AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) INSPECTION

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Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Condition Inspection

1.  One way of determining whether the transaxle should be disassembled is by noting:

•  If the ATF is muddy or varnished.
•  If the ATF smells strange or unusual.

ATF Condition

Condition

Possible cause
Clear red
Normal
—
Light red: pink
Contaminated with water
•  Broken oil cooler inside of radiator
•  Poor filler tube installation:
Problem could be occurring to parts inside the transaxle by water contamination. It is necessary to overhaul transaxle and detect defective parts. If necessary, replace transaxle.
Reddish brown
Has burnt smell and metal specks are found
Deteriorated ATF
Defective powertrain components inside of transaxle: Specks cause wide range of problems by plugging up in oil pipe, control valve body and oil cooler in radiator.
•  If a large amount of metal specks are found, overhaul transaxle and detect defective parts. If necessary, replace transaxle.
•  Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility specks are plugging up oil pipe and/or oil cooler inside of radiator.
Has no burnt smell
Normal
•  Discoloration by oxidation


Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Level Inspection

Caution
•  The ATF amount varies according to ATF"s temperature. Therefore, when checking 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.  Park the vehicle on level ground.

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

3.  Connect the M-MDS to the DLC-2.

L.H.D.

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R.H.D.

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4.  Monitor the ATF temperature using the M-MDS.

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

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

7.  Shift the selector lever to P position.

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

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•  If necessary, add ATF to the specification.
ATF type
ATF M‐V