Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Level Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
- The ATF amount varies according to ATF's temperature. Therefore, when inspecting the ATF level or replacing the ATF, use a thermometer to measure the temperature then adjust the ATF amount to the specified level according to the specified temperature.
- Place the vehicle on level ground.
- Apply the parking brake and position wheel chocks securely to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Adjust the length of the thermistor probe measure to the measure same as the dipstick and hold the probe with a paper holder.
- Insert into the filler tube and measure the temperature.
- Warm up the engine until the ATF reaches (60-70 °C {140-158 °F}
).CAUTION:
- Do not warm the transmission by stall speed test. This will damage the torque converter.
NOTE:- In some cases it may be necessary to inspect the ATF in the cool range 15-25 °C {59-77 °F} before warming up the engine.
- While depressing the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to each range (P-D), pausing momentarily in each range.
- Shift back to the P position.NOTE:
- If the ATF level is too high or too low when the engine is hot, the following malfunctions may occur.
ATF LEVEL CONDITION AND MALFUNCTIONATF level Condition Malfunction Too low Line pressure is lower than the specification. Air in the transmission oil passage causes slipping or damages clutch mechanism. Too high ATF is hot. ATF deterioration causes slipping clutch or stuck valve. - While the engine is idling, verify that the ATF level is in the HOT (65 °C {149 °F}
) range. Add the specified type of ATF if necessary. (See
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT .)
ATF type
- ATF M-III or equivalent (e.g. Dexron®III)