DRAIN & REFILL

Except 1995–98 2.0L Non-Turbo Engine

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground. Raise and safely support the vehicle, if necessary for access to the drain plug.
2. Place a suitable drain pan with a large opening under the automatic transaxle fluid pan.
3. Remove the drain plug(s) and allow the fluid to drain completely.

   Fig. 1: Automatic transaxle drain plug locations — 1990–94 vehicles

   Fig. 2: The 1995–98 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engine have 2 drain plugs

4. Unfasten the retainers, then remove the transaxle oil pan.
5. Check the oil filter for damage or restrictions and replace as required.
6. Clean the inside of the pan and the magnets. Make sure the magnets are positioned to the concave part of the oil pan.
7. Clean all gasket mating surfaces.

   Fig. 3: Positioning of magnets inside of the automatic transaxle oil pan — 1990–94 vehicles

   To install:

8. Install the oil pan with new gasket in place. Install and tighten the retaining bolts to 8 ft. lbs. (12 Nm).
9. Install the oil drain plug with new gasket in place. Tighten the plug to 25 ft. lbs. (35 Nm).
10. Fill the transaxle assembly through the dipstick hole, adding 8.5 pints of specified ATF.
11. Start the engine and allow to idle for 2 minutes. Cycle the gear selector lever through all gears and then position in NEUTRAL. Add sufficient ATF to the transaxle to fill to the lower mark.
12. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature. Recheck the fluid level and add until fluid registers at the HOT mark on the dipstick.
13. Inspect for fluid leaks.

1995–98 2.0L Non-Turbo Engines

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle, for access to the fluid pan.
2. Place a suitable drain pan, with a large opening, under the transaxle oil pan.
3. Loosen the fluid pan bolts, then tap the pan at one corner to brake it loose, allowing the fluid to drain. Once the fluid is done draining, remove the pan.
4. Thoroughly clean all the gasket mating surfaces and the oil pan and magnet.

   Fig. 4: Automatic transaxle oil pan mounting — 1995–98 2.0L non-turbo engines

   To install:

5. Install a new filter and o-ring on the bottom of the valve body.
6. Apply Loctite® 18718 or equivalent to the transaxle oil pan, then install the pan. Tighten the fluid pan retaining bolts to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm).
7. Carefully lower the vehicle.
8. Add 8.0 pts. of the specified fluid through the transaxle fluid dipstick/filler tube.
9. Check the fluid level, as outlined earlier.