Preliminary Inspection
5R44E and 5R55E
Preliminary Inspection
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 complaint or condition. Customer contact may be required in order to begin to verify the concern. Understand the conditions as to 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 verify the concern.
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 engine.
Determine Customer Concern
NOTE: Some transmission conditions can cause engine concerns. An Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) short circuit can cause engine misfiring. The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) 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
- Upshift
- Downshift
- Coasting
- Engagement
- Noise/vibration - check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent
Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
NOTICE: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level indicator shows the transmission fluid below the DO NOT DRIVE mark or internal failure could result.
NOTE: Transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate transmission fluid level check, drive the vehicle until warmed, approximately 30 km (18.75 mi). If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to cool before checking.
NOTE: The transmission fluid level should be checked at normal operating temperatures, 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F), on a level surface. The normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 mi) of driving. However, the transmission fluid level can checked without driving if the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F). When the vehicle has not been driven, and the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F), the transmission fluid level should be between the holes on the transmission fluid level indicator. If the transmission fluid is to be checked when the transmission fluid is at room temperature, the transmission fluid level indicator could indicate that transmission fluid should be added if the transmission fluid level indicator is misread. If transmission fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches operating temperature of 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F).
1. Drive the vehicle 32 km (20 mi) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the park brake.
3. With the brake pedal applied, start the engine and move the selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the selector lever in PARK and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth.
6. Install the transmission fluid level indicator until it is fully seated into the transmission fluid filler tube.
7. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator and inspect the transmission fluid level. The transmission fluid level should be in the designated area for normal operating and room temperature.
High Transmission Fluid Level
Transmission fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or engagement concerns and possible damage. High transmission fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transmission malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, drain and refill the transmission.
Low Transmission Fluid Level
DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle if the transmission fluid level is below the hole at the bottom of the transmission fluid level indicator or not on the transmission fluid level indicator, and the outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F). A low transmission fluid level could result in poor transmission engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transmission seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
NOTICE: The use of any type of transmission fluid other than specified could result in transmission malfunction and/or damage. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or engagement concerns and possible damage.
Before adding transmission fluid, make sure that the correct type fluid is being used. The transmission fluid type used is found on the transmission fluid level indicator, on the handle, in the Owner's Literature and in Specifications.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission fluid filler tube. Do not overfill the transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark red, not brown or black.
3. Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
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 be inspected at this time.
6. If transmission fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter, auxiliary transmission fluid cooler and cooler tubes.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom Diagnosis By Symptom.
Water in Transmission Fluid
To correctly repair an automatic transmission or transaxle that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean and replace the following parts:
- All internal and external seals
- All friction material; clutches and bands
- Torque converter
- All parts with bonded seals
- All solenoids
- All transmission fluid filters
Prior to installing the transmission or transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler(s), transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler hoses need to be flushed and cleaned.