Preliminary Inspection

Preliminary Inspection
The following items must be checked prior to beginning the diagnostic procedures.

Know and Understand the Concern
In order to correctly diagnose a concern, first understand the customer complaint or condition. Customer contact may be required in order to begin to verify the concern. Understand the conditions as to when the concern occurs. For example:
- Hot or cold vehicle temperature
- Hot or cold ambient temperature
- Vehicle driving conditions
- Vehicle loaded/unloaded
After understanding when and how the concern occurs, proceed to verifying the concern.

Verification of Condition
This provides information, which must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and carrying out the appropriate procedures.
The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the transaxle.

Determine Customer Concern

NOTE: Some transaxle conditions may cause engine concerns. An electronic pressure control (EPC) short circuit can cause engine misfiring. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will start the engine.

Determine customer concerns relative to vehicle use and dependent driving conditions, paying attention to the following items:
- hot or cold vehicle operating temperature.
- hot or cold ambient temperature.
- type of terrain.
- vehicle loaded/unloaded.
- city/highway driving.
- upshift.
- downshift.
- coasting.
- engagement.
- noise/vibration-check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent.

Check Fluid Level and Condition

CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level indicator shows the fluid below the DO NOT DRIVE mark or internal failure could result.

NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while puking a trailer, the fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.

NOTE: The fluid level reading on the fluid level indicator win differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.

Under normal circumstances the fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transaxle starts to slip, shifts slowly, or shows signs of fluid leaking, the fluid level should be checked.

Fluid Level Check





1. With the transaxle in (P) PARK, the engine at idle, foot pressed on the brake, move the selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever in the PARK position.
2. Wipe the fluid level indicator cap and remove the fluid level indicator.
3. Wipe the fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
4. Install the fluid level indicator back in the fluid finer tube until it is fully seated, then remove the indicator. The fluid level should be within the normal operating range.

High Fluid Level
A fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This win cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube, and possible transaxle failure or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, refer to Transmission Fluid Drain And Refill.

Low Fluid Level
A low fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping, failure, or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.

Adding Fluid

CAUTION: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified could result in transaxle failure or damage.

If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in 0.25 liter (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube. Do not overfill the fluid.

Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color this may indicate coolant in the transaxle. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.
6. If fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the fluid pan, the transaxle must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter, cooler bypass valve, coolers and cooler lines.
7. Carry out the diagnostic checks and adjustments, refer to Diagnosis By Symptom. AX4S