Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991 Service Manual page 474

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TEST
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
Drive until the fluid temperature reaches the usual tempera-
ture [70 - 80°C (160 - 18O"F)].
2. Place vehicle on level floor.
3. Move selector lever sequentially to every position to fill
torque converter and hydraulic circuit with fluid, then place
lever in "N" Neutral position. This operation is necessary to
be sure that fluid level check is accurate.
4. Before removing dipstick, wipe all dirt from area around
dipstick. Then take out the dipstick and check the condition
of the fluid.
The transaxle should be overhauled under the following
conditions.
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5. Check to see if fluid level is in "HOT" range on dipstick. If
fluid level is low, add automatic transaxle fluid until level
reaches "HOT" range.
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions because it
allows pump to take in air along with fluid. Air trapped in
hydraulic circuit forms bubbles which make fluid spongy.
Therefore, pressures will be erratic.
Improper filling can also raise fluid level too high. When
transaxle has too much fluid, gears churn up foam and
cause same conditions which occur with low fluid level,
resulting in accelerated deterioration of automatic transaxle
fluid.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating, fluid
oxidation, which can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and
servo operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.
6. Be sure to examine fluid on dipstick closely.
Whether control cable is properly adjusted can be confirmed by
checking whether inhibitor switch is performing well.
1. Apply parking brakes and service brakes securely.
2. Place selector lever to "R" range.
3. Set ignition key to "ST" position.
4. Slowly move the selector lever upward until it clicks as it
fits in notch of "P" range. If starter motor operates when
lever makes a click, "P" position is correct.
5. Then slowly move selector lever to "N" range by the same
procedure as in foregoing paragraph. If starter motor
operates when selector lever fits in "N", "N" position is
correct.
6. Also check to be sure the vehicle doesn't begin to move
and the lever doesn't stop between P-R-N-D.
7. The control cable is properly adjusted if, as described
above, the starter motor starts at both the "P" range and
the "N" range.
TSB Revision
If there is a "burning" odor.
If the fluid color has become noticeably blacker.
If there is a noticeably great amount of metal particles in
the fluid.