Preliminary Inspection
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
The following items must be checked before proceeding:
Know and Understand the Concern
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:Some transaxle conditions may cause engine concerns. The torque converter clutch not disengaging stalls the engine.
Determine customer concerns relative to vehicle use and dependent driving conditions, paying attention to the following items:
- 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 Transaxle Fluid Level and Condition
If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the transmission fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
The transmission fluid level reading on the transmission fluid level indicator will differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.
Transmission Fluid Level Check
NOTE:The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperature 85°C-93°C (185°F-200°F) on a level surface. Normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 mi) of driving and can be checked using the scan tool.
Under normal circumstances the transaxle fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transaxle starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of transaxle fluid leaking, the transaxle fluid level should be checked.
1. With the selector lever in PARK, the engine at idle, foot pressed on the brake, move the selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever in the PARK position.
2. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator cap and remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
3. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
4. Install the transmission fluid level indicator back in the transaxle filler tube until it is fully seated, then remove the transmission fluid level indicator. The transmission fluid level should be within the crosshatch.
High Transaxle Fluid Level
A transaxle fluid level that is too high may cause the transaxle fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transaxle fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, drain and refill the transaxle. See Transmission Fluid Drain And Refill.
Low Transaxle Fluid Level
A low transaxle fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.
Flat Tow Fluid Level
Recreational flat towing of the vehicle may require the transmission fluid to be set to a lower fluid level. This will prevent damage to the transmission. The transmission fluid level is within the normal operating range and will not require the transmission fluid level to be readjusted after recreational towing.
Adding Transaxle Fluid
CAUTION:The use of any other type of transaxle fluid than specified could result in transaxle malfunction and/or damage.
If transaxle fluid needs to be added, add transaxle fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube with the selector lever n PARK and the engine idling. Do not overfill the transaxle fluid.
Transaxle Fluid Condition Check
- Check the transaxle fluid level.
- Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
- Hold the fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
- If evidence of solid material is found, the transaxle fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
- If the stain is a foamy pink color, this may indicate coolant or water in the transaxle. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.
- If fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transaxle fluid pan, the transaxle must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter, cooler bypass valve, coolers and cooler tubes.
- Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. See Diagnosis By Symptom.
Water in Transmission Fluid
To correctly repair an automatic transaxle that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean and replace the following parts:
- All internal and external seals
- All friction material; clutches
- Torque converter
- All parts with bonded seals
- All solenoids
- All transmission fluid filters
Prior to installing the transaxle, the transaxle fluid cooler(s), transaxle fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler hoses need to be flushed and cleaned.