Road Test Procedure

ROAD TEST PROCEDURE
- Perform the road test using a scan tool.
- This test should be performed when traffic and road conditions permit.
- Observe all traffic regulations.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calculates upshift points based primarily on two inputs: THROTTLE ANGLE and VEHICLE SPEED. When the PCM says a shift should occur, an electrical signal is sent to the shift solenoids which in turn moves the valves to perform the upshift.
The shift speed charts reference THROTTLE ANGLE instead of "min throttle" or "wot" to make shift speed measurement more uniform and accurate. A scan tool should be used to monitor THROTTLE ANGLE. Some scan tools have been programmed to record shift point information. Check the instruction manual to see if this test is available.

Upshift Procedure
With gear selector in Overdrive (D):
1. Look at the shift speed chart, Refer to Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; Specifications, and choose a percent throttle angle of 10 or 25%.
2. Set up the scan tool to monitor THROTTLE ANGLE and VEHICLE SPEED.
3. Accelerate to the chosen throttle angle and hold the throttle steady.
4. As the transaxle upshifts, note the shift speed and commanded gear changes for:
- Second gear.
- Third gear.
- Fourth gear.

Important: Shift speeds may vary due to slight hydraulic delays responding to electronic controls. A change from the original equipment tire size also affects shift speeds.

Note when Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) applies. This should occur in fourth gear. If the apply is not noticed by an rpm drop, refer to the "Torque Converter Clutch Diagnosis". Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Diagnosis
The TCC should not apply unless the transaxle has reached a minimum operating temperature of 8°C (46°F) TRAN TEMP AND engine coolant temp of 50°C (122°F).
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 using several different throttle angles.

Part Throttle Detent Downshift
At vehicle speeds of 64 to 88 km/h (40 to 55 mph) in fourth gear, quickly increase throttle angle to greater than 50%.
Verify that:
- TCC releases.
- Transaxle downshifts to 3rd gear.
- 1-2 Shift Solenoid turns OFF.
- 2-3 Shift Solenoid remains ON.

Full Throttle Detent Downshift
At vehicle speeds of 64 to 88 km/h (40 to 55 mph) in fourth gear, quickly increase throttle angle to its maximum position (100%).
Verify that:
- TCC releases.
- Transaxle downshifts to second gear immediately.
- Both Shift Solenoids are OFF.

Manual Downshifts
The shift solenoids do not control the initial 4-3 manual downshift. The 4-3 manual downshift is hydraulic while the 3-2 and 2-1 are electronic. The solenoid states will change during, or shortly after a manual 4-3 downshift is selected.
1. At vehicle speeds of 64 to 88 km/h (40 to 55 mph) in fourth gear, release the accelerator pedal while moving the gear selector to manual third (3). Observe that:
- TCC releases.
- Transaxle downshifts to third gear immediately.
- Engine slows vehicle down.
2. Move gear selector back to Overdrive (D) and accelerate to 64 to 72 km/h (40 to 45 mph). Release the accelerator while moving the gear selector to manual second (2) and observe that:
- TCC releases.
- Transaxle downshifts to second gear immediately.
- Engine slows vehicle down.
3. Move gear selector back to Overdrive (D) and accelerate to 64 km/h (40 mph). Release the accelerator pedal while moving the gear selector to Manual First (1) and observe that:
- TCC releases.
- Transaxle downshifts to second gear immediately.
- Engine slows vehicle down.
- Below 60 km/h (37 mph) transaxle downshifts to first gear.

Notice: A Manual First-Third Gear Ratio will occur at high speeds as an upshift safety feature. Do not attempt to perform this shift.

Coasting Downshifts
1. With the gear selector in Overdrive (D), accelerate to Fourth gear with TCC applied.
2. Release the accelerator pedal and lightly apply the brakes, and observe that:
- TCC releases.
- Downshifts occur at speeds shown on the shift speed chart.

Manual Gear Range Selection
Upshifts in the manual gear ranges are controlled by the shift solenoids.
Perform the following tests by accelerating at 10 percent Throttle Position (TP) Sensor position.

Manual Third (3)
- With vehicle stopped, move the gear selector to Manual Third (3) and accelerate to observe:
- 1-2 shift.
- 2-3 shift.

Manual Second (2)
- With vehicle stopped, move gear selector to Manual Second (2) and accelerate to observe:
- 1-2 shift.
- Accelerate to 40 km/h (35 mph) and observe:
- 2-3 shift does not occur.
- TCC does not apply.

Manual First (1)
- With vehicle stopped, move gear selector to Manual First (1). Accelerate to 32 km/h (20 mph) and observe:
- No upshifts occur.
- TCC does not apply.

Reverse (R)
- With vehicle stopped, move gear selector to R (Reverse) and observe:
- 1-2 Shift Solenoid is ON.
- 2-3 Shift Solenoid is OFF.
Use a scan tool to see if any transaxle trouble codes have been set. Refer to "Diagnostic Trouble Codes" Automatic Transmission/Transaxle and repair the vehicle as directed. After repairing the vehicle, perform the hoist test and verify that the code has not set again.
If the transaxle is not performing well and no trouble codes have been set, there may be an intermittent condition. Check all electrical connections for damage or a loose fit. Some scan tools have a snapshot test which can help catch an intermittent condition that does not occur long enough to set a code.
You may want to read "Electronic Component Diagnosis" to become familiar with transaxle conditions caused by transaxle electrical malfunctions.
If no trouble codes have been set and the condition is suspected to be hydraulic, take the vehicle on a road test.