Transmission Fluid Level Check and Setting
Transmission Fluid Level Check and SettingSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Transaxle Normal Operating Temperature Fluid Level Check:
CAUTION: MERCON (R), MERCON (R) V, MERCON (R) SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommend will cause transmission damage.
CAUTION: This procedure is only designed to check the continuously variable transaxle (CVT) transmission fluid level at normal operating temperatures. Do not use this procedure for setting correct CVT transmission fluid level. The CVT transmission fluid is a unique transmission fluid and has different expansion characteristics compared to other transmission fluids. Correct CVT transmission fluid level setting must be done in the 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F) range following the transmission fluid level setting procedure. Failure to follow these instructions will cause damage to the transaxle.
CAUTION: A transaxle that is overfilled or underfilled will cause internal damage and/or cause fluid to leak from the vent tube.
NOTE: This procedure is designed for checking the fluid level on a vehicle that has just come off the road with the transmission fluid in the normal operating range of 88 degrees C - 92 degrees C (190 degrees F - 198 degrees F).
1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Using the special tool, verify that the CVT transmission fluid temperature is in the normal operating range of 88 degrees C - 92 degrees C (190 degrees F - 198 degrees F).
3. Once the CVT transmission fluid temperature range is verified, with the engine idling, set the park brake and move the transmission selector level through all gear positions placing it in PARK.
4. Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it with a clean, lint free rag.
5. Place the fluid level indicator back into the fluid level indicator tube until it is fully seated, then remove the fluid indicator.
^ With the CVT transmission fluid in the normal operating temperature range of 88 degrees C - 92 degrees C (190 degrees F - 198 degrees F), the minimum acceptable level would be at the bottom of the crosshatch mark on the fluid level indicator. The maximum acceptable level would be no higher than the top of the crosshatch, 12 mm (0.47 inch) from the top of the upper level setting hole area.
6. Verify the correct CVT transmission fluid level for normal operating temperature range.
7. If CVT transmission fluid needs to be added, turn off the engine and allow the CVT transmission fluid to cool to the correct level setting range 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F) and follow the transmission fluid level setting procedure for setting correct CVT transmission fluid level.
Transmission Fluid Level Setting:
CAUTION: MERCON (R), MERCON (R) V, MERCON (R) SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommend will cause transmission damage.
CAUTION: The CVT transmission fluid is a unique fluid and has different expansion characteristics compared to other transmission fluids. Correct CVT transmission fluid level setting must be done with the CVT transmission fluid in the 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F) temperature range. Setting the CVT transmission fluid level at any other temperature could cause an overfill condition and cause the fluid to leak from the vent and/or cause internal transaxle damage.
NOTE: This procedure is for setting correct CVT transmission fluid level and can also be used to check correct fluid level.
1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Using the special tool, verify that the CVT transmission fluid temperature is in the fluid level setting range of 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F).
3. Set the parking brake, place the range selector lever in PARK and run the engine at idle for 5 minutes.
4. Once the CVT transmission fluid temperature range is in the 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F) range, place your foot on the brake and move the transmission selector level through all gear positions placing it in PARK.
5. Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it with a clean, lint free rag. Place the fluid level indicator back into the fluid level indicator tube.
6. Remove the fluid level indicator and check for correct fluid level. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the top level indicator hole with the CVT automatic transmission fluid temperature in the 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F) range.
7. If CVT transmission fluid needs to be added, add clean CVT transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the fluid fill plug located on the top of the transaxle near the fluid level indicator. Do not overfill the transaxle and make sure the CVT transmission fluid temperature is in the correct range of 43 degrees C - 47 degrees C (109 degrees F - 117 degrees F), or internal damage to the transaxle will occur.
^ To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
^ The wrench light on the dash will illuminate if the CVT transmission fluid level is low during the CVT transmission fluid refill process and the vehicle may experience harsh engagements.
