Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUIDINSPECTION
1. Drive the vehicle until the fluid reaches normal operating temperature [70 - 80°C].
2. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
3. Move the selector lever through all gear positions. This will fill the torque converter and the hydraulic system with fluid and move the selector lever to the "N" (Neutral) or "P" (Park) position.
4. Before removing the oil level gauge, wipe all contaminants from around the oil level gauge. Then take out the oil level gauge and check the condition of the fluid.
NOTE: If the fluid smells as if it is burning, it means that the fluid has been contaminated by fine particles from the bushes and friction materials, a transaxle overhaul may be necessary.
5. Check that the fluid level is at the HOT mark on the oil level gauge. If the fluid level is low, add automatic transaxle fluid until the level reaches the "HOT" mark.
Auto transaxle fluid: DIAMOND ATF SP-III, SK ATF SP-III
Quantity: 10.7 L (Diesel), 10.9 L (Gasoline)
NOTE: Low fluid level can cause a variety of a abnormal 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, pressures will be erratic, causing delayed shifting, slipping clutches and brakes, etc. Improper filling can also raise fluid level too high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, gears chum up foam and acuise the same conditions which occur with low fluid level, resulting in accelerated deterioration of automatic transaxle fluid. In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating, and fluid oxidation, which can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and brake operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.
6. Insert the oil level gauge securely.
NOTE: When new, automatic transmission fluid should be red. The red dye is added so the assembly plant can identify it as transmission fluid and distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye, which is not an indicator of fluid quality, is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven the transmission fluid will begin to look darker. The color may eventually appear light brown.
REPLACEMENT
If you have a fluid changer, use this changer to replace the fluid. If you do not, replace it using the following procedure.
1. Disconnect the hose which connects the transmission and the oil cooler.
2. Start the engine and let the fluid drain out.
Running conditions: "N" range with engine idling.
CAUTION: The engine should be stopped within one minute after it is started. If the fluid has all drained out before then, the engine should be stopped at that point.
3. Remove the drain plug (A) from the bottom of the transmission case to drain the fluid.
4. Install the drain plug via the gasket, and tighten it to the specified torque.
TORQUE: 40 - 50 Nm (400 - 500 kgf-cm, 29 - 36 ft. lbs.)
5. Pour the new fluid in through the oil filler tube.
CAUTION: Stop pouring if the full volume of fluid cannot be poured in.
6. Repeat the procedure in step (2).
NOTE: Check the old fluid for contamination. If it has been contaminated, repeat the steps (5) and (6).
7. Pour the new fluid in through the oil filler tube.
8. Reconnect the hose which was disconnected in step (1) above and firmly replace the oil level gauge. (In case of this replace, this means after wiping off any dirt around the oil level gauge, insert it into the filler tube.)
9. Start the engine and run it at idle for 1 - 2 minutes.
10. Move the select lever through all positions, and then move it to the "N" position.
11. Drive the vehicle until the fluid temperature rises to the normal temperature [70 - 80°C]. and then check the fluid level again. The fluid level must be at the HOT mark.
12. Firmly insert the oil level gauge into the oil filler tube.