2. Place the vehicle on a level, horizontal surface.
3. Press the brake pedal and move the automatic transmission selector lever sequentially to all positions, holding it in each of them for a few seconds, which is necessary to fill the entire control system and torque converter with oil, and then set the lever to the "N" position.
4. Clean the oil dipstick installation area from dirt, remove the dipstick and check the condition of the ATF.
Note: If the ATF has a burnt smell, this is a sign of contamination with small particles of wear of the friction linings of the automatic transmission control elements. This should alert you, since a major overhaul of the automatic transmission may be necessary.
5. The normal ATF level should be at the "HOT" mark on the dipstick. If the level is below the "HOT" mark, bring the ATF level up to the normal value.
ATF brand (automatic transmission oils): ATF III or equivalent.
Note: If the ATF level in the automatic transmission is below normal, the oil pump will begin to suck in air, resulting in an oil/air mixture. This, in turn, will cause a decrease in the operating pressure in the control system, and, as a result, to slippage of the friction elements of the automatic transmission control and extended gear shifts. If the ATF level is higher than normal, the planetary gears will cause excessive foaming of the oil, which will eventually lead to the same consequences as in the case of a low ATF level. The end result of the air-ATF mixture will be overheating and oxidation of the oil, which will adversely affect the operation of the valves and friction controls. In addition, foaming causes increased ATF discharge through the breather, which can be mistaken for ATF leaks from the system.
6. Install the dipstick securely into place.
7. Under the following conditions, it is necessary to replace the ATF and oil filter:
- in case of detection of automatic transmission faults;
- during major repairs of automatic transmission;
- in case of noticeable contamination of ATF or its poor quality (after driving in extreme conditions);
- automatic transmission oil filters are special filters that can only be used in automatic transmissions.