ATF Leak Detection (07-059)

ATF LEAK DETECTION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

REVISION SUMMARY

Under USING THE ATF LEAK DETECTION KIT, information on the fluid and level check has changed.

The ATF Leak Detection Kit, T/N UVUATFDYEKT, is a new required tool. The kit can be used to find hard-todiagnose transmission fluid leaks on any Acura vehicle with an automatic transmission.

The ATF Leak Detection Kit contains these items:

• UV-Phazer Lite (ultraviolet spotlight)
• Four AA batteries for the UV Phazer Lite
• Micro-LED Lite (ultraviolet wide-angle light)
• Battery charger for the Micro-LED Lite
• UV glasses
• Six 1 oz. bottles of Honda ATF Fluorescent Dye
• Six service stickers for the Honda ATF Dye
• Plastic storage case

ORDERING INFORMATION

One ATF leak detection kit was shipped to each current dealer as a required special tool. Additional kits can be ordered through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program at (888) 424-6857  . To order on the iN, click on Service  , then Service Bay  , then Tool and Equipment Program.  From the Tool and Equipment Program menu, click on the Online Catalog  tab, and then search for ATF Leak Detection  .

Additional dye packs containing six bottles of Honda

ATF Fluorescent Dye and six ATF dye service stickers (P/N 08200-ATFDYE) are available through normal parts ordering procedures.

USING THE ATF LEAK DETECTION KIT

1. Check to see if the A/T already has dye in it:
   • Remove the A/T dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean shop towel.
   • Using the UV glasses and the UV spotlight from the kit, shine the light onto the shop towel.

   Does the ATF on the towel have a bright yellow fluorescent glow? 

   Yes  - Do not add more dye. Go to step  3.

   No  - Go to step 2.

2. Using a clean funnel, pour one ounce (one bottle) of Honda ATF Fluorescent Dye into the A/T, through the filler hole. Reinsert the dipstick.
3. Thoroughly clean the transmission case with contact cleaner, dry it with compressed air, and check for residual fluid. If needed, repeat the cleaning process until all residual fluid is completely removed.
4. Raise the vehicle on a lift until the wheels are just off the ground.
5. Start the engine, then shift through all forward gears and reverse. Cycle through the gears at least 20 times.
   NOTE: If the engine doesn't shift past 2nd gear, keep the engine speed at 2,500 rpm, and shift from Drive to Neutral and back to Drive.
6. Stop the engine. Using the UV glasses and the UV lights from the kit, check the entire transmission for leaks. A leak will show up as a bright yellow fluorescent glow. Check these areas:
   • Pressure ports and switches
   • Solenoids
   • Seals and gaskets
   • Drain bolt
   • Entire case (for porosity)
     NOTE: Not all UV lights work well with all types of ATF dye. Use only the lights from the kit.

     Did you find the leak source(s)? 

     Yes  - Go to step  8.

     No  - Go to step 7.

7. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes, then recheck for leaks.

   Did you find the leak source(s)? 

   Yes  - Go to step 8.

   No  - Fill out an ATF dye service sticker. In the sticker's Fluid Change Mileage box, add 1,000 miles to the dye installation mileage. Attach the sticker to the top left corner of the windshield, then ask the client to return the vehicle for another leak inspection within 200 miles. When the vehicle returns, check it for ATF leaks.

   • If you find the leak source(s), go to step 8.
   • If no leaks are found, the initial ATF noticed by the client was probably residual fluid left over during manufacturing. Go to step  9.
8. Attempt to repair the leak(s) using the appropriate procedure(s) from the appropriate service manual.

   Was the leak repaired? 

   Yes  - Go to step 9.

   No  - Go to step  11.

9. Remove the ATF dye from the transmission using this procedure:
   NOTE: To avoid transmission damage, the ATF dye must be removed within 1,000 miles.
   1. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
   2. Drain the ATF (see service information on the proper fluid type and level check).
   3. Lower the vehicle, then refill the A/T with Acura ATF (see service information for the proper fluid type and level check).
   4. Raise the vehicle until the wheels are just off the ground.
   5. With the engine at normal operating temperature, press the accelerator pedal to raise the engine speed to 2,500 rpm.
      • If the A/T shifts past 2nd gear, go to substep f.
      • If the A/T doesn't shift past 2nd gear, keep the engine speed at 2,500 rpm, and shift from Drive to Neutral and back to Drive. Then go to substep f.
   6. After the A/T shifts through all forward gears, press the brake pedal until the vehicle speed drops to zero. Shift into Reverse and then into Neutral.
   7. Shift into Drive, then repeat substeps e and f four more times  .
   8. Repeat substeps a thru f two more times  .
   9. Drain the ATF, then refill the A/T with Acura ATF (see service information for the proper fluid type and level check). Use new sealing washers the final time you reinstall the filler bolt and the drain bolt.
10. Remove the ATF dye service sticker (if attached), then return the vehicle to the client.
11. Install a remanufactured A/T.
    NOTE: Before you order the transmission, circle any leak areas you found with a permanent marker and take a photo (you will need it to order a transmission). This will help the factory during the remanufacturing process. See service information for more detals.