Automatic Transmission: Maintenance Isuzu Axiom I

CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION

Checking fluid level and condition (color and odor) at regular intervals will provide early diagnosis information about the transmission. This information may be used to correct a condition that, if not detected early, could result in major transmission repairs.

Important: When new, automatic transmission fluid is red in color. As the vehicle is driven, the transmission fluid will begin to look darker in color. The color may eventually appear light brown.

A dark brown color with burnt odor may indicate excessive fluid deterioration and signal a need for fluid change.

Fluid Level

When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXRON ®-III.

Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication articles for maintenance information and servicing interval.

Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid, abnormal shifting and possible damage to the transmission.

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Check fluid level with engine running at idle. NOTE: Be sure that transmission fluid temperature is below 30°C (86° F).
3. Move the selector lever through all gear ranges.
4. Move the selector lever to "Park".
5. Let engine idle for 3 minutes and open the overfill screw (1).
6. Add released transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening.
7. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32°C (90°F) and 57°C (135°F) is reached, then close the overfill screw (1).

Torque: 38 N.m (28 lb ft)

Note. To prevent fluid leaks, the overfill screw and oil drain screws gasket must be replaced each time these screws are removed.

Note. Check transmission fluid temperature with scan tool.

Minimum fluid level -> 57°C (135°F)

Maximum fluid level -> 32° C (90° F)

Scheme 99

If the vehicle has been operated under these conditions, shut the engine off and allow the vehicle to "cool" for thirty (30) minutes. After the cool down period, restart the vehicle and continue from step 2 above.

Scheme 100

Chart 16: Possible Causes Of Transmission Fluid Leaks

Before attempting to correct an oil leak, the actual source of the leak must be determined. In many cases, the source of the leak may be difficult to determine due to "wind flow" around the engine and transmission.

The suspected area should be wiped clean before inspecting for the source of the leak.

Oil leaks around the engine and transmission are generally carried toward the rear of the vehicle by the air stream. In determining the source of an oil leak, the following two checks should be made

1. With the engine running, check for external line pressure leaks.
2. With the engine off, check for oil leaks due to the raised oil level caused by drain back of converter oil into the transmission.

Scheme 101

CHANGING TRANSMISSION FLUID

There is no need to change the transmission fluid unless the transmission is used under one or more of the following heavy duty conditions.

1. Repeated short trips
2. Driving on rough roads
3. Driving on dusty roads
4. Towing a trailer

If the vehicle is used under these conditions, change the fluid every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).

1. Place a large drain pan under the oil pan.
2. Remove the transmission oil drain screw (2) and drain fluid.
3. Tighten drain screw (2). Torque: 38 N.m (28 lb ft)
4. Remove the transmission overfill screw (1) and fill transmission through overfill screw opening, using DEXRON®-III ATF. NOTE: Add transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening.
5. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32°C (90°F) and 57°C (135°F) is reached.
6. Add transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill screw opening, then close the overfill screw (1). Torque: 38 N.m (28 lb ft) NOTE: To prevent fluid leaks, the overfill screw and oil drain screws gasket must be replaced each time these screws are removed. NOTE: Check transmission fluid temperature with scan tool.
7. Reset "Oil Life Monitor" data by using Tech 2. Refer to «TECH 2 OBD II CONNECTION»(ref-194308-S37942693782005092700000) in Transmission Control System article.

Scheme 102