Pontiac Chieftain

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Pontiac Chieftain uses Automatic transmission fluid with a capacity of 10,4 liters. Service intervals include checking at 2000 miles and changing at 25000 miles. The data covers 2 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
Chieftain Eight (1949-1954)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 10,4 liter
  • Check 2000 miles
  • Change 25000 miles
  • Code: Dual-range Hydramatic 2/1
Chieftain Six (1949-1954)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 10,4 liter
  • Check 2000 miles
  • Change 25000 miles
  • Code: Dual-range Hydramatic 2/1

Additional Notes

  • The Pontiac Chieftain's automatic transmission fluid capacity of 10.4 liters applies to both the Eight and Six engine configurations across the 1949-1954 model years, reflecting a full system fill rather than a partial service drain-and-fill quantity.
  • A 10.4-liter capacity is consistent with early Hydra-Matic style automatic transmissions of the era, which required a substantial fluid volume to supply the hydraulic circuits, torque converter, and planetary gear sets.
  • The Chieftain Eight (1949-1954) and Chieftain Six (1949-1954) share an identical 10.4-liter capacity, indicating the same transmission unit was paired with both engine families during the period.
  • The specified check interval of 2,000 miles under normal use conditions reflects the shorter service expectations common to mid-century automatic transmissions, where fluid condition and level monitoring was considered a frequent maintenance requirement.
  • The change interval of 25,000 miles under normal use applies equally to both the Six and Eight configurations, establishing a consistent fluid replacement schedule regardless of engine displacement.
  • The use condition designated as normal for both configurations means the 25,000-mile change interval was not intended for vehicles operating under elevated thermal or load stress, such as frequent towing or stop-and-go urban driving patterns.

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