FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Shift Point Road Test

SHIFT POINT TEST

NOTE: This test ensures that governor pressure and shift control valves are operating properly.

Road Test
1. Start engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature.
2. Operate vehicle with transaxle selector lever in the overdrive range.
3. Apply minimum throttle pressure and note upshift speeds and speed at which converter clutch applies.
4. Stop vehicle and move transaxle selector lever to the D range, then repeat step 3. Transaxle will make all upshifts except 3-4 and converter clutch apply should occur above 27 mph.
5. Press accelerator to Wide Open Throttle (WOT) position. Transaxle should shift from third to second or third to first depending on vehicle speed and converter clutch release.

NOTE: With transaxle selector lever in overdrive range, a 4-3 WOT downshift can be obtained regardless of vehicle speed.

6. With vehicle speed above 30 mph, move transaxle selector lever from D range to 1 range (low) and remove foot from accelerator pedal. Transaxle should immediately downshift to second gear. When vehicle speed drops below 20 mph, transaxle should downshift into first gear.
7. On AXOD transaxles, if transaxle fails to upshift and/or downshift, check for incorrect governor pressure or defective shift control valves.
8. On AXOD-E transaxles, if transaxle fails to operate as indicated, refer to Computer Controlled Torque Converter Clutch Diagnosis AXOD and AXOD-E Transaxle Control System, for electrical testing procedures.

In-Shop Test
1. Raise and support front of vehicle so front wheels are off the floor.

CAUTION: Do not allow suspension to hang freely as CV joint damaged may occur. Do not exceed 60 mph indicated speedometer speed.

2. To check shift valves and governor circuit on AXOD models, or shift solenoids for AXOD-E models, place selector lever in D range.
3. Apply minimum throttle pressure and note upshift speeds and speeds at which converter locks up. The transaxle should shift in the following order.
a. 1-2
b. 2-3
c. Converter lockup
d. 3-4

NOTE: Converter will remain locked up when transaxle shifts into fourth gear.

4. As the transaxle shifts, the speedometer needle will make a momentary surge, a slight driveline bump, and engine speed will drop without releasing accelerator pedal.
5. On AXOD transaxles, if shift speeds are not satisfactory, check governor for proper operation. If shift speeds are too low, the shift modulator valve may be defective.
6. To check downshift operation, turn engine off, then disconnect Throttle Valve (TV) linkage from throttle lever and pull out to maximum travel.

CAUTION: Use caution not to crimp or kink cable.

7. Start engine and place selector lever in D position. Apply minimum throttle pressure and ensure 1-2 upshift speed is satisfactory.
8. On AXOD-E transaxles, if transaxle to fails to operate as indicated, refer to Computer controlled Torque Converter Clutch Diagnosis AXOD and AXOD-E Transaxle Control System for electrical testing procedures.