#### DRAIN AND REFILL

NOTE: It is recommended that the automatic transmission/transaxle fluid be changed every 30,000 miles or 24 months if the vehicle is used in severe service, towing a trailer and or using a camper or a car-top carrier.

##### Transmission

1. There is no drain plug. The fluid pan must be removed. Partially remove the pan screws until the pan can be pulled down at one corner. Place a container under the transmission, lower a rear corner of the pan, and allow the fluid to drain.

   NOTE: If the drained fluid is discolored (brown or black), thick, or smells burnt, serious transmission problems due to overheating should be suspected. Your car's transmission should be inspected by a transmission specialist to determine the cause.

2. After draining, remove the pan screws completely, and remove the pan and gasket.
3. Clean the pan thoroughly and allow it to air dry. If you wipe it out with a rag you risk leaving bits of lint in the pan which will clog the tiny hydraulic passages in the transmission.

   NOTE: It is very important to clean the old gasket from the oil pan, to prevent leaks upon installation, a razor blade does a excellent job at this.

4. Install the pan using a new gasket. If you decide to use sealer on the gasket apply it only in a very thin bead running to the outside of the pan screw holes. Tighten the pan screws evenly in rotation from the center outwards, to 36–60 inch lbs.
5. It is a good idea to measure the amount of fluid drained to determine how much fresh fluid to add. This is because some part of the transmission, such as the torque converter, will not drain completely, and using the dry refill amount specified in the Capacities chart may lead to overfilling. Fluid is added through the dipstick tube. Make sure that the funnel, hose, or whatever you are using is completely clean and dry before pouring transmission fluid through it. Use DEXRON® automatic transmission fluid.
6. Replace the dipstick after filling. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Do NOT race the engine. Check the installation of the new pan gasket for leaks.
7. After the engine has idled for a few minutes, shift the transmission slowly through the gears, then return the lever to Park. With the engine idling, check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the H and L marks. If below L, add sufficient fluid to raise the level to between the marks.
8. Drive the car until it is at operating temperature. The fluid should be at the H mark. If not, add sufficient fluid until this is the case. Be careful not to overfill. Overfilling causes slippage, overheating, and seal damage.

##### Transaxle

To change the transaxle fluid on early models the transaxle fluid oil pan must be removed and the gasket must be replaced. This procedure is similar to the transmission procedure with the exception of the oil pan location.

On late models there is a drain plug located on the side of the transaxle case. Remove the drain plug and allow the fluid to drain then refill with new fluid, start engine and correct the fluid level as necessary. Before attempting this service read the complete section above on "DRAIN AND REFILL'' procedure.

Fig. 1: Remove the pan to drain the automatic transmission

Fig. 2: Install a pan gasket — automatic transmission

Fig. 3: Drain plug location automatic transaxle