Fluid - A/T: Testing and Inspection

TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING PROCEDURE
1. Start engine and operate vehicle until transaxle fluid temperature reaches at least 40°C (104°F).
2. Depress brake pedal and move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return shift lever to PARK range.

For 4 cylinder vehicles only, perform steps 3 through 5:

IMPORTANT: Note the original position of the A.I.R. components.





3. Remove clamp from A.I.R. hose behind the cooling fan.
4. Separate the A.I.R. tube from the hose and push the tube back towards the transaxle.





5. Remove the hose clip holding the two power steering lines together.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON THE HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.





6. Raise vehicle. Vehicle must be level, with engine running.

CAUTION: THE ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FILL PLUG IS REMOVED, OR EXCESSIVE FLUID LOSS WILL OCCUR. TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL BE HOT. SINCE THE ACTUAL FLUID LEVEL IS UNKNOWN, STAND CLEAR WHEN REMOVING THE FILL PLUG. HAVE A CONTAINER READY TO CAPTURE ANY LOST FLUID. DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF WITH THE FILL PLUG REMOVED, AS YOU CAN BE INJURED BY HOT TRANSMISSION FLUID BEING EXPELLED OUT OF THE OIL FILL OPENING.


7. Remove transaxle level plug with engine running.
8. Check fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of threaded plug hole. Check condition of transaxle fluid.

NOTICE:
- This transaxle uses DEXRON III ATF (P/N 21019223).
- Saturn ATF (P/N 21005966) is not compatible with this transaxle. If Saturn ATF is used, transaxle damage will result.

9. If fluid level is low, add DEXRON III automatic transaxle fluid in increments of 0.5 quarts until fluid drains from plug hole.
If more than 1.6 quarts of fluid needs to be added to the transaxle, the transaxle may have a leak.

IMPORTANT: Before re-installing the transaxle level plug, apply Loctite Threadlocker 242.

10. Allow fluid to finish draining from plug hole. Install plug, and wipe any excess fluid from transaxle with a rag or shop towel.
Torque Transaxle Fluid Level Plug to 12 Nm (9 ft. lbs.)

For 4-cylinder vehicles only, perform steps 11 through 14:

11. Install the hose clip to the two power steering lines.
12. Pull the A.I.R. tube back to the original position.

IMPORTANT: The clamp must be installed with the locking portion facing down.





13. Insert the tube into hose and install clamp.

NOTICE: There is a stand-off clip between the A.I.R. tube and the wiring harness at the front of the transaxle. This must be in place to eliminate the possibility of chafing between the tube and the harness.





14. Ensure the stand-off clip between the A.I.R. tube and the wiring harness is installed correctly.



TRANSAXLE FLUID CONDITION CHECK