Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 15 Transmission and Transaxle In-Vehicle Service 365
Figure 15-1. As shown in this chart, numerous service proce-
dures can be performed on an automatic transmission without
removing the transmission from the vehicle.
Note: If the transaxle has a separate
reservoir for differential lubricant, this
level should also be checked.
Cool
(65° - 85° F.)
(18° - 29° C.)
Hot
(190° - 200° F.)
(88° - 93° C.)
+1 Pt Full
Warm
Note: Do not overfill. It takes only one pint
to raise level from “add” to “full”
Figure 15-2. The fluid level is important to the proper operation
of a transmission or transaxle. Both hot and cold levels are given
on most dipsticks. On the dipstick shown, for example, fluid is at
an acceptable level if it falls within the ranges shown at the
respective temperatures. (General Motors)
Transmission
Serviced with transmission
component In vehicle Removed
Accumulators X
Bands Most makes
Clutch pistons X
Clutch plates X
Converter X
Electrical switches X
Extension housing X
Filter X
Governor X
Input shaft X
Manual linkage X
Modulator X
Modulator valve X
Oil pan X
Output shaft X
Parking gear linkage X
Planetary gears X
Pump or pump seal X
Seal rings X
Servos X
Speedometer gear X
Throttle linkage X
Throttle valve X
Valve body X
Transmission Service Guide
fluid level cannot be read accurately immediately after fluid
is added. Before checking fluid level in these units, the
vehicle must be driven to restore the normal fluid level.
The best procedure for checking fluid level in the auto-
matic transaxle is to drive the vehicle several miles, park it
on a level surface, and then check the fluid without turning
the engine off.
While checking automatic transmission fluid level,
also check its condition. If the fluid smells burnt and is
orange or dark brown, it has been overheated. The clutch
and band friction linings are probably burned and glazed,
impairing transmission or transaxle operation. Changing the
fluid will not solve the problem.
Milky-looking fluid is contaminated with water or
coolant. Water enters when the vehicle is operated in very
deep water. A leak in the oil cooler will allow coolant to
leak in from the engine cooling-system radiator. Water or
coolant will ruin the clutch and band friction linings.
Automatic Transmission and
Transaxle Adjustments
There are several adjustments that can be made with
the transmission or transaxle installed in the vehicle. These
relatively simple adjustments will solve many problems.
The most common adjustments are made to the following
components:
Shift linkage.
Throttle, TV, and kickdown linkages.
Electric detent switches.
Transmission bands.
Neutral start switch.
Shift Linkage Adjustment
Shift linkage adjustments should be done whenever the
shift selector lever position does not correspond to the
actual transmission gear selection. The inner manual lever,
which holds the manual valve in the proper position, is not
adjustable. The only adjustment that can be made to the shift
linkage is between the outer manual lever and the shift selec-
tor lever. If this adjustment is off, the transmission may not be
in the gear position the driver thinks it is. Figure 15-3 shows
typical shift linkage in both column- and floor-shift versions.
Figure 15-4 illustrates the adjustment of a cable shift linkage
used on some vehicles with floor-mounted shifters.
Before attempting to make adjustments, inspect the
linkage for loose or worn parts. Tighten or replace worn parts
before making the adjustment. Check shift and throttle