Automatic Transmission Troubleshooting

Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission (AT), it will be difficult for the average do-it-yourself mechanic to accurately diagnose its faults and perform restorative repairs. If problems other than those listed below occur, the vehicle owner should seek assistance from a qualified service technician. Do not hastily remove a faulty transmission, as many of its checks are performed in situ (in the vehicle).

ATF Leaks
1 ATF is usually dark red in color. Do not confuse ATF leaks with engine oil leaks, as engine oil may be blown back onto the transaxle case by the airflow while driving.
2 To locate the source of the leak, first clean the transaxle case and the surrounding surfaces of dirt and grease. Use a quality degreaser or steam clean the unit. Drive the vehicle briefly at low speed (so that leak traces are not blown far from their source). Raise the vehicle and support it on safety stands. Inspect the transaxle case visually for the source of the ATF leak. The most common sources are:

a) Transaxle oil pan (refer to Maintenance and Adjustment and Transaxle sections);
b) Dipstick guide tube (refer to Maintenance and Adjustment and Transaxle sections);
c) Transaxle oil line (refer to Transaxle section);
d) Speed sensor (refer to Transaxle section).

ATF is brown or smells burnt
The ATF level in the transaxle is low, or the fluid is burnt and must be replaced (refer to Maintenance and Adjustment section).

Gear Selection Problems
1 The Transaxle section describes the procedures for checking and adjusting the AT shift linkage. The most common problems that may be related to linkage misadjustment are listed below:

a) Engine starts in a position other than "P" or "N";
b) The transaxle position shown on the indicator panel differs from the position actually selected;
c) Vehicle moves with the transaxle in "P" or "N";
2 For the shift linkage adjustment procedure, refer to Transaxle section 7.

Automatic downshift (Kick-Down) does not occur when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed
The throttle cable is misadjusted (refer to Transaxle section).

Engine does not start, or starts in a transaxle position other than "P" or "N"
The starter interlock switch is faulty or misadjusted (refer to Transaxle section).

Transaxle "slips" out of the selected position, shifts with difficulty or noise, or fails to provide forward or reverse vehicle movement
The listed symptoms may have many possible causes; however, the only one within the scope of an average do-it-yourself mechanic is incorrect ATF level. Check, and if necessary correct the fluid level or replace the fluid and filter, and at the same time check the condition of the ATF (refer to Maintenance and Adjustment section). In all other cases, the vehicle should be taken to a service station for diagnosis and transaxle repair or replacement.