A/T - Fluid Level Checking Precautions
No: 10/02/01/NASRef:
Issue: 2
Date: 03/15/02
Jatco Transmission Fluid Level Check
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Freelander (LN) ALL
SITUATION:
FLUID LEVEL CHECK HAS RISK FOR TRANSMISSION DAMAGE
The location of the gearbox fluid level plug is not obvious. This has led to uncertainty over the correct plug to remove.
RESOLUTION:
VERIFY PROPER PLUG IS REMOVED FOR LEVEL CHECK
CAUTION:
Because of the similarity to other plugs and fasteners on the transmission, the potential for loosening an incorrect fastener, instead of the level plug, exists. There is a risk for internal transmission damage if the improper fastener is removed.
^ Removal of the reduction gear brake band bolt can cause total loss of drive or a substantial reduction in the performance of the transmission.
^ Removal of the parking pawl rod plate retaining bolt (located next to the XYZ switch) will result in gear selection problems / gear lever movement restrictions.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES must these items be removed or loosened. Doing so will invalidate any warranty claim made. Damage caused by improper service procedures is NOT warrantable.
In normal service, only the fluid level plug and fluid filler plug should be removed.
Always ensure that the proper plug has been identified as outlined in this TIB and in the Maintenance section of the Workshop Manual on RAVE. Ensure also that the area around the plug has been wiped clean to avoid contamination prior to checking fluid levels.
PARTS INFORMATION:
LRN402 ATF 1 pint
WARRANTY CLAIMS:
Normal warranty policy and procedures apply.
Material allowance is included in labor operation.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF LEVEL PLUG
1. Refer to illustration. The level plug (arrowed) is fitted vertically into the underside of the gearbox casing, alongside the selector cable bracket and can be identified by its 5 mm Allen socket head.
WARNING:
Care MUST be exercised when draining gearbox fluid. The fluid can be very hot.
2. The level plug closes the lower end of an internal level tube, therefore only excess fluid will be expelled when the plug is removed.
3. Refer to the Maintenance Section of the RAVE disc and to the supplementary information below for proper fluid check procedures.
PROPER LEVEL CHECKING PROCEDURE
1. Park on a level surface.
2. If the oil coolers have been drained, verify that the oil cooler is filled with ATF.
3. Measure ATF temperature using TestBook/T4.
NOTE:
If a new gearbox has been fitted, the vehicle be shifted up from 1st gear to 5th gear after fitting automatic gearbox.
4. If the ATF temperature is above 30°C (88F), wait until the temperature goes down below 30°C.
5. When ATF temperature reaches 30°C, add 500cc (1 pint) of ATF (LRN402) through the filler tube.
6. Start the engine and allow vehicle to idle in "P" to raise the temperature.
7. When ATF temperature rises to between 30°-35°C, move the selector lever from 'P' position to "2" position sequentially stopping at each range for a few seconds.
8. Position the selector lever back in "P" position and wait for 30 seconds.
9. Verify that ATF temperature is above 40°C (104° F).
NOTE:
Collection of the drained excess ATF will provide an indication of the previous fluid level in the transmission.
^ Always verify that ATF temperature is above 40°C (104° F) when level check starts.
^ Ensure the correct plug is being removed prior to loosening anything.
^ If the situation shown in Figure 4 continues for more than 10 seconds level check is done.
10. Remove the oil level plug and collect excess ATF in a clean container.
11. When draining of ATF stops (Figures 2-4), install a new drain plug/washer assembly and tighten to 13.5 - 16.5 Nm (9-12 lbf.ft.)