A/T Fluid (ATF): Check

CAUTION: If using the vehicle for towing, the A/T fluid must be replaced as specified. Refer to [Periodic Maintenance [for USA and Canada] ] (United States and Canada), [Periodic Maintenance [for Mexico] ] (Mexico).

Before driving, the A/T fluid level can be checked at A/T fluid temperatures of 30° to 50°C (86° to 122°F) using the "COLD" range on the A/T fluid level gauge as follows:

Fig 1: Identifying A/T Fluid Level Range
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and move the selector lever through each gear position. Shift the selector lever into the "P" position.
3. Check the A/T fluid level with the engine idling.
4. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and wipe it clean with a lint-free paper.
  CAUTION: When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use a lint-free paper, not a cloth.
5. Re-insert the A/T fluid level gauge into the A/T fluid charging pipe until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe as shown.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying A/T Fluid Level Gauge And A/T Fluid Charging Pipe
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
  
  CAUTION: To check A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level gauge until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe, with the gauge reversed from the normal inserted position.
6. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and note the A/T fluid level. If the A/T fluid level is at low side of range, add A/T fluid to the transmission through the A/T fluid charging pipe.
  CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission with A/T fluid.
7. Install the A/T fluid level gauge and the A/T fluid level gauge bolt.
  A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to [TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT ].
Warm up the engine and transmission.
Check for any A/T fluid leaks.
Drive the vehicle to increase the A/T fluid temperature to 80°C (176°F).
Allow the A/T fluid temperature to fall to approximately 65°C (149°F). Use the SDT to monitor the A/T fluid temperature as follows:

Fig 3: A/T Fluid Temperature Graph
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

NOTE: The A/T fluid level will be significantly affected by the A/T fluid temperature as shown. Therefore monitor the A/T fluid temperature data using the SDT.
1. Connect SDT to data link connector.
2. Select "MAIN SIGNALS" in "Data list" mode for "A/T" with SDT.
3. Read out the value of "ATF TEMP 1".
Re-check the A/T fluid level at A/T fluid temperatures of approximately 65°C (149°F) using the "HOT" range on the A/T fluid level gauge as shown. The HOT range is between 50° - 80°C (122° - 176°F).

Fig 4: Identifying A/T Fluid Level Range
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
CAUTION:
- When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use lint-free paper, not a cloth.
- To check the A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level gauge until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe, with the gauge reversed from the normal inserted position as shown.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying A/T Fluid Level Gauge And A/T Fluid Charging Pipe
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check the A/T fluid condition.
- If the A/T fluid is very dark or has some burned smell, there may be an internal problem with the transmission. Flush the transmission cooling system after repairing the transmission.
- If the A/T fluid contains frictional material (clutches, bands, etc.), replace the radiator and flush the transmission cooler lines using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repairing the transmission.
Install the A/T fluid level gauge in the A/T fluid charging pipe.
Tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification.
A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to [TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY: COMPONENT ].