Mazda MX-6 1998, Workshop Manual, Page: 812 / 1282

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE [LA4A-EL]
2 Range Test
1. Shift the selector lever to 2 range.
2. Accelerate the vehicle with half and wide open throttle, and verify that second gear is held.
3. Decelerate the vehicle and verify that engine braking effect is felt.
Shift point
Range Mode Throttle condition Shift Vehicle speed km/h {mph}
2 —
4GR->3GR 162— 168 {100— 104}
3GR->2GR 103— 109 {64— 68}
1 Range Test
1. Shift the selector lever to 1 range.
2. Accelerate the vehicle with half and wide open throttle, and verify that first gear is held.
3. Decelerate the vehicle and verify that engine braking effect is feit.
Shift point
Range Mode Throttle condition Shift Vehicle speed km/h {mph}
1 — 2GR->1GR 43— 49 {27— 30}
P Position Test
• Shift into P position on a gentle slope, release the brake, and verify that the vehicle does not roll.
A U T O M A T IC T R A N S A X L E F L U ID (A TF) IN S P E C T IO N [L A 4 A -E L ]
W 6 U 5 1 7 W 0 3
ATF Condition Inspection
One way of determining whether the transaxle should be disassembled is by noting:
1. If the ATF is muddy or varnished.
2. If the ATF smells strange or unusual.
ATF Condition
Condition Possible cause
Clear dark red Normal —
Light red (pink)
Contaminated with
water
• Broken oil cooler inside of radiator
• Poor breather hose installation
By water contamination, problem could be occurring to parts
inside the transaxle. It is necessary to overhaul transaxle and
detect defected parts.
If necessary, exchange transaxle.
Reddish brown
Has burnt smell
and metal specs
are found
Deteriorated ATF
Defective powertrain components inside of transaxle.
Specs cause wide range of problems by plugging up in oil
pipe, control valve body, and oil cooler in radiator.
• When large amount of metal specs are found, overhaul
transaxle and detect defective parts.
If necessary, exchange transaxle.
• Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility to
have specs plugged in oil pipe and/or oil cooler inside of
radiator.
Has no burnt smell Normal
Discoloration by oxidation
0 5 -1 7 A -7