The ATF level should be checked with the vehicle parked on a level horizontal surface with the engine turned off for a minute.
1. Remove the dipstick located at the bottom of the transmission case near the right bulkhead of the engine compartment (see accompanying illustration). Use your fingers to remove any traces of ATF from the dipstick blade and assess its condition.
2. Wipe the blade thoroughly with a clean cloth and insert the feeler gauge back into the guide tube, firmly fitting the filler cap.
3. Remove the dipstick from the filler neck again and determine the ATF level in the transmission housing by the size of the wetted area of the blade (see accompanying illustration). If necessary, make the appropriate adjustment by adding the required grade of fluid into the transmission through a funnel (pour the fluid directly into the filler neck of the dipstick guide tube).
4. To raise the ATF level from the lower limit of the dipstick's working range to the upper limit, about 1 liter of liquid is required - fill in small portions in several steps, checking the level each time.
5. At the same time as the level, the condition of the ATF should also be checked. If the fluid wetting the end of the dipstick blade has a dark reddish-brown tint or smells of burning, the ATF should be replaced (see Checking and adjusting idle speed (every 48,000 km or once every 24 months)). If you are not sure that the condition of the transmission fluid has been assessed correctly, compare it with fresh fluid by color and smell.