Newbie Transmission fluid question

vickielman · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2004, 06:57 PM

Hi all!

My dad has an '88 Milano Gold 2.5L that was purchased used by my sister a few years ago. It had a transmission leak, fluid is gone. He would like to know what kind does it need, where do check/fill this at, and any specific advice you experts might be able to offer on how to perform such a procedure. He does not have a manual for the car, but would like to get it up and running again, since it's just been sitting around the house for the last couple years. Thanks in advance for any help.

Take care,

Vicki

BlackAlfa · #2 (**permalink**) 05-04-2004, 08:17 AM

First, do you know whether the car has a manual or automatic transmission? And, how do you know the transmission fluid is gone?

The Milano (unlike most other cars) has what we called a transaxle (instead of transmission). It is located right under the rear passenger seat. To check and fill fluid, one has to do it from under the car. Manual transmission uses gear oil (75w-90, 80w-90, ... etc). Automatic uses ATF.

Does the car starts (and idle) at all since it has been sitting around for two years!

Bob C

vickielman · #3 (**permalink**) 05-04-2004, 08:27 PM

It is an automatic, and I'll have to ask my dad tomorrow about whether it runs and all. Thanks for you response.

Vicki

BlackAlfa · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-2004, 08:50 PM

I think there are only a few automatic Milano's out there. I haven't get close to one myself so I have no idea how to check transmission oil on the Auto.

But I'd be careful if you suspect there's not enough transmission fluid in the transmission. Even if the car starts I would not let it idle long and I would not shift it in gear! You might run the chance of damaging the transmission. Manual transmission might be able to take a little bit more beating.

Bob C

JoeCab · #5 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 07:56 AM

The automatic transmission Milanos have a switch for checking the fluid in the ARC panel on the dash. With the car fully warmed up and idling in "P", you press the switch. If the dash light does not illuminate, the level is low, and needs to be topped up from below with ATF.

This is covered on pages 106-110 of the owner's manual.

Joe