Automatic Transaxle FluidWhen to Check and Change AutomaticTransaxle FluidA good time to check your automatic transaxle fluidlevel is when the engine oil is changed.Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed inAdditional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sureto use the transaxle fluid listed in RecommendedFluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.How to Check AutomaticTransaxle FluidBecause this operation can be a little difficult, you maychoose to have this done at the dealership servicedepartment.If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructionshere, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage thetransaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluidcould come out and fall on hot engine or exhaustsystem parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid couldcause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get anaccurate reading if you check the transaxle fluid.Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxlefluid level if you have been driving:• When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).• At high speed for quite a while.• In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.• While pulling a trailer.To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normaloperating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F(82°C to 93°C).Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F(10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have todrive longer.5-21
