Battery Dead After Being Towed Behind RV With All Wheels On The Ground (00-T-33)

ENSURING PROPER FLUID LEVEL

Fig 1: 1991-1998 Model Year Dipstick

Fig 2: 1999-2002 Model Year Dipstick

The following guideline should be used before towing a S-Series vehicle, equipped with automatic transaxle, on all four wheels (also known as flat towing).

• Maximum automatic transaxle fluid level must be at level shown in illustration, at normal operating temperatures of 88 - 93°C (190 - 200°F).
• For 2000 - 2002 Model Year S-Series vehicles being towed, also refer to fuse removal procedure in this bulletin.

CHECKING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL

1. Start engine and operate vehicle for 25 km (15 miles) or 15 minutes, or until normal operating temperature of 88 - 93°C (190 - 200°F) is obtained.
2. Park vehicle on level ground.
3. Apply parking brake.
4. Move gear selector through all gear positions.
5. Put transaxle in "P" (Park).
6. Let vehicle idle for 3 minutes with all accessories Off.
7. With vehicle running, pull out fluid level indicator (dipstick) and wipe it off with a clean rag or towel.
8. Push dipstick back in all the way, and then immediately pull it back out.
9. Check both sides of dipstick and read the lower transaxle fluid level. For flat-towing, transaxle fluid level must be in lower half of cross-hatched area for 91 - 98 vehicles and in the cross hatch area for 99 - 2002 vehicles, below the line in previous illustration labeled "MAX HOT FOR 4-WHEEL TOWING". (It is normal if there are some splatters of automatic transaxle fluid on the dipstick, above transaxle fluid fill level.)
10. If transaxle fluid level is in:
    • lower half of cross-hatched area (1991-1998 Model Year) or right on the cross-hatched line (1999-2002 Model Year) on dipstick, push dipstick back in all the way. There is no need to add or remove any automatic transaxle fluid to the automatic transaxle.
    • below "Add Mark", then add only enough automatic transaxle fluid to bring transaxle fluid level up to lower half of cross-hatched area (1991-1998 Model Year) or the end of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick (1999-2002 Model Year).
    • upper half of cross-hatched area (1991-1998 Model Year) or above cross-hatched line on dipstick (1999-2002 Model Year), remove enough automatic transaxle fluid to obtain desired transaxle fluid level in lower half of cross-hatched area.
IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to remove automatic transaxle fluid from transaxle in order to achieve desired level for four wheel towing, it will not be necessary to add automatic transaxle fluid when not towing vehicle, provided transaxle fluid level falls in cross-hatched area when checked at proper temperature.

FUSE REMOVAL

1. Position and attach the vehicle to be towed.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC position.
3. Turn fog lamps and all accessories Off.
4. Shift transaxle to N (Neutral).
5. Open hood.
6. Open underhood fuse block (UHFB) cover and remove the IGN 1/4 30A maxifuse shown at location (1) in Fig 3 . (Refer to underside of the UHFB cover for specific maxifuse location.) 2000 - 2002 Model Year Only
   Fig 3: Underhood Fuse Block (UHFB)

   
   NOTE: When removing fuse, pull fuse straight up. Do not rock fuse from side to side or terminal damage may result.
   NOTE: The underhood fuse block cover must be re-installed properly to ensure a good seal from moisture and dirt.
7. Replace UHFB cover.
8. Close hood.

UPON REACHING DESTINATION

1. Shift the transaxle to P (Park).
2. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open hood.
4. Open UHFB cover.
5. Replace the IGN 1/4 30A maxifuse that was removed previously.
   NOTE: The underhood fuse block cover must be re-installed properly to ensure a good seal from moisture and dirt.
6. Replace UHFB cover.
7. Close hood.