Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
On-Vehicle Inspection
- CHECK FLUID LEVEL
- Shift lever with multi-mode automatic transmission
HINT:
Drive the vehicle so that the engine and transaxle are at normal operating temperature.
Fluid temperature: 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F)
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, move shift the lever into all positions from P to L (S1 ) and return to the P position.
- Take out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
- Put it back all the way.
- Take it out again and check that the fluid level is within the HOT range.
If the fluid level is below the HOT range, add new fluid and re-check the fluid level.
If the fluid level exceeds the HOT range, drain the fluid once, add the proper amount of new fluid and recheck the fluid level.
- Gate shift lever
HINT:
Drive the vehicle so that the engine and transaxle are at normal operating temperature.
Fluid temperature: 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F)
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, move the shift lever into all positions from P to L and return to the P position.
- Take out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
- Put it back all the way.
- Take it out again and check that the fluid level is within the HOT range.
If the fluid level is below the HOT range, add new fluid and re-check the fluid level.
If the fluid level exceeds the HOT range, drain the fluid once, add the proper amount of new fluid and recheck the fluid level.
- Shift lever with multi-mode automatic transmission
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.