AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) INSPECTION [FN4A-EL]

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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

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 defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle.

Reddish brown

Has burnt smell and metal specks are found

Deteriorated ATF

•  Defect 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.

―  When large amount of metal specks are found, overhaul transaxle and detect defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle.

―  Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility to have specks plugging up oil pipe and/or oil cooler inside of radiator.

Has no burnt smell

Normal

•  Discoloration by oxidation

ATF 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 defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle.
Reddish brown	Has burnt smell and metal specks are found	Deteriorated ATF	• Defect 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. ― When large amount of metal specks are found, overhaul transaxle and detect defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle. ― Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility to have specks 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.

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 position (P—D) 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