Procedure

Preliminary Diagnosis

IMPORTANT:
The slip monitor values must be recorded prior to disconnecting vehicle battery.

1. Using a Scan tool, record all DTCs and transaxle slip monitor values.

^ If DTCs are present, refer to the Transaxle Controls section of the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual for the appropriate diagnostics for any DTCs set.

^ If no DTCs are present continue to step 2.

2. Drive vehicle to verify condition.

3. Remove transaxle control valve body assembly. (Refer to "Valvebody" removal procedure in the In-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.)

4. Inspect control valve body and transaxle for the following conditions and recondition transaxle if any are found.

^ Automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) smells burnt or is any color other then brilliant red. If transaxle has experienced excessive fluid temperatures, the ATF will begin to break down. During this process the fluid will actually lose its red color and will turn brownish in appearance and eventually will become clear or transparent.





^ Heavy amounts of iron sediment / debris present in or around valve body casting, control valve solenoids, filter magnet, and/or clutch housing. On vehicles with fewer than 2000 miles (3200 kilometers), only slight traces of iron sediment in these areas can be considered normal. Heavy or thick build up of iron sediment indicates transaxle clutch and control valve body damage. (Refer to illustration.)

IMPORTANT:
The 4th clutch housing has a normal heat treat discoloration in the area where the Park gear applies.





^ Clutch housing lube holes have clutch residue or clutch housings show discoloration due to excessive heat. (Refer to illustration.)

Transaxle Recondition / Inspection

1. Remove transaxle from vehicle. (Refer to "Automatic Transaxle Removal" procedure in the Out-of-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.)

2. Continue to follow the procedures in the Out-of-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual to recondition transaxle assembly.

CAUTION:
PROTECT YOURSELF BY WEARING SAFETY GLASSES WHEN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING CLEANING PROCEDURES.

3. Perform the following cleaning procedures:

^ While end cover assembly is disassembled, thoroughly flush end cover passages and feed tube using a recommended brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner. Use compressed air to ensure all debris is cleared and passages are dry.

^ Using the Oil Cooler Line Flusher SA9165T, or equivalent, flush transaxle oil cooler and lines using instructions included with tool.

- If Oil Cooler Line Flusher SA9165T, or equivalent, is not available, flush transaxle oil cooler and lines using a suction gun and a piece of 6 mm (1/4 in.) rubber fuel line, or equivalent.

a. Disconnect upper and lower cooler lines from transaxle.

b. Route upper cooler line to an approve oil drain container.

c. Attach a 6 mm (1/4 in.) rubber fuel line, or equivalent, to lower cooler line.

d. Use a suction gun to draw up clean ATF or mineral spirits.

e. Slowly push ATF or mineral spirits through lower cooler line using suction gun.

f. Periodically view upper cooler line that is routed to oil drain container until ATF or mineral spirits being passed is clean and clear of contaminates.

g. Once clean and clear fluid begins to pass from upper cooler line, repeat this procedure to back flush transaxle oil cooler and lines in the other direction to ensure transaxle oil cooler and lines are clear of all contaminates.

4. Perform the following inspection procedures:

^ Closely inspect all drive and driven gears for signs of heat distress or wear on gear tooth contact areas. If heat stress or wear is evident on gears, replace gear set(s).

^ Closely inspect torque converter hub that mates with transaxle oil pump.

- If there are any signs of excessive heat distress or wear on torque converter hub, replace torque converter and transaxle oil pump assembly.

- If no signs of heat distress or wear are evident, drain and reuse torque converter.

5. Obtain control valve body assembly (P/N 21002897) and replace during transaxle assembly.

6. Follow procedures in the Out-of-Vehicle Service section in the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual to assemble transaxle.

7. Install transaxle in vehicle. (Refer to "Automatic Transaxle Installation" procedure in the Out-of-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.)

8. Using a Scan tool, reset transaxle adaptives and perform learn-in procedure. (Refer to "Resetting Adaptive Parameters" and "Learn-In Procedure" in the Diagnostic Information a section of the 98-99 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.)

9. Test drive vehicle to verify proper repair.