AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) INSPECTION [FN4A-EL]

BME051719001201

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Condition Inspection

1. Inspect the ATF for the following to determine whether the transaxle should be disassembled.

• The ATF is muddy.
• The ATF smells strange or unusual.

ATF Condition

Condition

Possible cause

Clear red
Normal
-
Light red: pink
Contaminated with water
• Damaged oil cooler inside radiator
• Improper filler tube installation:
Problem could occur to parts inside the transaxle due to water contamination. It is necessary to overhaul transaxle and detect malfunctioning parts. If necessary, replace the transaxle.
Reddish brown
Has burnt smell and metal specks are found
Deteriorated ATF
Malfunctioning powertrain components inside of transaxle: Particles cause wide range of malfunctions resulting from clogging in oil pipe, control valve body and oil cooler in radiator.
• When large amount of metal sharings are found, overhaul transaxle and detect malfunctioning parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle.
• Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility to have particles clogged in oil pipe and/or oil cooler inside the radiator.
Has no burnt smell
Normal
• Discoloration due to oxidation

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Level Inspection

Caution
• The ATF amount varies according to ATF temperature. Therefore, when inspecting the ATF level or replacing the ATF, use a thermometer to measure the temperature then adjust the ATF amount to the specified level according to the specified temperature.

1. Place the vehicle on level ground.

2. Apply the parking brake and position wheel chocks securely to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

3. Adjust the length or thermistor probe to measure the same depth as the depth gauge and hold the probe with a paper holder. Insert into the filler tube and measure the temperature.

• Inspect the ATF before warming up the engine if necessary using the cool range15-25 °C {59-77 °F}.

4. Warm up the engine until the ATF reaches 60-70 °C {140-158 °F}.

5. Shift the selector lever and pause momentarily in each range (D-L) while depressing the brake pedal.

6. Shift the selector lever to the P position.

7. Verify that the ATF level is in the HOT range (65 °C {149 °F}) while the engine is idling.

• Add ATF to the specification If necessary.
ATF type
ATF M-V