Unsuitable fluid can damage the automatic transmission!
When checking the level, synthetic ATF should be warm. This is achieved by running the engine for 5-10 minutes. The fluid level varies depending on the temperature and the filling of the hydraulic lines. When the fluid is cold, the level is too high, and after a long drive, it is too low.
Tighten the handbrake. Set control lever to position "R", let the engine idle.
Pull out the dipstick (in the direction of travel on the left in the engine compartment; the probe can be recognized by the eye). Wipe it only with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick and remove it again. The amount of liquid between the upper and lower marks is 0.3 liters.
The level should be between the marks on the dipstick.
The liquid is red or red-brown in color. The red-brown ATF used since 1985 changes its color to black-brown after a short time. This is normal and does not indicate a defect.
If the smell is felt that the ATF is burnt, then this indicates a malfunction of the box.
If the liquid level is too low, then you should not immediately add ATF, first check the gearbox: are there any leaks. The necessary sealing work should be entrusted to a workshop.
Too high a fluid level may be due to the fact that the seal between the automatic transmission and the main gear is damaged.
Check the oil level in the final drive (see next chapter).
If there is too little oil, the workshop must reseal the parts and change the ATF fluid.
If the oil level in the final drive is correct, then excess ATF is sucked out of the automatic transmission. Too high an ATF level can cause damage to the transmission.
ATF fluid change
Plug for checking the oil level in the gearbox (arrow) located in front of the left axle shaft When the left front wheel is removed, it is clearly visible
Under normal driving conditions, the maintenance plan calls for changing the ATF every 45,000 km. If the vehicle is driven mainly on short roads, with a trailer or in mountainous areas, then the ATF fluid should be changed at shorter intervals. To do this, the old ATF is sucked off; the oil sump and strainer are cleaned at the same time. These works should be carried out by the service station.
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