30. The transmission fluid level should only be checked when the transmission is at normal operating temperature (when she's hot). The gearbox is considered sufficiently warmed up after the car has been driven for a distance of more than 15 km (25 km in cold climate conditions), when the liquid temperature is approximately 70-80°C.
Caution: If the vehicle has been driven at high speed or in hot city traffic for an extended period of time, or if a trailer has been towed immediately before checking, an accurate fluid level reading may not be obtained. Allow the fluid to cool for approximately 30 minutes.
31. If the vehicle was not in motion immediately before welding, park it on a level, horizontal surface, apply the parking brake and start the engine. With the engine idling, depress the brake pedal and move the selector lever through all ranges, starting and ending in the park gear.
32. With the engine still idling, remove the dipstick from its tube (fig. 4.32,a). Check the fluid level using the dipstick (fig. 4.32,b) and pay attention to its condition.
Fig. 4.32, a. The dipstick for measuring the transmission fluid level in the automatic transmission in the block with the drive axle is located next to the battery
Fig. 4.32, b. If the transmission fluid is cold, the level should be between the two lower marks; if the transmission is at normal operating temperature, the level should be between the upper marks on the dipstick
33. Using a clean cloth, wipe the fluid off the dipstick and reinsert the dipstick back into the tube until it stops.
34. Remove the dipstick again and read the level. If the transaxle is cold, the level should be in the COLD range (cold state) or COOL (cool state) on the dipstick. If the box is warmed up, the level should be in the HOT range (warmed up state). If the level is at the low end of either range, add the specified transmission fluid through the level tube. Use a funnel.
35. To top up the transaxle to the correct level, add only enough of the recommended fluid. It takes about half a litre of fluid to raise the level from the lower mark to the upper mark when the fluid is hot. Therefore, add fluid in small amounts and check the level periodically until the correct level is reached.
36. At the same time as welding the level, you should also check the condition of the fluid. If the fluid at the end of the dipstick is black or dark reddish-brown in color or has a burning smell, the fluid should be replaced (see paragraph 23). If you are unsure about the condition of the fluid, purchase a small amount of new fluid and compare both by color and smell.