Fluid Level Inspection
The threshold of the fill hole opening extends 40 mm (1.5 in) into the transaxle before turning downward into the sump near the differential ring gear carrier.
It is acceptable to top-off fluid level in the case of fluid loss due to service of halfshaft, seal, etc.
- On vehicles equipped with 1.4 L Engine, add fluid until it reaches bottom of the fill hole.
- On vehicles equipped with 1.4 L Turbo Engine, The minimum acceptable fluid level is 15 mm (0.6 in) below the bottom of the fill hole.
- On vehicles with 2.0 L and 2.4 L Engines, add fluid until it reaches the rolled lower edge of the sloped ramp 40 mm (1.5 in) inside the threshold of the fill hole next to the differential ring gear carrier. This surface is approximately 8 mm (0.3 in) below the bottom of the fill hole.
- On vehicles with 2.0 L and 2.4 L engines, the minimum acceptable fluid level is 23 mm (0.9 in) below the bottom of the fill hole.
To fabricate a fluid level dipstick, cut a 15 mm (0.6 in) wide strip, length wise, from a common business card. At 30 mm (1.2 in) from one end, fold the strip to 90°. The short end of the strip is the dipstick and the long end is the handle. Insert the paper dipstick into the fill hole and press the handle end against the flattened threshold so the dipstick end turns downward into the sump near the differential carrier. Remove the paper dipstick and immediately measure the distance from the fold crease in the paper to the top of the fluid line. As time passes the paper will absorb the fluid and the witness mark the fluid left in the paper will become invalid. The distance from the fold to the fluid mark is the fluid level.
- Hoist the vehicle on a suitable hoist so the vehicle stays in a level position.
- Remove belly pan.
- Using regulated 344 kPa (50 psi) compressed shop air or stiff bristle brush, clean the area around the fill plug to avoid contaminating the transaxle during the filling operation.
- Remove the rubber fill plug (1) from the transaxle (2), located rearward and above the left halfshaft.
- Fill the
COLD
transaxle to:
- On vehicles equipped with 1.4 L engine, add fluid until it reaches bottom of the fill hole.
- On vehicles with 2.0 L and 2.4 L engines, add fluid until it reaches the rolled lower edge of the sloped ramp 40 mm (1.5 in) inside the threshold of the fill hole next to the differential ring gear carrier. This surface is approximately 8 mm (0.3 in) below the bottom of the fill hole.
Refer to CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, SPECIFICATIONS .
- Install the fill plug.
- Install the belly pan.