Preliminary Inspection
Preliminary InspectionSpecial Tools:
Special Tool(s)
Material:
Material
The following items must be checked prior to beginning the diagnostic procedures:
Know and Understand the Concern
In order to correctly diagnose a concern, first understand the customer concern or condition. Customer contact may be required in order to begin to verify the concern. Understand the conditions, including when the concern occurs. For example:
^ Hot or cold vehicle temperature
^ Hot or cold ambient temperature
^ Vehicle driving conditions
^ Vehicle loaded/unloaded
After understanding when and how the concern occurs, proceed to Verification of Condition.
Verification of Condition.
This provides information that must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and carrying out the appropriate procedures.
The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the transmission.
Determine Customer Concern
NOTE: Some transmission conditions can cause engine concerns. An electronic pressure control short circuit can cause engine misfiring. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will stall the engine.
Determine customer concerns relative to vehicle use and dependent driving conditions, paying attention to the following items:
^ Hot or cold vehicle operating temperature
^ Hot or cold ambient temperatures
^ Type of terrain
^ Vehicle loaded/unloaded
^ City/highway driving
^ Upshifting
^ Downshifting
^ Coasting
^ Engagement
^ Noise/vibration - check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent.
Check Fluid Level and Condition
Fluid Level Check
CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is low as internal failure could result.
CAUTION: The fluid fill plug is located near the exhaust system. The exhaust will be extremely hot during this procedure.
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high highway speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the fluid must cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
NOTE: If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of fluid leaking, the fluid level should be checked.
NOTE: This transmission is equipped with a terminal bypass located in the case. This thermal bypass valve will shut off fluid flowing to the fluid cooler if the fluid temperature falls below normal operating temperature. For this reason the following 2 steps must be carried out before checking the fluid level or following any repairs that open the transmission cooler tubes. This procedure makes sure that the cooling system has been purged of any air in the system.
^ Using a diagnostic tool, verify that the transmission fluid temperature is above 93°C (200°F).
^ With the transmission selector lever in PARK increase the rpms to 2,000 and hold for one minute. This will circulate the transmission fluid through the torque converter and the cooling system eliminating any trapped air in the cooling system.
1. Using a diagnostic tool, verify that the transmission fluid temperature is between 80°C - 85°C (175°F - 185°F).
2. With the transmission in PARK, the engine at idle (600-750 rpm) and foot pressed on the brake, move the range selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the transmission range selector lever in the P position.
3. With the engine idling (600 - 750 rpm) in PARK, position it on a hoist.
4. Remove the fluid fill plug fluid level indicator assembly located on the passenger side front portion of the transmission case.
5. Separate the fluid level indicator from the fill plug.
6. Wipe the fluid level indicator clean. Reinstall in fluid level indicator only back into the fill plug hole to check the fluid level. Repeat this until a consistent reading is established.
7. If transmission fluid is needed add fluid until a "FULL" reading is established.
8. Install the fluid fill plug.
^ Tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
High Fluid Level
CAUTION: A fluid level that is too high can cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube and possible transmission failure.
If an overfill reading is indicated, drain and refill the transmission.
Low Fluid Level
A low fluid level can result in poor transmission engagement, slipping or failure. This may also indicate a leak in one of the transmission seals or gaskets.
Adding Fluid
CAUTION: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified can result in transmission failure.
CAUTION: The fluid fill plug is located near the exhaust system. The exhaust will be extremely hot during this procedure.
CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is low as internal failure could result.
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high highway speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the fluid must cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
NOTE: Make sure that the oil suction gun is cleaned prior to being used to fill the transmission.
NOTE: This transmission is equipped with a thermal bypass located in the case. This thermal bypass valve will shut off fluid flowing to the fluid cooler if the fluid temperature falls below normal operating temperature. For this reason the following 2 steps must be carried out before checking the fluid level or following any repairs that open the transmission cooler tubes. This procedure makes sure that the cooling system has been purged of any air in the system.
^ Using a diagnostic tool, verify that the transmission fluid temperature is above 93°C (200°F).
^ With the transmission selector lever in PARK increase the rpm to 2,000 and hold for one minute. This will circulate the transmission fluid through the torque converter and the cooling system eliminating any trapped air in the cooling system.
If fluid must be added, add fluid in 0.5 liter (1/2 quart) increments through the fluid fill plug hole using the special tools. Do not overfill the fluid.
If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of fluid leaking, the fluid level should be checked.
1. Using a diagnostic tool, verify that the transmission fluid temperature is between 80°C - 85°C (175°F - 185°F).
2. With the transmission in PARK, the engine at idle (600 - 750 rpm) and foot pressed on the brake, move the range selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the transmission range selector lever in the P position.
3. With the engine idling (600 - 750 rpm) in PARK, position it on a hoist.
4. Remove the fluid fill plug fluid level indicator assembly located on the passenger side front portion of the transmission case.
5. Separate the fluid level indicator from the fill plug.
6. Wipe the fluid level indicator clean. Re-install in fluid level indicator only back into the fill plug hole to check the fluid level. Repeat this until a consistent reading is established.
7. Install the special tool into the fluid fill hole.
8. Fill the special tool with approximately one pint of clean automatic transmission fluid.
9. Hang the special tool under the vehicle, upright and close to the transmission.
10. Connect the special tools.
^ Connect the open end of the fluid hose from the special tool onto the special tool from the transmission case.
11. Apply a maximum of 206.85 kPa (30 psi) to the open end of the vacuum/press Lire hose from the special tool. Fluid will immediately start flowing out of the special tool into the transmission.
12. NOTE: Do not overfill the transmission. The fluid level must be at the upper level of the crosshatch mark. If the transmission fluid is overfull, fluid must be drained to the correct level.
Reinstall in fluid level indicator only back into the fill plug hole to check the fluid level. Repeat this until a consistent reading is established.
13. A "FULL" reading should be established.
14. Install the fluid fill plug.
^ Tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the fluid level.
2. Remove the fluid fill plug and fluid level indicator and allow the fluid to drip onto a facial tissue and examine the stain.
3. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not black or have a burnt odor.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color, this may indicate coolant in the transmission. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.
6. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter and fluid cooler tubes. A new oil-to-air (OTA) cooler must be installed.