Twice a year or every 10,000 km (whichever comes first).
Using a transmission fluid other than that specified in Table of sizes and adjustment data at the end of the Manual, may result in transmission malfunction or failure.
The AT fluid level must be carefully maintained. Too little fluid can cause the transmission to jump out of gear or lose power to the drive wheels, while too much fluid can cause fluid loss due to foaming. Both can cause transmission damage.
Since transmission fluid expands when heated, its level should be measured when it is warm, i.e. at normal operating temperature. If the car has just driven more than 20 miles, the transmission fluid can be considered warm enough. The transmission fluid level can also be measured when cold. If the car has been parked for more than five hours and the fluid is close to room temperature (i.e. 68°F), the fluid can be considered cold. However, it is better and more accurate to measure the level when the fluid is warm.
Transmission fluid level readings may not be accurate if the vehicle has just been driven a long distance at high speeds, driven in hot weather in heavy city traffic, or towed a trailer. In these cases, wait approximately 30 minutes for the transmission to cool.
1. Immediately after driving the vehicle, park it on a level surface, set the parking brake and let the engine idle. Depress the brake pedal and move the selector lever through all positions, starting and ending in the "P" (Park) position.
2. The transmission fluid filler tube and dipstick are located in the rear left corner of the engine compartment.
3. With the engine idling, remove the dipstick from the filler tube, wipe it dry with a clean rag, lower it back into the tube until it reaches the end, pull it out and determine the fluid level. Automatic transmission fluid level dipstick (indicated by the arrow) located near the bulkhead on the left side of the engine compartment.
4. The fluid level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. If it is lower than it should be, add the fluid specified in Table of sizes and adjustment data at the end of the Manual liquid through the filler tube - use a clean funnel, preferably with a fine mesh filter to avoid splashing.
When adding fluid, be careful not to introduce dirt into the transmission.
5. Add only the amount of fluid to the transmission that is required to reach the specified level. From the bottom to the top mark on the dipstick, approximately 0.5 liters of hot fluid is required, so add it little by little and check the level each time until the required level is reached.
6. The condition of the fluid is determined simultaneously with the level check. If the fluid is black or dark red-brown in colour or has a burnt smell, it should be replaced (see section Replacement of transmission fluid and filter AT). If you are in doubt about the condition of the fluid, buy new fluid and compare its color and smell with the old one.