Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service Precautions

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ASSY (ATM)
PRECAUTION
1. The automatic transaxle is composed of highly precision-finished parts which need careful inspection before reassembly because even a small nick could cause fluid leakage or affect the performance. The instructions here are organized in order to work on only one component group at a time. This will help avoid confusion which comes from the similar-looking parts of the different sub-assemblies being on your workbench at the same time. Inspect and repair the component groups from the converter housing side. Complete the inspection, repair and reassembly before proceeding to the next component group. If a defect is found in a certain component group during reassembly, inspect and repair this group immediately. If a component group cannot be assembled because the necessary parts are being ordered, be sure to keep all the parts of the group in a separate container while proceeding with disassembly, inspection, repair and reassembly of the other component groups.
Recommended ATF: T-IV
2. All the disassembled parts should be washed clean and any fluid passages and holes should be blown out with compressed air.
3. Dry all parts with compressed air. Never use shop rags to dry them.
4. Be careful of ATF or kerosene being squirted over your face when using compressed air.
5. Only recommended automatic transaxle fluid or kerosene should be used for cleaning.
6. After cleaning, the parts should be arranged in the correct order for efficient inspection, repair, and reassembly.
7. When disassembling the valve body, be sure to match each valve together with the corresponding spring.
8. New discs for the replacement of the brakes and clutches must be soaked in ATF for at least 15 minutes before reassembly.
9. All the oil seal rings, clutch discs, clutch plates, rotating parts, and sliding surfaces should be coated with ATF prior to reassembly.
10. Replace all the gaskets and rubber O-rings.
11. Do not apply adhesive cements to gaskets or similar parts.
12. Make sure that the ends of the snap ring are not aligned with one of the cutouts and are installed in the groove correctly.
13. If a worn bushing is to be replaced, the sub-assembly containing the bushing must also be replaced.
14. Check the thrust bearings and races for wear or damage. Replace them as necessary.
15. Use petroleum jelly to keep the parts in place.
16. When working with FIPG material, you must follow the procedure:
^ Remove all the old packing (FIPG) material from the gasket surface using a razor blade and a gasket scraper.
^ Thoroughly clean all the components to remove any loose material.
^ Clean both sealing surfaces with non-residue solvent.
^ Parts must be reassembled within 10 minutes of application. Otherwise, the packing (FIPG) material must be removed and reapplied.

NOTICE: When disconnecting the negative (-) battery terminal, initialize the following systems after the terminal is reconnected:
- Lighting System (Adaptive Front Lighting System)
- Power Window Control System
- Power Back Door System
- Sliding Roof System