Automatic transaxle
Checking the automatic
transaxle fluid level
The automatic transaxle fluid level
should be checked regularly.
Keep the vehicle on the level ground with the parking brake applied and check the fluid level according to the following procedure.
1. Place the selector lever in N (Neutral) position and confirm the engine is running at normal idle speed.
2. After the transaxle is warmed up sufficiently (fluid temperature 70~80 °C (158~176 °F)), for example by 10 minutes usual driving, shift the selector lever through all positions then place the selector lever in N (Neutral) or P (Park) position.
3. Confirm that the fluid level is in “HOT” range on the level gauge. If the fluid level is lower, add the specified fluid from the fill hole. If the fluid level is higher, drain the fluid from the drain hole.
4. If the fluid level is checked in cold condition (fluid temperature 20~ 30 °C (68~86 °F) add the fluid to “COLD” line and then recheck the fluid level according to the above step 2.
WARNING - Transaxle
fluid
The transaxle fluid level should
be checked when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
This means that the engine, radiator, radiator hose and exhaust system etc., are very hot.
Exercise great care not to burn yourself during this procedure.
CAUTION
• Low fluid level causes
transaxle slippage. Overfilling
can cause foaming, loss of fluid
and transaxle malfunction.
• The use of a non-specified fluid could result in transaxle malfunction and failure.
WARNING - Parking brake To avoid sudden movement of the vehicle, apply parking brake and depress the brake pedal before moving the shift lever.
NOTICE
“COLD” scale is for reference only
and should NOT be used to determine
transaxle fluid level.
NOTICE
New automatic transaxle fluid
should be red. The red dye is added
so the assembly plant can identify it
as automatic transaxle fluid and distinguish
it from engine oil or
antifreeze. The red dye, which is not
an indicator of fluid quality, is not
permanent. As the vehicle is driven,
the automatic transaxle fluid will
begin to look darker. The color may
eventually appear light brown.
Therefore, have an Authorized Kia dealer change the automatic transaxle fluid according to the Scheduled Maintenance at the beginning of this section.
Changing the automatic
transaxle fluid
Have automatic transaxle fluid
changed by an Authorized Kia
Dealer according to the Maintenance
Schedule at the beginning of this
section.
See also:
THE VERDICT
Kia won’t release pricing for the Optima for another few weeks, but we’re
assured it will come in at under $20,000 to start and we expect it to undercut
(slightly) the Sonata, which starts at ...
Fuel filler lid
Opening the fuel filler lid
The fuel filler lid must be opened from
inside the vehicle by pulling up the fuel
filler lid opener lever.
NOTICE
If the fuel filler lid does not open
because ice h ...
Immobilizer system
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic
engine immobilizer system to
reduce the risk of unauthorized vehicle
use.
Your immobilizer system is comprised of
a small transponder in the ignition k ...