a (rather stupid) transmission question

[red04fourdoor]

on the transmissions in the first gen aveos like my 2004 with the 4 speed auto, what lubes the final drive (differential)? does the transmission fluid make it back there?

was just wondering as I cant seem to find any info on this and occasionally my trans fluid level fluctuates. I have been checking it in the same level place every time and there are no leaks. the trans cooler is not leaking either. ive never liked auto transmissions for this reason because ive never seemed to be able to get consistent readings no matter if I check It or I I have someone else do it.

I guess I was wondering if its possible for the fluid to be going back to the diff area and not returning to the pan. I had a 96 chevy blazer that had the back seal on the trans go out and would fill the transfer case with ATF. I was wondering if anyone knew if something similar could happen with these and the final drive. I cant seem to find anything online anywhere of it happening...

thanks.

[avguy]

... occasionally my trans fluid level fluctuates....

When I check and swap fluid in my daughter's '06, there is never any fluctuation of the level. Do you check hot or cold? Checking hot requires that the vehicle be run for about half an hour, in order to insure the fluid has reached full temp. I check 'cold' almost exclusively at roughly the same ambient temp; and occasionally do a hot check to make sure that's consistent as well.

[petrified.rabbit]

The fluid is the same fluid in the diff. It moves between those two areas and the torque converter.

Here's a sample picture showing how everything is in the same case:



Now for my stupid question, the aveo has a dip stick for the auto trans? The big issue is if it continues to move in one direction or the other. If it starts reading less and less, you have a leak. If it starts reading more and more full, you have a leak (something internal typically the internal cooler in the rad).

[red04fourdoor]

Yup it has a stick for the auto trans. Most autos do. i take it that it has a way of getting back to the pan from the diff area? Just wanted to make sure i dont have some sort of internal leak Thats letting additional fluid back there and its not getting back up front. I guess it must scavenge it from back thre somehow