For 1990-2009 cars

Use this procedure when testing the fluid level in a vehicle. A low fluid level will result in slipping and loss of drive/reverse or delay on engagement of drive/reverse when the vehicle is cold.

The vehicle is first tested for transaxle diagnostic messages on the scan tool. A low oil level may register a vehicle speed signal fault.

Test drive the vehicle to determine if you can detect an abnormal delay when selecting drive or reverse or detect a loss of drive. One symptom of low fluid level is a momentary loss of drive when driving the vehicle around a corner. Also, when the transaxle fluid level is low, a loss of drive may occur when the transaxle fluid temperature is low.

When adding or changing transaxle fluid, use only ESSO LT 71141 or ISU H50235 automatic transaxle fluid or other approved fluids. The use of incorrect fluid will severely degrade the performance and the durability of the transaxle.

### Fluid Level Diagnosis Procedure

1. If the vehicle is at operating temperature, allow the vehicle to cool down for 2-4 hours. When the vehicle is at a cool state, start the engine and allow the engine to idle for approximately 5 minutes at 825-875 RPM. If possible drive the vehicle for a few kilometers to allow the transaxle to be within the correct temperature range. Test the transaxle fluid level at temperature 20-45°C (68-113°F).
2. Switch OFF the accessories, especially the air conditioner and the heater.
3. With the brake pedal pressed, move the gear shift control lever through the gear ranges, pausing for a few seconds in each range. Return the gear shift lever to Park. Turn the engine OFF.

Note: The vehicle must be level to obtain a correct fluid level measurement.

4. Park the vehicle on a hoist, an inspection pit, or a similar raised level surface.
5. Place a fluid container below the fluid filler plug.

Warning: When the transmission is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the check/fill plug, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.

6. Clean all dirt from around the fluid filler plug. Remove the fluid filler plug Clean the filler plug and inspect for damage to the O-ring.

• | If fluid drains through the filler hole, the transaxle may have been overfilled. The fluid level is correct when the fluid stops draining. Install the fluid filler plug and tighten to 45 N·m (34 lb ft).

• | If fluid does NOT drain through the filler hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Lower the vehicle and start the vehicle in Park, with the park brake and the brake applied. With the engine idling, move the gear shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range and adding fluid until you feel the gear application. Return the gear shift lever to Park. Turn OFF the engine and raise the vehicle. Verify that the fluid level is aligned with the bottom of the filler hole. If not, add a small quantity of fluid to the correct level. Install the fluid filler plug and tighten to 45 N·m (34 lb ft).

7. Wipe any fluid around the filler plug with a rag or a shop towel.

### Fluid Level Set After Service

1. Depending on the service procedure performed, add the following amounts of fluid through the filler plug hole prior to adjusting the fluid level:

• | Oil pan removal - 4 liters (4.23 quarts)

• | Converter removal - 2 liters (2.11 quarts)

• | Overhaul - 6.9 liters (7.3 quarts)

• | Oil drain plug removal - 4 liters (4.23 quarts)

2. Follow steps 1-4 of the Fluid Level Diagnosis Procedure. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis.
3. Clean all dirt from around the fluid filler plug. Remove the fluid filler plug. Clean the filler plug and verify that the O-ring is not damaged.
4. Lower the vehicle with the filler plug still removed and start the vehicle in Park, with the park brake and brake applied. With the engine idling, move the gear shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range and adding the fluid until gear application is felt. Add an additional 0.5 liters (0.53 quarts) of fluid. Return the gear shift lever to Park. Turn the engine OFF and raise the vehicle install the fluid filler plug and tighten to 45 N·m (34 lb ft).
5. Drive the vehicle 3.5-4.5 km (2.2-2.8 mi) with light throttle so that the engine does not exceed 2500 RPM. This should result in the transaxle temperature being in the range 20-45°C (68-113°F) With the brake applied, move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range with the engine idling.
6. Return the gear shift lever to Park. Turn the engine OFF and raise the vehicle on the hoist, if applicable, ensuring that the vehicle is level. After 3 minutes, remove the filler plug. Observe whether the fluid level is aligned with the bottom of the filler hole. If not, add a small quantity of fluid at a time to the correct level. Install the fluid filler plug and tighten to 45 N·m (34 lb ft).
7. Wipe any fluid around the filler plug with a rag or shop towel.

### Methods for Locating Leaks

#### General Method

1. Verify that the leak is transaxle fluid.
2. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately 25 km (15 mi) or until the transaxle reaches normal operating temperature of approximately 88°C (190°F).
4. Park the vehicle over clean paper or cardboard.
5. Turn the engine OFF and look for fluid spots on the paper.
6. Make the necessary repairs to correct the leak.

#### Powder Method

1. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
2. Apply an aerosol type powder, such as foot powder, to the suspected leak area.
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately 25 km (15 mi) or until the transaxle reaches normal operating temperature of approximately 88°C (190°F).
4. Turn the engine OFF.
5. Inspect the suspected leak area and track the leak path through the powder to find the source of the leak.
6. Make the necessary repairs to correct the leak.

#### Dye and Black Light Method

1. Add dye to the transaxle through the fluid filler plug. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the amount of dye to use.
2. Use a black light to find the fluid leak.
3. Make the necessary repairs to correct the leak.

### Repairing the Fluid Leak

Once you have located the leak point, determine the source of the leak. The following list describes the potential causes for the leak:

• | Fasteners are not tightened to specification.

• | Fastener threads and fastener holes are dirty or corroded.

• | Gaskets, seals, or sleeves are misarranged, damaged, or worn.

• | Gasket surfaces or seal bores are damaged, warped, or scratched.

• | Loose or worn bearings can cause excess seal or sleeve wear.

• | The case or the components are too porous.

• | The fluid level is too high.

• | The vent is damaged or the vent tube is damaged.

• | The fluid contains water or coolant.

• | The fluid drain back holes are plugged.