Automatic Transaxle Fluid; When to Check and Change; How to Check- Page 289

6-19

Once you remove your filter, if you choose not to
replace it, it will not damage your vehicle. However, the
air will no longer be filtered.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

When to Check and Change

A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.

Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles 
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one 
or more of these conditions:

D

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90

_

F (32

_

C) or higher.

D

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

D

When doing frequent trailer towing.

D

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

If you do not use your vehicle under any of 
these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 
100,000 miles (166 000 km).

See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

How to Check

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you 
may choose to have this done at the dealership 
service department.

If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.

NOTICE:

Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure 
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:

D

When outside temperatures are above 90

_

F (32

_

C).

D

At high speed for quite a while.

D

In heavy traffic 

--

 especially in hot weather.

D

While pulling a trailer.