Transmission Cooler: Service and Repair
FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
Required Special Tool: MB995062: Flushing Tool
WARNING:
^ Wear protective eye wear that meets the requirements of OSHA and ANSI Z87.1-1968. Wear standard industrial rubber gloves.
^ Keep lighted cigarettes, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources away from the area to prevent the ignition of combustible liquids and gases. Keep a class (B) fire extinguisher in the area where the flushing tool will be used. Keep the area well ventilated. Do not let flushing solvent come in contact with eyes or skin. In case it does, flush with water for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin with soap and water. Seek medical affection.
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the A/T fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The cooler by-pass valve in the transaxle must also be replaced. The torque converter must also be replaced with an exchange unit. This will ensure that metal particles or sludged A/T fluid are not later transferred back into the reconditioned (or replaced) transaxle. There are two different procedures for flushing coolers and lines. The recommended procedure is to use Tool MB995062 Cooler Flusher. The other procedure is to use a hand suction gun and mineral spirits.
1. Remove the cover plate filler plug on special tool MB995062. Fill the reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution. Flushing solvents are petroleum based solutions generally used to clean transaxle components. Do not use solvents containing acids, water, gasoline, or any other corrosive liquids.
2. Reinstall filler plug on special tool MB995062.
3. Verify the pump power switch is fumed "OFF." Connect the red alligator clip to the positive battery terminal. Connect the black alligator clip to a good ground.
4. Disconnect the cooler lines at the transaxle.
NOTE: When flushing the transaxle cooler and lines, always reverse flush.
5. Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUTLET (From) cooler line.
6. Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET (To) cooler line.
7. Turn the pump "ON" for two to three minutes to flush the cooler(s) and lines. Monitor the pressure readings. Clear the return lines. Pressure readings should stabilize below 138 kPa (20 psi) for vehicles equipped with a single cooler and 208 kPa (30 psi) for vehicles equipped with dual coolers. If flow is intermittent or exceeds these pressures, replace the cooler.
8. Turn the pump "OFF."
9. Disconnect the CLEAR suction line from the reservoir at cover plate. Disconnect the CLEAR return line at the cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
10. Turn the pump "ON" for 30 seconds to purge flushing solution from the cooler and lines. Turn the pump "OFF."
11. Place the CLEAR suction line into a one quart container of DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent A/T fluid.
12. Turn the pump "ON" until all AFT fluid is removed from the one quart container and lines. This purges any residual cleaning solvent from the transaxle cooler and lines. Turn the pump"OFF."
13. Disconnect the alligator clips from the bakery. Reconnect the flusher lines to the cover plate, and remove the flushing adapters from the cooler lines. Reconnect the cooler lines.
OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK
After the new or repaired transaxle has been installed, fill to the proper level with DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent A/T fluid. The flow should be checked using the following procedure:
CAUTION: with the fluid set at the proper level, A/T fluid collection should not exceed one quart or internal damage to the transaxle may occur.
1. Disconnect the OUTLET (From cooler) line at the transaxle and place a collecting container under the disconnected line.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed with the shift selector in neutral.
3. If A/T fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more than 20 seconds to collect one quart of A/T fluid, replace the cooler.
4. If flow is found to be within acceptable limits, reconnect the cooler line. Then fill the transaxle to the proper level, using DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent fluid.