Fluid - A/T: Testing and Inspection
Check Transmission Fluid LevelUnder normal conditions, there is no requirement to check the transmission fluid level. However, if the transaxle is not functioning correctly, the transaxle may slip, shift slowly or there may be some sign of transmission fluid leakage, the transmission fluid level should be checked.
CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is below the bottom line on the transmission fluid level indicator and the ambient temperature is above 10° C (50° F).
NOTE: Transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate transmission fluid level check, drive the vehicle until normal operating temperature is reached, approximately 30 km (20 mi).
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer the vehicle should be turned OFF for approximately 30 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to cool before checking.
NOTE: Incorrect transmission fluid level may affect the transaxle operation and could result in transaxle damage.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 mi) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With foot on the brake, start the engine and move the selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the selector lever in PARK and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth.
6. Install the transmission fluid level indicator, making sure that it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. The transmission fluid should be within the designated areas.
High Transmission Fluid Level
A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts.
This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, adjust the transmission fluid to correct level.
Low Transmission Fluid Level
A low transmission fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
CAUTION: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified could result in transaxle damage.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission filler tube. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. For transmission fluid type, refer to Specifications.
Check The Transmission Fluid Condition
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be reddish, not brown or black.
3. Allow the transmission fluid to drip onto a facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, the transaxle must be disassembled and completely cleaned.
6. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
Water in Transmission Fluid
To correctly repair an automatic transmission or transaxle that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean and replace the following parts:
^ All internal and external seals
^ All friction material; clutches and bands
^ Torque converter
^ All parts with bonded seals
^ All solenoids
^ All transmission fluid filters
Prior to installing the transmission or transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler(s), transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler hoses need to be flushed and cleaned.