The cause of most transaxle oil leaks can usually be located with the transaxle in the vehicle. The transaxle case components are constructed of aluminum and separated into the following pieces:

If a leak exists between the left case and the right case (4), remove the transaxle from the vehicle in order to repair the leak. Refer to the Transmission/Transaxle/Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual for transaxle unit repair procedures. Most other leaks may be repaired with the transaxle in the vehicle. Use the following three methods in order to locate manual transaxle oil leaks:

1. Verify that the leak is transaxle oil.
2. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
3. Drive the vehicle for 24 km (15 miles) or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Park the vehicle over clean paper or over clean cardboard.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.Wait for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Inspect the paper for oil spots.
7. Perform the necessary repairs.

1. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area with solvent.
2. Apply an aerosol powder or baby powder to the suspected leak area.
3. Drive the vehicle for 24 km (15 miles) or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
5. Inspect the suspected leak area, and trace the leak path through the powder in order to identify the leak source.
6. Perform the necessary repairs.

Tools Required

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Add 30 ml (1 oz) of J 28431-6 into the transaxle oil lever and the filler plug (10).
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Drive the vehicle for 24 km (15 miles) or until the engine reaches normal operating temperatures.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
6. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
7. Use J 28428-E in order to locate the source of the leak.
8. Perform the necessary repairs.