TM 10-3930-671-24 TA18 Service Points Refer   to   Section   7.6,   TA   18   Transaxle,   for   additional information. The TA18 transaxle has two service openings: 1 Dipstick/oil fill tube, in left side axle housing 2 Drain plug, in bottom of transmission case IMPORTANT Recommended lubricant for TA18 transaxle: AMOCO 1000, Texaco 1893 TDH, or Gulf 303 Part No. 2776236 Transaxle Fluid Level Check Check the transaxle fluid level with: · • Truck on a level surface • Engine idling w/transmission in NEUTRAL • Oil at operating temperature (180-200-F) Check  the  PM  time  interval  (operating  hours),  or  the condition  of  the  oil  to  determine  if  the  transaxle  fluid needs to be changed. NOTE Also    refer    to    Section    2.1,    Service Specifications,     for     transaxle-model recommended oil specification. See illustration above. Clean area around oil fill tube before removing dipstick. Pull  dipstick  out.    Remove  all  oil  from  dipstick  with  a clean   wiper   and   push   it   fully   back   into   oil   fill   tube. Remove dipstick to check oil level. Correct Oil Level 1.    The oil level is correct (FULL) when oil can be measured on the dipstick. 2.    Add recommended fluid only, as required. 3.    After   adding   oil   to   transaxle,   wait   several minutes until oil has distributed evenly throughout the sump.  Check for correct oil level. Do not overfill. Transaxle Fluid and Filter Change: Drain and Refill It is recommended to: • Drain and replace the transaxle fluid every 1000 operating hours. • Remove and clean the transmission sump oil strainer screen each time the transmission fluid is changed (on applicable models). • The   oil   should   be   drained   when   it   is warmed   to   operating   temperature,   160- 200°F (82-93°C). • Replace  the  transaxle  oil  filter  every  500 operating    hours    or    every    6    months, whichever occurs first. See below. When  the  transaxle  is  new  or  rebuilt, it  is  recommended  to  change  the  oil filter after the first 50 hours and again after  100  operating  hours.    This  is  to ensure  that  the  oil  is  cleaned  of  any harmful particles which may be loosened or  flushed  off  new  parts  as they  wear  in.    Failure  to  change  the oil   filter    may    result    in    damage    to transaxle. Draining The Transaxle Minimum Tools Required: • 22 mm socket wrench • 1/2" square  drive • Drain pan F-320