Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair

CHECKING FLUID

The oil level at normal operating temperature (190°-200°F) should be between the ADD and FULL marks. The vehicle must be driven at least 15 minutes to allow the transaxle oil to reach normal operating temperature. To bring the oil level from the ADD mark to the FULL mark requires approximately one pint of fluid. Check oil level with vehicle on level surface, engine idling in Park and parking brake applied.
If additional fluid is required, use only Dexron II automatic transaxle fluid.
When adding fluid, do not over fill, as foaming and loss of fluid through the vent may occur as the fluid heats up. Also, if fluid level is too low, complete loss of drive may occur especially when cold, which can cause transaxle failure.
Every 100,000 miles, the oil should be drained, the oil pan removed, the screen cleaned and fresh fluid added. For vehicles subjected to more severe use such as heavy city traffic especially in hot weather, prolonged periods of idling or towing, this maintenance should be performed every 15,000 miles.

CHANGING FLUID

1. Raise and support vehicle, then position drain pan under oil pan.
2. Remove front and side oil pan attaching bolts, then loosen rear pan attaching bolts.
3. Carefully pry pan loose from transaxle case and allow fluid to drain.
4. Remove remaining attaching bolts, oil pan and gasket. Thoroughly clean pan before reinstalling.
5. Remove and discard screen and O-ring seal.
6. Install replacement screen and O-ring seal, locating screen against dipstick stop.
7. Install gasket on oil pan, then install pan and torque attaching bolts to 7.4 ft.lbs on models less gasket coating or 5.9-10.3 ft.lbs on models with gasket coating.
8. Lower vehicle and add approximately 4 quarts of fluid.
9. With selector in park, parking brake applied and engine at idle speed and operating temperature, check fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Do not race engine. Move shift lever through ranges, then back to ``Park'' position.