Initial Inspection (Visual Inspection)

VISUAL INSPECTION
A visual inspection consists of physically looking for a possible cause of a malfunction. A careful and thorough visual inspection of components may quickly identify the cause of a malfunction and eliminate the need for diagnostic testing.

PERFORM THE FOLLOWING VISUAL INSPECTIONS BEFORE DOING ANY DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. If a malfunction is not resolved by the visual inspection, proceed with Diagnostic Testing.


FLUID LEVEL
Before removing the dipstick, wipe all dirt off the protective cap and the dipstick handle. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. The fluid should be at normal operating temperature (approximately 80°C or 170°F). The fluid level is correct if it is in the "HOT" region on the dipstick.


FLUID CONDITION
If the fluid smells burned and is contaminated with metal or friction material particles, a complete transmission overhaul is needed. Air bubbles caused by over- or underfilling can cause noise, overheating, fluid oxidation, and varnishing.


MANUAL LINKAGE
Correct manual linkage adjustment is very critical to the correct operation of this transmission. If you have any doubt concerning the quality of this adjustment, adjust to specifications before proceeding.


ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Terminals in connectors must lock together. Carefully inspect each connector for wires that are pushed out and lock them in properly. Since some of the AW-4 connectors are at actual components, carefully inspect the following parts:

- AW-4 Transmission Control Module (TCM)

- Transmission grey 7-way connector

- Transmission black 8-way connector

- [1][2]Throttle position sensor

Verify that the blank positions in the 32-way TCM connector contain no wires.