Inspecting Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level

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

2.5-liter engine

CAUTION:
Always check the automatic
transaxle fluid level according to the following procedure. If the procedure is not done correctly, the automatic transaxle fluid level cannot be measured accurately which could lead to automatic transaxle damage.

A low fluid level can cause
transaxle slippage. Overfilling can cause foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle malfunction.

Use only the specified fluid. A nonspecified
fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.

1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.

2. Make sure there is no ATF leakage from the ATF hose or the housing.

3. Shift the shift lever to the park position (P), start the engine and warm it up.

CAUTION:
Do not shift the shift lever while the engine is warming up. If the ATF level is extremely low, the automatic transaxle could be damaged.

4. While the engine is still idling, pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean, and then put it back.

5. Check the ATF level. If there is no ATF adhering 5 mm from the end of the dipstick, add ATF.

CAUTION:
If there is no ATF adhering to the dipstick even after the engine has been warmed up, do not drive the vehicle. Otherwise, the automatic transaxle could be damaged.

6. Shift the shift lever to each range and position, and make sure there is no abnormality.

7. Drive the vehicle on city roads for 5 km (3.1 mile) or more.

8. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.

9. Shift the shift lever to the park position (P), check the ATF level while the engine is idling, and make sure that the ATF level is within the proper level. If the ATF level is not within the proper level, add ATF.

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

3.7-liter engine

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

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

Use specified fluid. A
nonspecified fluid could result in transaxle malfunction and failure.

1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.

2. Start the engine and depress the brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges, then set it at P.

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

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 fluid level should be close to, but not above, the bottom notch on the dipstick.

CAUTION:
Use the cold scale only as a
reference.

If outside temperature is lower
than about 20°C (70°F), start the engine and inspect the fluid level after the engine reaches operating temperature.

If the vehicle has been driven for
an extended period at high speeds or in city traffic in hot weather, inspect the level only after stopping the engine and allowing the fluid to cool for 30 minutes.

Fully insert the dipstick. When adding fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make sure it doesn't pass full.

NOTE:
Inspect the fluid on both sides of the dipstick in a well lit area for an accurate reading.