Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Inspection
INSPECT FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
1. Place the vehicle on a level floor.
2. Before removing the dipstick, wipe all dirt from the area around the dipstick.
3. With the selector lever in "P" (Park), and the parking brakes applied, start the engine.
4. The engine should be running at idle speed. Fluid should be at normal operating temperature [80-90°C (176-194°F)].
5. Move the selector lever sequentially to every position to fill the torque converter and hydraulic system with fluid, then place the selector lever in "N" (Neutral) position. This operation is necessary to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.
6. Check to see if the fluid level is in "HOT" range on dipstick. If fluid is low, add automatic transmission fluid until level reaches the "HOT" range.
- Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions because it allows the pump to take in air along with fluid. Air trapped in the hydraulic system forms bubbles, which are compressable. Therefore, the pressure will be erratic.
- Improper filling can also cause the fluid level to be too high. When transaxle has too much fluid, gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions which occur with low fluid level. This results in accelerated deterioration of the automatic transaxle fluid. In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating, fluid oxidation, and varnishing, which can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and servo operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the transaxle vent, where it may be mistaken for a leak.
7. Check fluid condition.
- Along with fluid level, it is important to check the condition of the fluid. When fluid smells burned, and is contaminated with metal particles or friction material particles, a complete transaxle overhaul is needed. Be sure to examine fluid on the dipstick closely. If there is any doubt about its conditions, drain out a sample for a closer check. After fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick fully to seal out water and dirt.
INSPECT SELECTOR LEVER OPERATION
1. Apply parking and service brakes securely.
2. Place the selector lever in "R" range.
3. Set the ignition key to "ST" position.
4. Slowly move the selector lever upward until it clicks as it fits in the notch of the "P" range. If the starter motor operates when the lever makes a click, "P" position is correct.
5. Then slowly move the selector lever to the "N" range by the same procedure as in the foregoing paragraph. If starter motor operates when the selector lever fits in "N", the "N" position is correct.
6. Also check to be sure that the vehicle doesn't begin to move and the lever doesn't stop between P-R-N-D-2-L.
7. The manual-control cable is properly adjusted if, as described above, the starter motor starts at both the "P" range and the "N" range.
8. If the inspection results are unsatisfactory, check the control cable adjustent and inspect selector lever moving parts for wear.
INSPECT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
1. Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s stored in the control module memory.
2. Read the output diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s.
3. Identify the output DTCs in Trouble Code Descriptions and perform the appropriate component/circuit tests listed in the "Remedy" column.
Transmission
4. Erase the diagnostic trouble code(s).
NOTE:
- As many as ten diagnostic trouble codes, in the sequence of occurrence, can be stored in the Random Access Memory (RAM) incorporated within the control module.
- The same diagnostic trouble code can be stored just one time.
- If the number of stored diagnostic trouble codes or diagnostic trouble patterns exceeds ten, already stored diagnostic trouble codes will be erased, in sequence beginning with the oldest.
- Do not disconnect the battery until all diagnostic trouble codes or diagnostic trouble patterns have been read out, because all stored diagnostic trouble codes or diagnostic trouble patterns will be canceled when the battery is disconnected.
- If the auto transaxle fluid temperature reaches over 50°C and 200 times from the initial memory, the fault code will be erased.
- If the fail-safe system is activated and the transaxle is locked in third gear, the diagnostic trouble code in the Fail-Safe Code Description will be stored in the RAM.
- The cancelation will occur if, with the transaxle locked in 3rd gear, the ignition key is turned to the OFF position, but the diagnostic trouble code is stored in the RAM.