I think i found it - it is called the ATF "strainer". It is on the driver's side of the tranny near the filler. It attaches to the ATF temp modulator, which is a 3" silver plate just in front of the filler hole. The ATF warmer modulates the temp by heat exchange with the coolant.

It doesn't appear to be a routine maintenace item. It is in a hard to reach place, and since the AT lines attach to it, you want a clear access to detach/re-attach it without a leak.

 

RR I'm beginning to think there isn't much you don't know! Thanks for all the informative posts and keep it coming....

 

It sounds like an important item....I wonder why it isn't listed as a routine maintenance item. RR, how often should it be replaced, if at all?

 

When I said it did not appear to be a routine maintenance item, I thought the answer would be obvious: the filter, or strainer, is not an item with a scheduled maintenance interval. In your owner's manual, it is not listed as a replacement or check item in ANY service.

From the shop manual, it is referenced only in the context of a transmission overhaul,suggesting it is to be accessed only when the transmission is removed. I would not recommend tackling that.

I would say that if your tranny has to be removed, insist the strainer or filter be examined, cleaned, and the contents made known to you before it is re-installed. If there are chunks of debris or metal, you have somethiong to act on.

So, I would continue to recommend yearly replacement of the fluid and inspection of the drain plug magnet - that is what I intend to do. I can do it in 20 minutes tops.

 

Excuuuuuse me...! So I misread your post.

 

Rage,

Thanks for the info. I did the fluid flush yesterday at 11,100 miles. Although the drain plug magnet was covered in a layer of black sludge, the fluid was as red and clean as the new Z1 going in. It took me about an hour, all told, and $35 worth of Z1 ATF.

Cheap insurance, IMO.

 

I knew that, you could have asked!!!

 

I was under the impression that to fill the tranny you need to fill it through the tranny dip stick. Can you reach the filler plug you described from the hood?

 

Yes you can. Locate the dipstick which is on the front side of the intake/throttle body. Then move back towards the firewall in a straight line. On the other side of the intake/throttlebody there is an opening between the engine, the firewall and the plumbing. Look straight down and you will see the top of the tranny with a big fill plug with the letters "ATF" on the top. Can't miss it (although you need a good drop light since we don't have a damn hood light).