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 system provides information which is used in determining the actual cause of customer concern and carrying out the appropriate procedures.
The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the transmission.
Determine Customer Concern
NOTE: Some transaxle conditions may cause engine concerns. The torque converter not disengaging may 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 engine rpm , vehicle speed, shift, gear, range or temperature dependencies.
Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
NOTICE: Do not drive the vehicle if the transmission fluid level indicator shows the transmission fluid is below the minimum transmission fluid level mark or internal failure could result.
If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the transmission fluid may need to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
The transmission fluid level reading on the transmission fluid level indicator will differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the crosshatch.
Transmission Fluid Level Check
NOTE: Transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperature 85°C-93°C (185°F-200°F) on a level surface. Normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 mi) of driving and can be checked using the scan tool.
Check the transmission fluid level during normal maintenance. If the transaxle starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of leaking, the transmission fluid level should be checked.
1. With the selector lever in PARK, engine at idle, brake pedal applied, move the selector lever through each gear range and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever in the PARK position.
2. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator cap and remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
3. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
4. Install the transmission fluid level indicator back in the transmission fluid filler tube until it is fully seated.
5. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. The transmission fluid level should be within the crosshatch area.
High Transmission Fluid Level
Transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill.
Low Transmission Fluid Level
Low transmission fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
NOTICE: The use of any type of transmission fluid other than specified could result in transaxle malfunction and/or damage.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission fluid filler tube with the selector lever in PARK and the engine idling. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. For transmission fluid type, refer to Material chart.
Flat Tow Fluid Level
Recreational flat towing of the vehicle may require the transmission fluid to be set to a lower fluid level. This will prevent damage to the transmission. The transmission fluid level is within the normal operating range and will not require the transmission fluid level to be readjusted after recreational towing.
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
2. Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
3. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark red, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, remove the transmission fluid pan for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color, this may indicate coolant or water in the transaxle. Inspect the engine cooling system at this time.
6. If transmission fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the transmission fluid, disassemble and thoroughly clean the transaxle, including the torque converter, cooler bypass valve, coolers and cooler tubes.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments, refer to Diagnosis By Symptom Diagnosis By Symptom.
Water in Transmission Fluid
To correctly repair a transaxle that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean and replace the following parts:
- All internal and external seals
- All friction material; clutches
- Torque converter
- All parts with bonded seals
- All solenoids
- All transmission fluid filters
Prior to installing the transaxle, flush and clean the transmission fluid cooler(s), transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler hoses.