SERVICE INTERVALS
Check transaxle fluid (and differential fluid on 3-speed) level at every engine oil change. Fluids should not be changed under normal operating conditions. Under continuous extreme operating conditions (trailer towing, heavy city traffic with ambient temperature greater than 90°F (32°C) or delivery service), fluids should be changed every 15,000 miles and the filter replaced every 90,000 miles.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
| CAUTION | If vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time at high speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or if vehicle has been pulling a trailer, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be made until vehicle has been parked and ATF is allowed to cool for about 30 minutes. |
- Start engine and allow transaxle fluid to reach normal operating temperature. With engine at idle, parking brake applied, drive wheels blocked and vehicle on level ground, move gearshift lever through all gear ranges, ending in Park.
- Remove transaxle dipstick, wipe clean and fully reinsert into filler tube. Remove dipstick again and inspect fluid level. Fluid level should be between FULL HOT and LOW HOT marks, or within the HOT area defined by the upper and lower notches on dipstick. (Scheme 43)
| CAUTION | DO NOT overfill transaxle. When transaxle is hot, .3 quart (.3 liter) of fluid will raise fluid level from LOW HOT to FULL HOT mark on dipstick. |
Scheme 43
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Use only Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for both transaxles and 3-speed differential.
DRAINING & REFILLING
Note. Manufacturer recommends flushing oil cooler after an overhaul, if metal or engine coolant contamination were present.