Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

FLUID LEVEL CHECK

The transaxle fluid level can be checked when the fluid is either cold or hot (normal operating temperature).

Check fluid with the engine idling and with the vehicle on a level surface.

Place transaxle into P (park) position and completely apply parking brake. Apply brake pedal. Move shift lever through all detents (pausing momentarily in each gear range), then return to the park position. Using the dipstick, check fluid level.

With the transaxle cold (approximately 60-100°F), the fluid level on the side of the dipstick marked cold should be between the ADD and FULL marks. If necessary, add only enough fluid to place the fluid level between the add and full marks. Do not overfill. It takes only 1/2 pint of fluid to raise the level from add to full.

With the transaxle at normal operating temperature (approximately 160-170°F), the fluid level on the side of the dipstick marked hot should be between the ADD and FULL marks. Use the hot range for reference only. If the vehicle has just been driven for a period of time, wait approximately 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool, before checking level. If fluid must be added while hot, add only enough to raise the level into the hot range.

CHANGING FLUID

Remove the dipstick, then the drain plug. Allow fluid to drain as long as possible. Install drain plug using a new seal ring and tighten plug securely. Add fluid through the dipstick tube. Add enough fluid to fill the transaxle to the proper level.

NOTE: Whenever the transaxle fluid is replaced, automatic transaxle fluid additive, part No. 8983100034, should be added. This will minimize the fluid foaming condition which occurs during normal vehicle operation. Do not add more than one bottle of automatic transaxle fluid additive per transaxle fluid change.