Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Basic Testing and Inspection System

Use either of the following procedures to identify the type of oil that is leaking:

Using UV light (black light)
1. Remove any oil on the engine or transaxle.

NOTE: Referring to the fluorescent dye instruction manual, mix the specified amount of dye into the engine oil or ATF (or transaxle oil).

2. Pour the fluorescent dye into the engine oil or ATF (or transaxle oil).
3. Allow the engine to run for 30 minutes.
4. Inspect for dye leakage by irradiating with UV light (black light), and identify the type of oil that is leaking.
- If no dye leakage is found, allow the engine to run for another 30 minutes or drive the vehicle then reinspect.

5. Find where the oil is leaking from, then make necessary repairs.

NOTE: To determine whether it is necessary to replace the oil after adding the fluorescent dye, refer to the fluorescent dye instruction manual.




Not using UV light (black light)
1. Gather some of the leaking oil using an absorbent white tissue.
2. Take samples of engine oil and ATF (or transaxle oil), both from the dipstick, and place them next to the leaked oil already gathered on the tissue.
3. Compare the appearance and smell, and identify the type of oil that is leaking.
4. Remove any oil on the engine or transaxle.
5. Allow the engine to run for 30 minutes.
6. Check the area where the oil is leaking, then make necessary repairs.