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 necessary 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 verify the concern.

Verification of Condition
This section provides information that must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and executing the appropriate procedures.

The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the engine.

Determine Customer Concern

NOTE: Some transaxle conditions can cause engine concerns. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will stall 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 temperatures
- 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
Under normal conditions, there is no requirement to check the transaxle fluid level. However, if the transaxle is not functioning correctly (the transaxle may slip, shift slowly or there may be some sign of fluid leakage), the fluid level should be checked.!

CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is below the bottom line on the fluid level indicator and the ambient temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

NOTE: Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid level check, drive the vehicle until normal operating temperature is reached, approximately 30 km (20 miles).

NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned OFF for approximately 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking.

NOTE: Incorrect fluid level may affect the transaxle operation and could result in transaxle damage. To correctly check and add fluid to the transaxle, refer to Preliminary Inspection.

1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With your foot on the brake, start the engine and move the range selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the range selector in PARK and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth.
6. Install the fluid level indicator, making sure that it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the fluid level indicator. The fluid should be within the designated areas.





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 erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, adjust fluid to correct level.

Low Fluid Level
A low fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping 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 transaxle fluid than specified could result in transaxle damage.

If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the oil filler tube. Do not overfill the fluid. For fluid type, refer to Specification.

Check The Fluid Condition
1. Check the fluid level. Refer to Preliminary Inspection.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be reddish, not brown or black.
3. Allow the fluid to drip onto a facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transaxle 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 transaxle fluid pan, the transaxle must be disassembled and completely cleaned.
6. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom. Diagnosis By Symptom