Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
382 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
13
7
5
1
3
9
11
16 18 14
12
8
6
2
4
10
15 17 19
Figure 15-30. Always start tightening the pan or cover from the
center and work outward. This will allow the gasket to spread
out and do a better job of sealing. Tightening from the edges
inward may cause the gasket to become kinked. One manufac-
turer’s recommended tightening sequence is shown here.
conditioner condenser, close enough so that the cooling fan
or fans can pull air over the fins. Some technicians prefer to
leave the cooler installation until last to ensure that the
hoses can be connected to the cooler fittings. Attach the
cooler to the vehicle using the straps or quick connect ties
provided. If you are attaching the cooler directly to the
radiator or condenser, make sure that there is at least .25″
air space between the two units. This reduces unwanted
heat transfer into the cooler.
After the cooler is in place, determine which cooler line
to the radiator is the outlet line. The cooler should always be
installed in the outlet line from the radiator. The simplest way
to do this is to disconnect the top line (which is usually the
outlet line) from the radiator. Place a drip pan under the line
and have an assistant briefly crank the engine. Note whether
the fluid exits from the radiator or the line. If the fluid exits
from the radiator, this is the outlet line. If the fluid exits from
the line, the other line is the outlet.
After identifying the outlet line, connect the hoses.
Most cooler installation packages have a fitting to be
installed in the radiator outlet. After installing the fitting,
install the hoses on the fitting and the cooler line. Some
technicians prefer to cut the original cooler line at a conve-
nient point to install the hoses. Be sure to slip the clamps
over the hoses before installation. After the hoses are in
position, tighten the hose clamps.
Run the hoses through the radiator support, making
sure that they will not contact moving parts or hot surfaces.
Then connect the hoses to the cooler and tighten the
clamps. Finally, start the vehicle and check for leaks. The
cooler usually requires from .5 to 1 quart (.45 to .9 liters) of
additional fluid. Check and add fluid before the vehicle is
driven.
Some transmission and transaxle problems can be
corrected by adjusting manual valve and throttle valve
linkage. Shift linkage should be adjusted whenever the
shift indicator position and the actual transmission/ trans-
axle gear do not agree. Throttle linkage can be adjusted to
correct shift points and, sometimes, shift feel. Before
adjusting throttle linkage, make sure that the linkage is not
broken or disconnected.
A few transmission and transaxle bands have an adjust-
ment screw. The screw is turned in after the lock nut is loos-
ened. Once the screw is fully tightened, it is turned out a
specified number of turns, and the lock nut is retightened.
Ordering replacement parts is often tricky. Before
ordering parts, determine the exact type of transmission or
transaxle being serviced. There are several methods for
doing this, including observing the pan shape, checking
transmission tags or labels, and checking the VIN or a
body-mounted label. Once the unit has been identified,
use the parts catalog to order parts.
Valve bodies, modulators, and governors can be ser-
viced by removing them from the transmission or transaxle.
To remove a valve body, drain the fluid and remove the oil
pan. Then remove the fasteners holding the valve body to
the case and remove the valve body. With the valve body
on the bench, check each valve for free movement in its
Note: After repairs have been completed
but before returning the vehicle to the cus-
tomer, make sure that easily overlooked
part have been reinstalled on the vehicle. Just before
delivery, remove steering wheel covers, paper floor
mats, upholstery covers, and any other vehicle pro-
tection items. If the carpet, upholstery, or steering
wheel has been soiled, clean it with a non-damaging
cleaning solution.
Summary
Many automatic transmission and transaxle parts can
be serviced without removing the unit from the vehicle.
Fluid and filters can be replaced by removing the bottom oil
pan. Always obtain the right type of transmission fluid
before beginning an oil or filter change, or any type of ser-
vice work that will require fluid replacement.