Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

1. CHECK FLUID LEVEL

HINT:
^ Drive the vehicle so that the engine and transaxle are at normal operating temperature.

Fluid temp.: 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F)

^ Only use the COOL range on the dipstick as a rough reference when the fluid is replaced or the engine does not run.




- Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever into all positions from the P to the L position and return to the P position.
- Pull out the level gauge and wipe it clean.
- Push it back fully into the pipe.



- Pull it out and check that the fluid level is in the HOT range.
- If the level is at the low side, add fluid.
NOTICE: DO NOT OVERFILL.

Fluid type: DEXR0N II

2. CHECK FLUID CONDITION
- If the fluid smells burnt or is black, replace it.

3. REPLACE ATF



- Remove the drain plug and drain the fluid.
- Reinstall the drain plug securely.
- With the engine OFF, add new fluid through the oil filler pipe.

Fluid type: DEXRON II
Capacity:
- Dry till: 6.75 liters (7.1 US qts, 5.9 Imp, qts)
- Drain and refill: 3.50 liters (3.7 US qts, 3.1 Imp. qts)




- Start the engine and shift the shift lever into all positions from the P to the L position and then shift into the P position.
- With the engine idling, check the fluid level. Add fluid up to the COOL level on the dipstick.



- Check the fluid level at the normal operating temp. 70 - 80 °C (158 - 176 °F), and add as necessary.
NOTICE: DO NOT OVERFILL.

4. CHECK FLUID LEAKS
- Check for leaks in the transaxle.
- If there are leaks, it is necessary to repair or replace 0-rings, seal packing, oil seals, plugs or other parts.

5. INSPECT AND ADJUST THROTTLE CABLE
- Check that the accelerator pedal is fully released.
- Check that the inner cable is not slack.



- Measure the distance between the outer cable end and stopper on the cable.

Standard distance: 0 - 1 mm (0 - 0.04 in.)

- If the distance is not standard, adjust the cable by the adjusting nuts.

6. INSPECT AND ADJUST SHIFT LEVER POSITION
- When shifting the shift lever from the N position to other positions, check that the lever can be shifted smoothly and accurately to each position and that the position indicator correctly indicates the position.
- If the indicator is not aligned with the correct position, carry out the following adjustment procedures.



- Loosen the swivel nut on the manual shift lever.



- Push the manual lever fully toward the right side of the vehicle.
- Return the lever 2 notches to the N position.
- Set the shift lever to the N position.
- While holding the shift lever lightly toward the R position side, tighten the swivel nut.
- Start the engine and make sure that the vehicle moves forward when shifting the lever from the N to D position and reverses when shifting it to the R position.

7. INSPECT AND ADJUST PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
- Check that the engine can be started with the shift lever only in the N or P position, but not in other positions.
- If not as stated above, carry out the following adjustment procedure.
- Loosen the park/neutral position switch bolt and set the shift lever to the N position.



- Align the groove and neutral basic line.
- Hold in position and tighten the bolt.

Torque: 5.4 Nm (55 kgf.cm, 48 in.lb)

- For continuity inspection of the park/neutral position switch.

8. INSPECT IDLE SPEED

Idle speed: 700 ± 50 rpm
(In N position and air conditioner OFF)


^ If the cause of the problem has been determined repair as necessary.
If not, proceed to the Mechanical System Tests.