SERVICE INTERVALS
Check fluid level at every engine oil change. Filter change and band adjustments are not required under normal operation. Fluid change is recommended every 30,000 miles. If vehicle is operated under following conditions, replace transmission fluid every 21,000 miles
- In hot weather with temperature greater than 90°F (32°C), carrying heavy loads and/or in hilly terrain.
- Towing a trailer or using a car top carrier.
- In police, taxi or door-to-door delivery service.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Note. On AX4S transaxle, fluid level should be checked when fluid is cold only for purposes of ensuring fluid level is above DO NOT DRIVE mark. Once fluid is above DO NOT DRIVE mark, follow CHECKING FLUID LEVEL procedure.
- Transmission or transaxle must be at normal operating temperature with vehicle on level ground. Apply parking brake, and run engine at curb idle. Shift gear selector lever through all positions, ending in PARK.
- Fluid level should be in crosshatch area on dipstick if checked at operating temperature. If transmission is at room temperature, fluid level should be between 2 dimples on bottom of dipstick.
- DO NOT overfill. Check condition of fluid for contamination and burned smell. Fully reseat dipstick.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Note. For recommended transfer case fluid, see the AUTO TRANS OVERHAUL article in AUTO TRANS OVERHAUL section.
| Application | Fluid Type |
|---|---|
| AX4N | Mercon (XT-2-QDX) |
| AX4S | Mercon (XT-2-QDX) |
TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION
DRAINING & REFILLING
| WARNING | On vehicles with electrical air suspension, power to air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. Air suspension switch is located in left side of trunk. Failure to do so can result in inflation or deflation of air springs, which may cause vehicle to shift during these operations. |
- Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under radiator. Disconnect inlet cooler line from radiator. Connect one end of appropriate rubber hose to end of transaxle cooler line and place opposite end of hose in drain pan. CAUTION: Shut engine off as soon as fluid flow from transaxle stops. Failure to shut engine off immediately when fluid flow stops will result in transaxle damage.
- Start engine and idle below 1500 RPM for approximately 40-60 seconds until steady stream of fluid stops. Stop engine and add 10 qt. (9.6L) ATF. Start engine and idle below 1500 RPM for approximately 2-3 minutes until steady stream of fluid stops. Stop engine.
- Reattach cooler line at radiator. Add 2.0 qts. (1.9L) ATF. Start engine and shift transaxle through all gears. Add fluid in .5-pt. (.25L) portions, until proper level is reached.