Preliminary Inspection
Preliminary Inspection
Special Tool(s)
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 involved 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 short circuit can cause engine misfiring. If the torque converter clutch does not disengage, the engine will stall.
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 temperatures
^ Type of terrain
^ Vehicle loaded unloaded
^ City/highway driving
^ Coasting
^ Engagement
^ Noise/vibration-check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent
^ Check the CVT transmission fluid level.
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 will cause foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube, fluid level indicator tube and possible transaxle malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, loosen the fluid drain plug and allow a small amount of fluid to drain and re-check fluid level.
Low Fluid Level
A low fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping of the chain, malfunction and damage to the transaxle variators. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets. Under normal circumstances, the fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transaxle starts to slip or shows signs of fluid leaking, the fluid level and DTCs should be checked.
Adding Fluid
CAUTION: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified will result in transaxle malfunction and/or damage.
If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in 0.25 Liters (1/2 pint) increments through the fluid fill plug located on the top of the transaxle near the fluid level indicator. Do not overfill the fluid. For fluid type, refer to the specification chart.
Fluid Condition Check
NOTE: The continuously variable transaxle (CVT) fluid is bluish-green when it is new. The CVT fluid will darken from bluish-green to darker green or brown as it ages. If there is an internal concern with a mechanical component, there will be metallic residue in the pan. With other transmission fluids, the odor was an indicator of heat damage or other concerns. With CVT fluid, the odor will not indicate heat damage or other concerns.
1. Check the fluid level.
2. Observe the color. The color under normal circumstances should be bluish green when new and will darken to dark green or brown as it ages, not black.
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 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 or installed new.
6. If the transaxle is to be overhauled or if installing a new transaxle, install a new transmission fluid cooler and clean and flush the fluid cooler tubes.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom. Diagnosis By Symptom