Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Inspection
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Condition Inspection1. One way of determining whether the transaxle should be replaced is by noting:
^ If the ATF is muddy or varnished.
^ If the ATF smells strange or unusual.
ATF Condition
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Level Inspection
Caution:
^ The ATF amount varies according to ATF's temperature. Therefore, when checking the ATF level or replacing the ATF, use a thermometer to measure the temperature then adjust the ATF amount to the specified level according to the specified temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Apply the parking brake and position wheel chocks securely to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
3. Adjust the length of the thermometer probe so that the length is the same as the depth gauge, and hold the probe and measure the temperature.
4. Insert the thermometer probe into the filler tube and measure the temperature.
5. Warm up the engine until the ATF reaches (60 - 70°C (14 - 158°F)).
Caution:
^ Do not warm up the transaxle by performing stalls. This will damage the torque converter.
Note:
^ In some cases it may be necessary to inspect the ATF in the cool range 1 - 25°C (5 - 77°F) before warming up the engine.
6. While depressing the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to each range (P-M), pausing momentarily in each range.
7. Shift back to P position.
Note:
^ If the ATF level is too high or too low under hot conditions, the following problems may be the cause.
8. While the engine is idling, verify that the ATF level is in the HOT (65°C (149°F)) range. Add the specified type of ATF, if necessary.
ATF type
ATF M-V