Preliminary Inspection - External Controls
PRELIMINARY INSPECTIONThe following items must be checked before proceeding:
Know and Understand the Concern
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift fuel by using an adaptive learning strategy. During the first few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation, it is normal for your transaxle to have abrupt shifts. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation.
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 or unloaded.
After understanding when and how the concern occurs, proceed to verifying the concern.
Verification of Condition
This section provides information which must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and carrying out the appropriate repair procedures. The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the transaxle:
Determine Customer Concerns
Note: If noise/vibration, check for dependencies: rpm, vehicle speed, shift, gear, range or temperature.
Note: Some transaxle conditions may cause engine concerns. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will stall the engine.
- Hot or cold vehicle operating temperature.
- Hot or cold ambient temperature.
- Type of terrain.
- Vehicle loaded/unloaded.
- City/highway driving.
- Upshift.
- Downshift.
- Coasting.
- Engagement.
- Noise/vibration-check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent, or temperature dependent.
Check Fluid Level and Condition
Caution: The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is below the bottom hole on the fluid level indicator and the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
Note: Automatic transaxle fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid level check, drive the vehicle until warmed, approximately 30 km (20 miles). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather, or while pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking.
Under normal circumstances, there is no need to check the fluid level of the transaxle, since the vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. However, if the transaxle is not working correctly, for instance, the transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or there may be some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
Fluid Level Check
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With your foot on the brake, start the engine and move the range selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the range selector in P (park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a clean cloth.
6. Install the fluid level indicator, making sure that it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the fluid level indicator. The fluid should be in the designated areas for normal and room temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Figure
Table
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid level is below the hole at the bottom of the fluid level indicator and the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
High Fluid Level
Fluid levels above the safe range can result in transaxle failure. An overfill condition of transaxle fluid can cause shift or engagement concerns, or possible damage.
High fluid levels can cause an overheating condition. See the previous note.
Adding Fluid
Caution: Use of a non-approved automatic transaxle fluid can cause internal transaxle component damage. An overfill condition of transaxle fluid can cause shift or engagement concerns, or possible damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated on the fluid level indicator or fluid level indicator handle.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill condition occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified technician.
Fluid Condition Check
Note: Evidence of fluid contamination, breakdown, or incorrect fluid can cause poor shift quality. If the transaxle fluid condition is suspect, drain the transaxle and replace the fluid with MERCON (R) Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) or equivalent meeting MERCON (R) specification.
- Make the normal fluid level check as described in Fluid Level Check, in this Section.
- Observe the color and odor of the fluid. It should be red, not brown or black. Odor can indicate an overheating condition or clutch disc or band failure.
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe the fluid level indicator. Examine the stain for evidence of solid particles and signs of antifreeze (gum or varnish on the fluid level indicator).
If particles are present in the fluid or there is evidence of contamination, the transaxle drain plug should be removed and a sample of the fluid filtered through a paper filter and examined. If transaxle failure is confirmed by further evidence of coolant or excessive particles in the fluid, the transaxle must be completely cleaned and repaired. This includes cleaning and flushing the torque converter and transaxle cooling system. During disassembly and assembly all overhaul checks and adjustments of clearances and end play must be made. After repairing the transaxle, all diagnostic tests and adjustments listed in the diagnosis section must be completed to make sure that the problem has been eliminated.