Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

To accurately diagnose problems, the following procedure is recommended:
1. Check that the customer concern is clear. If necessary, reproduce the concern on the vehicle.





2. If the concern cannot be reproduced, carry out a test drive and/or visual check with the aid of the table provided.
3. If the concern can be clearly identified by the visual check, it should be corrected and the system tested to see that it functions perfectly.
4. If the concern cannot be clearly identified, the Trouble Shooting Table should be used to identify it exactly. Refer to the Trouble Shooting Table.

The following checks should be carried out before repairing or replacing the transaxle:

POOR GEAR SHIFTING
1. Check the operation of the clutch: Lay a block of wood approx. 25 mm thick under the clutch pedal and depress the clutch pedal as far as the stop. If 1st or 2nd gear can be selected with no problem with the engine running and the parking brake applied, the clutch is OK. If the gear cannot be selected, repair the clutch.
2. Check the selector mechanism:
- The free play in the gearshift lever must be no more than 15 mm.
- If the gearshift lever free play is too great, check the gearshift cables and replace them if necessary.
- If the gearshift lever free play is OK, adjust the gearshift linkage.
3. Check the transaxle fluid level and top up with MERCON XT-2QDX if necessary. MERCON(R) automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON(R) V as a service fluid, as per TSB 06-14-4.

TRANSAXLE NOISE
If transaxle noises are reported, first check the transaxle fluid level. If damage has occurred due to a lack of fluid, replace the transaxle.

OIL LEAKAGE
- Check that the leaking fluid is actually transaxle fluid and not hydraulic fluid (from the hydraulically operated clutch) or engine oil.
- Check the transaxle fluid level and, if necessary, drain off any excess fluid.
- Locate the oil leak with the aid of a fluorescent test fluid and a UV inspection lamp.
- Clean the transaxle and the adjacent areas carefully before the road test.