Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Testing and Inspection

Fig. 1 Transmission Operation Chart:

Refer to Fig. 1, to determine which transmission elements are active in each range.

No Drive In Any Selector Position

1. Low fluid level.
2. Drive plate disconnected from torque converter.
3. Manual valve disconnected from operating lever.
4. Main pressure valve stuck.
5. Pump drive defective.

No Drive In D, 1 Or 2

1. Forward clutch lined plates burnt or worn.
2. Forward clutch diaphragm spring damaged.

No Drive In 1st Gear - Selector In D or 2

1. 1st gear one-way clutch does not hold, or damaged.
2. Forward clutch lined plates burnt or worn.
3. Forward clutch diaphragm spring damaged.

No Drive In 1st Gear Selector In 1

1. 1st and reverse gear brake burnt or worn.

No Drive In 2nd Gear

1. 2nd gear brake band improperly adjusted.
2. 2nd gear brake band burnt or worn.

No Drive In 3rd Gear

1. Drive and reverse clutch lined plates burnt or worn.

No Drive In Reverse

1. 1st and reverse brake band burnt or worn.
2. Drive and reverse clutch lined plates burnt or worn.
3. Forward clutch seized.

Erratic Drive In All Forward Gears

1. Low fluid level.
2. Oil screen dirty.

No 1-2 Upshift

1. Governor drive damaged.
2. Governor dirty.
3. Governor assembled incorrectly.
4. Valve body dirty.
5. Accumulator cover loose.
6. 1-2 shift valve stuck.
7. 2nd gear brake band burnt or worn.

No 2-3 Upshift

1. Governor dirty.
2. Valve body dirty.
3. Ball valves missing in transfer plate.
4. 2-3 shift valve stuck.

No 3-2 Downshift

1. Governor dirty.
2. 2-3 shift valve stuck.

No 2-1 Downshift

1. Governor dirty.
2. 2-1 shift valve stuck.

Delayed Downshifts To 1st Gear

1. 1st gear one-way clutch does not hold or damaged.

Shift Speed Too Low

1. Governor dirty.
2. Valve body dirty.

Shift Speed Too High

1. Governor dirty.
2. Valve body dirty.
3. Transmission or separation plate gasket damaged.

Shifts Erratic When Engaging Drive Or Reverse From Neutral

1. Throttle speed too high.
2. Fluid level too low.

Delayed 1-2 Upshift

1. Fluid level too low.
2. Valve body dirty.
3. 2nd gear brake band out of adjustment.
4. 2nd gear brake band burnt or worn.
5. Incorrect 2nd gear brake band piston.

Delayed 2-3 Upshift

1. Fluid level too low.
2. Valve body dirty.
3. 2nd gear brake band out of adjustment.
4. 2nd gear brake band burnt or worn.
5. Incorrect 2nd gear brake band piston.
6. Drive and reverse clutch lined plates burnt or worn.
7. Wrong drive or reverse clutch installed.

Kickdown Malfunction

1. Control pressure cable improperly adjusted.

Poor Acceleration - Top Speed Not Reached

1. Poor engine power.
2. Throttle cable improperly adjusted.
3. Control pressure cable improperly adjusted.

Fluid Dirty Or Burned

1. 1st and reverse gear brake plate burnt or worn.
2. 2nd gear brake band burnt or worn.
3. Drive and reverse clutch lined plates burnt or worn.
4. Forward clutch plates burnt or worn.


Transmission Does Not Disengage From Engine W/Throttle Closed & Selector In E-Mode

1. Accelerator cable binding or improperly adjusted.
2. Selector cable binding or improperly adjusted.
3. Main line pressure too high.
4. Declutching valve sticking.