Checking Fluid Levels
WARNING:
Make sure vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned on hoist. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for vehicle on opposite end from which components are being removed. Transaxle fluid is hot. Caution must be taken to prevent personal injury in the event transaxle fluid does drain from plug hole after plug is removed.
WARNING:
Saturn ATF (P/N 21005966) is not compatible with this transaxle. If Saturn ATF is used, transaxle damage will result.
NOTE:
The 4T40-E and 4T45-E transaxles are not equipped with a dipstick.
- Start engine and operate vehicle until transaxle fluid temperature reaches at least 104°F (40°C). Depress brake pedal and move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return shift lever to Park range. For vehicles equipped with 2.2L engine, go to next step. For vehicles equipped with 3.0L engine, go to step 3.
- Remove clamp from A.I.R. hose behind cooling fan. Separate A.I.R. tube from hose and push tube back toward transaxle. See Fig 1. Note original position of A.I.R. components. Remove power steering hose clip (1) holding 2 power steering lines together. See Fig 2.
- Raise vehicle. Vehicle must be level, with engine running. Remove transaxle oil level plug. See Fig 3. Check fluid level. Transmission fluid level should be even with bottom of threaded plug hole. Check condition of transaxle fluid. See FLUID DIAGNOSIS .
- If fluid level is low, add DEXRON-III ATF in increments of 0.5 Qt. until fluid drains from plug hole. If more than 1.6 Qts. of fluid needs to be added to transaxle, transaxle may have a leak.
- Allow fluid to finish draining from plug hole. Install plug, and wipe any excess fluid from transaxle with a rag or shop towel. Tighten transaxle fluid level plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . For vehicles equipped with 2.2L engine, go to next step. For vehicles equipped with 3.0L engine, fluid check is complete.
- Install hose clip to 2 power steering lines. Pull A.I.R. tube back to original position. Insert tube into hose and install clamp. Ensure stand-off clip between A.I.R. tube and wiring harness is installed correctly.
NOTE:
Before re-installing transaxle level plug, apply Loctite Threadlocker 242®.
CAUTION:
There is a stand-off clip between A.I.R. tube and wiring harness at front of transaxle. This must be in place to eliminate possibility of chafing between tube and wiring harness. See Fig 4.
NOTE:
Hose clamp must be installed with locking portion facing down.