Hi, Guest
07-20-2016, 01:03 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-20-2016, 01:05 PM by SVT-WGN.
Edit Reason: add detail
)
I have driven my other cars (the ones with automatic transmissions) for upwards of 350,000 kilometres. The transaxle fluid was checked for colour, odour and usually left alone (hint, check it now so you know what it looks like and how it smells.) If you suspect problems, slow shifting or slipping, go to the dealer, not to the quick oil change places.
Checking my owner manual (a 2002 Focus Wagon), it indicates that the automatic transaxle does not consume fluid. It does however tell you to check the fluid regularly (I usually check the fluid level and colour when we change the engine oil.)
Additionally, the owner manual instructs the owner to check the level if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice a leak around the pan.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately 30 km). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
Owner manual says:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in between the notched designated areas for normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level is low, do not drive the vehicle (fluid level is at the bottom of the dipstick and the outside temperature is above 10°C.)
See page 214 of your manual for the levels.
Caution, never overfill the transaxle.
If you do not have a copy of the owner manual, just click and download the PDF copy of the relevant pages. If you want a copy of the full manual, just send me your email address (PM me) and I will eventually forward you a copy (I'm old and slow.)
Checking my owner manual (a 2002 Focus Wagon), it indicates that the automatic transaxle does not consume fluid. It does however tell you to check the fluid regularly (I usually check the fluid level and colour when we change the engine oil.)
Additionally, the owner manual instructs the owner to check the level if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice a leak around the pan.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately 30 km). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
Owner manual says:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in between the notched designated areas for normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level is low, do not drive the vehicle (fluid level is at the bottom of the dipstick and the outside temperature is above 10°C.)
See page 214 of your manual for the levels.
Caution, never overfill the transaxle.
If you do not have a copy of the owner manual, just click and download the PDF copy of the relevant pages. If you want a copy of the full manual, just send me your email address (PM me) and I will eventually forward you a copy (I'm old and slow.)