Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
• When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
• At high speed for quite a while.
• In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
• While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park your vehicle on a level place.
2. Warm the engine to normal operating temperature
until the electric radiator fan turns on at least once.
3. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
4. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in PARK (P).
Then, turn off the engine and follow these steps:
The transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the black loop near
the rear of the engine compartment, toward the center.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag
or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be between the upper
mark and the lower mark.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push
the dipstick back in all the way.
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