Transaxle Cooling
Transaxle Cooling
Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
The transmission fluid level reading on the transmission fluid level indicator will differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.
Transmission Fluid Level Check
NOTICE: 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 32 km (20 miles).
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 level may affect the transaxle operation and could result in transaxle damage.
Under 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.
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, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
NOTICE: The use of any transmission fluid other than what is recommended for this transaxle will cause 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 the Specification chart.
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be a dark red color, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the 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 transmission fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, repair the transaxle and clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler.
6. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to the Diagnosis By Symptom procedure in Automatic Transaxle/Transmission - 4F27E Testing and Inspection.
7. If the transaxle is to be overhauled or if installing a new transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler must be backflushed. Refer to Automatic Transaxle/Transmission - 4F27E Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning.
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.