Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair

Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill

Removal Procedure

Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.






1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the drain plug and drain fluid. Allow at least 5 minutes for the fluid to drain completely.
3. Remove the gasket from the drain plug and discard.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the new gasket on the drain plug.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Install the drain plug.

Tighten
Tighten the drain plug to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).

4. Lower the vehicle.

Notice: Saturn automatic transaxle fluid (ATF), P/N 21005966 and P/N 21019223, is not compatible with this transaxle. If Saturn ATF is used, transaxle damage will result. This transaxle uses Saturn T-IV fluid P/N 22689186. Notice: Do not remove the 3rd gear anchor band bolt located on top of the transmission for checking fluid or adding fluid. Removing the bolt will dislocate internal components and require the transmission to be removed from the vehicle and disassembled for repair.

5. Add approximately 4.06 L (4.29 qt) of Saturn T-IV fluid to unit, using the level gauge location.
6. Make sure vehicle is on level ground.

Important: If the check is necessary at a low oil temperature of 30-40°C (86-104°F), perform check using the COLD range on the level gauge. However, the fluid must be re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.

7. Start engine and operate vehicle until transaxle fluid temperature reaches 60-70°C (140-158°F).
8. Apply parking brake.
9. Depress brake pedal and move shift lever slowly through all gear ranges from park (P) to low (L), pausing for about three seconds in each range. Return shift lever to park (P) range at idle condition.






10. Push retaining clip back and pull level gauge out, wipe off fluid with a clean cloth and reinsert.






11. Pull level gauge out again and check if fluid level is within the HOT range.
12. If fluid is not within the correct level, adjust accordingly:
12.1 If fluid is below the HOT range, add enough to bring it up to the correct level.
12.2 If fluid is above HOT range, drain excess fluid.