AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) INSPECTION [AY6A-EL, AY6AX-EL]

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  Caution
  • Adjust the ATF level when the ATF is at the appropriate temperature (between 37 °C {99 °F} and under 47 °C {117 °F}).
  • Do not remove the blind cap because it is not a removable part.

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  Note
  • Be careful of the following.
    ― Do not stop the engine.
    ― Do not drive the vehicle.
    ― Position the vehicle on level ground.

Using M-MDS

1. Connect the M-MDS to the DLC-2.

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2. Verify the ATF temperature using the PID/DATA monitor function “TFT”. (See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DTC INSPECTION [AY6A-EL, AY6AX-EL].).

  • High temperature (47 °C {117 °F} or more)
  • Appropriate temperature (between 37 °C {99 °F} and under 47 °C {117 °F})
  • Low temperature (less than 37 °C {99 °F})

3. Start the engine.

4. Warm up the engine while idling it until the ATF temperature reaches the lower limit of 37 °C {99 °F}.

5. Perform the following procedure.

  Note
  • Perform the following procedure immediately because the ATF temperature will exceed the appropriate temperature (between 37 °C {99 °F} and under 47 °C {117 °F}).
  • Shift the selector lever to each positions and hold for 2 s or more.

  1. Shift the selector lever to the P position.
  2. Shift the selector lever in the order of P position→R position→N position→D position.
  3. Shift the selector lever in the order of D position→N position→R position→P position.
  4. Shift the selector lever in the order of P position→R position→N position→D position.
  5. Shift the selector lever in the order of D position→N position→R position→P position.

6. Verify that the ATF temperature is within the appropriate temperature range (between 37 °C {99 °F} and under 47 °C {117 °F}).

7. Remove the overflow plug, and the O-ring while leaving the engine idling.

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8. Verify the color and odor of the ATF dripping from the overflow tube.

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

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

Condition | Possible cause
--- | ---
Clear dark red | Normal | —
Light red (pink) | Contaminated with water | • Damaged oil cooler If necessary, replace the transaxle.
Reddish brown | Has burnt smell and metal particles are found | Deteriorated ATF | Defective powertrain components inside the transaxle: Particles cause wide range of problems by clogging the oil pipe, control valve body and oil cooler. • A large amount of metal particles are found. If necessary, replace the transaxle. • Flush the system due to possible clogging of the oil pipe or oil cooler.
Has no burnt smell | Normal | • Discoloration by oxidation

10. Apply ATF to a new O-ring and install it on the overflow plug.

11. Install a new O-ring and overflow plug.

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  Tightening torque

  5.9—8.8 N·m {61—89 kgf·cm, 53—77 in·lbf}

12. Wipe off ATF remaining on the overflow plug.

13. Stop the engine.

Using ATF temperature display mode

  Note
  • Perform the procedure for switching to the ATF temperature display mode within 3 min. If the procedure is not completed within 3 min, the switching procedure is cancelled.
  • If the flashing of each light cannot be verified as according to the procedure while switching to the ATF temperature display mode, the switching procedure has failed. Repeat the procedure from the beginning.

1. Engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks at the front and rear of the wheels.

2. Perform the following and verify that the gear position indicator light flashes 2 times.

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  1. Switch the ignition to ACC.
  2. Turn the A/C switch off.
  3. Depress the brake pedal with the left foot and hold it in that condition (continue to depress the brake pedal until Step 5 is completed).
  4. Shift the selector lever from the P position to the M position.
  5. Depress the accelerator pedal with the right foot all the way down and hold it in that condition (continue to depress the brake pedal until Step 4 (3) is completed).
  6. Shift the selector lever to the M (+) or M (-) and hold it in that condition.
  7. Switch the ignition ON (engine off).
  8. Verify that the gear position indicator light flashes 2 times after approx. 5 s.

3. Perform the following procedure and verify that the N position display of the selector indicator light flashes 2 times.

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  Note
  • Slowly and firmly shift the selector lever operation.

  1. Shift the selector lever in the order of M position→D position→N position→R position→P position.
  2. Shift the selector lever in the order of P position→R position→N position.
  3. Remove the right foot from the accelerator pedal.
  4. Verify that the N position display flashes 2 times.

4. Perform the following procedure and verify that the AT warning light flashes 2 times.

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  1. Start the engine.
  2. Shift the selector lever quickly between the N position and the D position for 6 s or more.
  3. Verify that the AT warning light flashes 2 times.

5. Perform the following procedure and verify that the P position display flashes.

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  Note
  • Shift the selector lever to each positions and hold for 2 s or more.

  1. Shift the selector lever to the P position.
  2. Shift the selector lever in the order of D position→N position→R position→P position.
  3. Shift the selector lever in the order of P position→R position→N position→D position.
  4. Shift the selector lever in the order of P position→R position→N position→D position.
  5. Shift the selector lever in the order of D position→N position→R position→P position.
  6. Verify that the TCM switches to the ATF temperature display mode via the P position display flashing.

6. Verify the ATF temperature using the P position display flashing pattern.

  Note
  • Finish the "ATF temperature display mode" when any one of the following conditions is met:
    ― Switch the ignition to ACC or off
    ― Vehicle speed is 3 km/h {2 mph} or more
    ― Malfunction occurs in transaxle

ATF temperature | Selector indicator light (P position display) flashing pattern
--- | ---
High temperature (47 °C {117 °F} or more) |
Appropriate temperature (between 37 °C {99 °F} and under 47 °C {117 °F}) |
Low temperature (less than 37 °C {99 °F}) |  |

7. Verify that the ATF temperature is within the appropriate temperature range (between 37 °C {99 °F} and under 47 °C {117 °F}).

8. Remove the overflow plug, and the O-ring while leaving the engine idling.

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9. Verify the color and odor of the ATF dripping from the overflow tube.

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

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

Condition | Possible cause
--- | ---
Clear dark red | Normal | —
Light red (pink) | Contaminated with water | • Damaged oil cooler If necessary, replace the transaxle.
Reddish brown | Has burnt smell and metal particles are found | Deteriorated ATF | Defective powertrain components inside the transaxle: Particles cause wide range of problems by clogging the oil pipe, control valve body and oil cooler. • A large amount of metal particles are found. If necessary, replace the transaxle. • Flush the system due to possible clogging of the oil pipe or oil cooler.
Has no burnt smell | Normal | • Discoloration by oxidation

11. Apply ATF to a new O-ring and install it on the overflow plug.

12. Install a new O-ring and overflow plug.

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  Tightening torque

  5.9—8.8 N·m {61—89 kgf·cm, 53—77 in·lbf}

13. Wipe off ATF remaining on the overflow plug.

14. Stop the engine.