Draining & Refilling
WARNING:
When the transaxle is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the check/fill plug, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.
NOTE:
Some transaxles are equipped with a reusable-type oil pan gasket. Reusable oil pan gasket is constructed of rubber with metal or plastic backing. On transaxles equipped with reusable-type gasket, sealing surface of oil pan is flat. Transaxles not equipped with reusable-type gasket have a ridge on sealing surface of oil pan. Clean reusable gasket with solvent. Inspect reusable gasket for damage and replace as necessary. Using any other type of gasket in place of reusable-type gasket may result in fluid leaks.
NOTE:
If oil pan bolts are equipped with conical washers, do not reuse bolts if washers have become reversed. See Fig 1.
- Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under transaxle oil pan. Remove oil pan bolts from front and side. Loosen rear transaxle oil pan bolts about 4 turns each.
- Using a screwdriver, carefully pry pan loose. Allow fluid to drain. Remove bolts, and remove oil pan. Remove and discard old pan gasket, if reusable-type gasket is not used. Remove filter and "O" ring or sleeve-type seal. See Fig 2. Remove any remaining gasket material on transaxle case.
- Thoroughly clean pan, magnet and screen (if metal) with solvent, and then dry using compressed air. Replace filter and seal. See Fig 3. Lubricate with clean fluid before installation.
- Install filter assembly into filter pick-up tube recess. Install oil pan and gasket. Use NEW pan gasket if transaxle is not equipped with reusable-type gasket. Tighten pan bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Fill transaxle with appropriate fluid to proper level. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and FLUID CAPACITIES . Lower vehicle and start engine. Allow engine to idle until transaxle fluid reaches 104°F (20°C). Depress brake pedal and shift gear selector through all gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Place gear selector lever in Park.
- With engine running, raise vehicle and remove transaxle oil check plug. Add fluid in increments of one pint (0.5L) until fluid drains from oil check hole. Install oil check plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
CAUTION:
In this step, engine MUST be running when transaxle oil check plug is removed or excessive fluid loss will occur. Stand clear when removing oil check plug. Do not turn engine off with oil check plug removed.