7-19
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLECHECKING THE
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
FLUID LEVELThe automatic transaxle fluid level
should be checked regularly. Take the
following precautions to measure the
fluid level properly.The volume of the transaxle fluid changes
with temperature. For that reason, it is
best to check the level after having driven
the vehicle for 30 minutes. If necessary,
however, the fluid can also be checked
when the vehicle has not been driven.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground and
set the parking brake firmly.
2. Allow the engine to idle for about 2
minutes, then depress the brake
pedal. Move the shift lever slowly
through all ranges then set it in the P
(Park) position.
3. With the engine still idling, pull the
dipstick out, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
4. Pull the dipstick out again.
The fluid level is checked as follows:
MMSA7010
CAUTION
• Low fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
• The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transaxle
malfunction and failure.
WARNING - Parking
Brake
To avoid sudden movement of
the vehicle, set the parking
brake and depress the brake
pedal while shifting the shift
lever.
MS-CNA-Eng 7.QXD 7/25/2005 5:09 PM Page 19
