Road Test

A340E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM: ROAD TEST

1. PROBLEM SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION

(a) Based on the result of the customer problem analysis, try to reproduce the symptoms. If the problem is that the transmission does not shift up, shift down, or the shift point is too high or too low, conduct the following road test while referring to the automatic shift schedule and simulate the problem symptoms.

2. ROAD TEST

NOTICE:
Perform the test at the normal operating ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) temperature: 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F).

(a) D position test:

Shift into the D position and check the following points:

(1) Check up-shift operation.

Check that the 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 and 3 -> 4 up-shifts take place, and that the shift points conform to the automatic shift schedule A340E Automatic Transmission.

HINT
4th Gear Up-shift Prohibition Control

* Engine coolant temperature is less than 55°C (131°F) and vehicle speed is less than 80 km/h (50 mph).
4th Gear Lock-up Prohibition Control

* Brake pedal is depressed.
* Accelerator pedal is released.
* Engine coolant temperature is 55°C (131°F) or less.

(2) Check for shift shock and slippage.

Check for shock and slippage at the 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 and 3 -> 4 up-shifts.

(3) Check for abnormal noise and vibration.

Check for abnormal noise and vibration when up-shifting from 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 and 3 -> 4 while driving with the shift lever in the D position, and check while driving in the lock-up condition.

HINT
The check for the cause of abnormal noise and vibration must be done thoroughly as it could also be due to loss of balance in the differential, torque converter clutch, etc.

(4) Check kick-down operation.

While driving with the shift lever in the D position, check that the possible kick-down vehicle speed limits for the 2 -> 1, 3 -> 2 and 4 -> 3 kick-downs conform to those indicated in the automatic shift schedule A340E Automatic Transmission.

(5) Check for abnormal shock and slippage at kick-down.

(6) Check the lock-up mechanism.

Drive in the D position (4th gear), at a steady speed (lock-up ON).

Lightly depress the accelerator pedal and check that the engine speed does not change abruptly.

HINT
* There is no lock-up function in 1st and 2nd gear.
* If there is a sudden increase in engine speed, there is no lock-up.

(b) 3 position test:

Shift into the 3 position and check the following points:

(1) Check up-shift operation.

Check that the 1 -> 2, and 2 -> 3 up-shifts take place, and that the shift points conform to the automatic shift schedule A340E Automatic Transmission.

HINT
There is no 3 -> 4 up-shift or lock-up in the 3 position.

3rd Gear Lock-up Prohibition Control

* Brake pedal is depressed.
* Accelerator pedal is released.
* Engine coolant temperature is 55°C (131°F) or less.

(2) Check engine braking.

While driving in the 3 position and 3rd gear, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.

(3) Check for abnormal noise during acceleration and deceleration, and for shock at up-shift and down-shift.

(4) Check the lock-up mechanism.

Drive in the 3 position (3rd gear), at a steady speed (lock-up ON).

Lightly depress the accelerator pedal and check that the engine speed does not change abruptly.

HINT
* There is no lock-up function in 1st and 2nd gear.
* If there is a sudden increase in engine speed, there is no lock-up.

(c) 2 position test:

Shift into the 2 position and check the following points:

(1) Check up-shift operation.

Check that the 1 -> 2 up-shift takes place, and that the shift point conforms to the automatic shift schedule A340E Automatic Transmission.

(2) Check engine braking.

While driving in the 2 position and 2nd gear, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.

(3) Check for abnormal noise during acceleration and deceleration, and for shock at up-shift and down-shift.

(d) L position test:

Shift into the L position and check the following points:

(1) Check for no up-shift.

While driving in the L position, check that there is no up-shift to 2nd gear.

(2) Check engine braking.

While driving in the L position, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.

(3) Check for abnormal noises during acceleration and deceleration.

(e) R position test:

Shift into the R position, lightly depress the accelerator pedal, and check that the vehicle moves backward without any abnormal noise or vibration.

CAUTION:
Before conducting this test, ensure that the test area is free from people and obstructions.

(f) P position test:

Stop the vehicle on an incline (more than 5°) and after shifting into the P position, release the parking brake. Then, check that the parking lock pawl holds the vehicle in place.