Fluid Leak Diagnosis: Notes

Use this procedure when testing the fluid level in a vehicle. A low fluid level will result in slipping and loss of drive/reverse or delay on engagement of drive/reverse when the vehicle is cold.

The vehicle is first tested for transaxle diagnostic messages on the scan tool. A low oil level may register a vehicle speed signal fault.

Test drive the vehicle to determine if you can detect an abnormal delay when selecting drive or reverse or detect a loss of drive. One symptom of low fluid level is a momentary loss of drive when driving the vehicle around a corner. Also, when the transaxle fluid level is low, a loss of drive may occur when the transaxle fluid temperature is low.

When adding or changing transaxle fluid, use only ESSO LT 71141 or ISU H50235 automatic transaxle fluid or other approved fluids. The use of incorrect fluid will severely degrade the performance and the durability of the transaxle.