Owner Maintenance; Inspecting Automatic Transaxle ; Fluid Level- Page 249

8-15

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

▼

Inspecting Automatic Transaxle 
Fluid Level

The automatic transaxle fluid level should 
be inspected regularly. Measure it as 
described below.

The volume of fluid changes with the 
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle 
without driving at normal operating 
temperature.

1. Park on a level surface and set the 

parking brake firmly.

2. Idle the engine about two minutes.

Push down on the brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges 

and set it at P.

4. With the engine still idling, pull out the 

dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.

5. Pull it out again.

The proper fluid level is marked on the 
dipstick as follows.

Fluid hot scale A

When the vehicle has been driven and the 
fluid is at normal operating temperature, 
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be 
between Full and Low.

Fluid cold scale B

When the engine has not been running 
and the outside temperature is about 20°C 
(70°F), the level must be between Full and 
Low.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid 
(ATF)

•

Low fluid level causes transaxle 
slippage. Overfilling can cause 
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle 
malfunction.

•

Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A 
nonspecified fluid could result in 
transaxle malfunction and failure.

CAUTION

Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first 
depressing the brake pedal is 
dangerous. The vehicle could move 
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied 
before shifting the shift lever.

WARNING

A

B

J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book  Page 15  Saturday, June 8, 2002  11:16 AM