DEXRON VI automatic transmission fluid in the DT - 45096 TransFlow Cooler Flush Machine. The AF50-8 uses AW - 1 automatic transmission fluid. After completing the flushing and flow test procedure, remove the residual DEXRON VI left in the oil cooler by carefully blowing out with compressed air.

If the fluid in the DT - 45096 transmission oil cooling system flush and flow test tool is different than what is used in the transmission, after performing the flush and flow test, use compressed air to blow the residual transmission fluid out of the oil cooler and lines.

Time allowance for performing the cooler flow checking and flushing procedure is included in the appropriate labor time guide operations. The service procedure steps for oil cooler flushing and flow testing are as follows:

Cooler Flow Check and Flushing Steps

1. Machine Set-up
2. Determine Minimum Flow Rate
3. Back Flush
4. Forward Flush
5. Flow Test
6. Code Recording Procedure
7. Clean-up

Special Tools

• DT - 45096 TransFlow Cooler Flush Machine
• DT - 45096 - 30 TransFlow Adapter
• Shop air supply with water/oil filters, regulator and pressure gauge - minimum 90 psi
• Eye protection
• Rubber gloves

Machine Set-up

1.

Verify that the main power switch (1) is in the OFF position.

2. Place the main function switch (2) in the IDLE position.

3.

Connect DT - 45096 flush machine to the vehicle 12V DC power source by connecting the red battery clip to the positive, +, battery post on the vehicle and connect the negative lead to a known good chassis ground.

4. Turn the main power switch to the ON position.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the supply vessel. Damage to the unit may result. To verify the fluid level, view the LCD screen display while filling the unit, to ensure the fluid level does not exceed 30 L (32 qt).

5. Fill the supply tank with Dexron VI through the fill port.

6. Reinstall and tighten the fill cap.

7.

Connect a shop air supply hose to the quick-disconnect on the rear panel marked SUPPLY AIR.

Determine Minimum Flow Rate

1.

From the machine display, identify the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid that is stored in the supply vessel of DT - 45096 flush machine.

2.

Determine whether the transmission oil cooler is steel or aluminum by using a magnet (1) at the cooler flange (2) at the radiator.

3. Refer to the table below. Using the temperature from step 1, locate on either the Steel MINIMUM Flow Rate table or the Aluminum MINIMUM Flow Rate table the minimum flow rate in gallons per minutes (GPM). Record the minimum flow rate in GPMs and the supply fluid temperature for further reference.

Example:

• Fluid temperature: 75ºF
• Cooler type: Steel

The MINIMUM flow rate for this example would be 0.8 GPM.

4. Inspect transmission oil cooler lines for damage or kinks that could cause restricted oil flow. Repair as needed and refer to the appropriate GM service manual procedures.

Minimum Flow Rate in Gallons Per Minute (GPM)

Back Flush Procedure

1.

Install the DT - 45096 - 30 adapter onto the oil cooler lines.

2.

Connect the black supply hose (1) to the adapter connected to the return line, bottom hose of the transmission oil cooler.

3. Connect the clear waste hose (2) to the adapter connected to the supply line, top hose from the transmission oil cooler.

The above connections are the reverse flow or back-flush direction.

4.

Turn the main function switch to the FLUSH position. Allow the machine to operate for 30 seconds.

5.

Turn the main function switch to the IDLE position and allow the supply vessel pressure to dissipate.

Forward Flush

1.

Disconnect the DT - 45096 flush machine at the hose couplings at the adapters and switch the hoses.

The black hose (2) to the oil cooler supply hose and the clear hose (1) to the oil cooler return hose.

The above connections are now in the normal flow direction.

2.

Turn the main function switch to the FLUSH position and allow machine to operate for 30 seconds.

Flow Test

1.

NOTE: If the flow rate is less than 0.5 gpm, the LCD displays an error message. Refer to the Troubleshooting section of the operation manual.

Turn the main function switch to the FLOW position and allow the oil to flow for 15 seconds.

Observe and note the flow rate; this is the TESTED flow rate.

2. Compare the TESTED flow rate to the MINIMUM flow rate information previously recorded.

• If the TESTED flow rate is equal to or greater than the MINIMUM flow rate recorded, the oil cooling system is functioning properly. Perform Code Recording Procedure.
• If the TESTED flow rate is less than the MINIMUM flow rate previously recorded, repeat the back flush and forward flush procedures.

3. If the TESTED flow rate is less than the MINIMUM flow rate after the second test, perform Code Recording Procedure.

1. Replace the transmission oil cooler.
2. Reconnect supply and waste hoses to the cooler lines in the normal flow direction. Perform Flow Test.
3. Perform Code Recording Procedure.

Code Recording Procedure

1.

Turn the main function switch to the CODE position.

NOTE:

• If power is interrupted prior to the recording of the seven-character code, the code will be lost and the flow rate test will need to be repeated.
• The flow test must run for a minimum of 8 - 10 seconds and be above 0.5 gpm for a code to be generated.

2. Record TESTED flow rate, temperature, cycle and seven-character flow code information on repair order.

Clean-up

1.

Turn the main function switch to the IDLE position and allow the supply vessel pressure to dissipate.

2. Turn the main power switch to the OFF position.

NOTE: A small amount of water may drain from the bottom of the unit when the air supply is disconnected. This is a normal operation of the built-in water separator.

3. Disconnect the supply and waste hoses and the 12-volt power source from the vehicle.

4.

Disconnect the air supply hose from DT - 45096 flush machine.

5. Dispose of the waste ATF in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

6. Clean the residual DEXRON VI from the transmission oil cooler, using compressed air to blow out the transmission oil cooler.

READ NEXT: