A/T Fluid Replacement

If you have an A/T fluid changer, use this changer to replace the A/T fluid. If you do not have an A/T fluid changer, replace the A/T fluid by the following procedure.

1. Disconnect the hose shown in the illustration which connects the transaxle and the oil cooler (inside the radiator). Place a container under the hose to collect the discharge.
   Fig 1: Locating Transaxle To Oil Cooler Hose

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
CAUTION: The engine should be stopped within one minute after it is started. If all the A/T fluid has drained out before then, the engine should be stopped at that point.
2. Start the engine and let the A/T fluid drain out. (Running conditions: "N" range with engine idling)

   Approximately 3.5 dm ³  (3.7 quarts) of A/T fluid should be removed. 

3. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the transaxle case to drain the A/T fluid.

   Approximately 2.0 dm ³  (2.1 quarts) of A/T fluid should be removed. 

   Fig 2: Locating Transaxle Drain Plug

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. Install the drain plug with a new gasket, and tighten it to the specified torque.

   Tightening torque: 32 +/- 2 N.m (24 ft-lb) 

CAUTION: Stop pouring if the full volume of A/T fluid can not be added.
5. Add new A/T fluid (DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent) through the oil filter tube.

   Approximately 5.5 dm ³  (5.8 quarts) of A/T fluid should be added. 

6. Repeat the procedure in Step 2. (to pump out the rest of the contaminated A/T fluid)
7. Add new A/T fluid (DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent) through the oil filter tube.

   Approximately 3.5 dm ³  (3.7 quarts) of A/T fluid should be added. 

   NOTE: Check for contamination or a burnt odor. If the A/T fluid is still contaminated or burnt, repeat Steps 6 and 7 before proceeding to Step 8.
8. Reconnect the hose which was disconnected in step 1 above, and firmly replace the dipstick.
   Fig 3: Locating Transaxle To Oil Cooler Hose

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
9. Start the engine and run it at idle for one to two minutes.
10. Move the selector lever through all positions, and then move it to the "N" position.
11. Check that the A/T fluid level is at the "COLD" mark on the dipstick. If the level is less than this, add A/T fluid.
NOTE: The A/T fluid temperature is measured with scan tool MB991502 (MUT-II).
NOTE: The "COLD" level is for reference only; the "HOT" level should be regarded as the standard level.
NOTE: If it takes some amount of time until the A/T fluid reaches its normal operating temperature [70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F)], check the A/T fluid level by referring to the left diagram.
Fig 4: Identifying Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
12. Drive the vehicle until the A/T fluid temperature rises to the normal operating temperature [70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F)], and then check the A/T fluid level again. The A/T fluid level must be at the "HOT" mark.
13. When the A/T fluid is less than the specified level, add A/T fluid.

    When the A/T fluid is greater than the specified level, drain the excess fluid through the drain plug to adjust the A/T fluid to the specified level.

    Fig 5: Automatic Transaxle Fluid Reference Graph

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
14. Firmly insert the dipstick into the oil filler tube.