Before Pinpoint Tests

DESCRIPTION
The following items must be checked prior to beginning the diagnostic procedures.

KNOW/UNDERSTAND THE CONCERN
In order to properly diagnose a concern you must first understand the customer complaint or condition. Customer contact may be required in order for the technician to begin to verify the concern. You must 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 verifying the concern.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- New Generation Star Tester (NGS) 007-00500 or equivalent
- Rotunda 104 Pin Breakout Box (BOB) 014-00950 or equivalent
- 73 Digital Multimeter 105-R0051 or equivalent.
The EEC-V 104 Pin Breakout Box 014-00950 or equivalent allows testing of the electrical portion of the transaxle, independent of the vehicle electronics, to determine transaxle concerns. The New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester 007-00500 or equivalent allows DTC retrieval, monitoring and manual control of the transaxle.

VERIFICATION OF CONDITION
This section provides information which must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and performing the appropriate service procedures.

NOTE: Some transmission conditions may cause engine concerns. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will stall the engine. The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for transmission:

1. Check Fluid Level and Condition. Testing and Inspection
2. Determine Customer Concern.
- hot or cold vehicle operating temperature
- hot or cold ambient temperatures
- type of terrain
- vehicle loaded/unloaded
- city/highway driving
3. Perform road test to verify condition.

NOTE: The vehicle wiring harness, Powertrain control module (PCM) and non-transaxle sensors may affect transaxle operations. Repair these concerns first.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE
Refer to the On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Code Description Chart for information on condition and symptoms. This chart directs references to the proper references and aids in diagnosing internal transaxle concerns and external non-transaxle inputs. The pinpoint tests are used in diagnosing transaxle electrical concerns. Make sure that the vehicle wiring harness and the PCM are diagnosed as well.

NOTE: Refer to Powertrain Management to assist in the diagnosis of the transaxle.


PRELIMINARY INSPECTIONS
Before any diagnostic testing is done on the vehicle, some preliminary checks must be performed. Be sure to write down any results, especially DTCs retrieved, for future reference.
1. Check the ATF level and condition. Correct as necessary.
2. Visually inspect wiring harness and connectors.
3. Check for any vehicle modifications.
4. Check shift linkage for proper adjustment.
5. Verify customer concern:
- Upshift.
- Downshift.
- Coasting.
- Engagement.
- Noise/Vibration.
6. Vehicle must be at normal operating temperature.
7. Perform vehicle on-board diagnostic using the NGS Tester 007-00500 or equivalent.
8. Retrieve and record all DTCs. Diagnose and repair all non-transaxle DTCs before proceeding with any transaxle diagnostics.

NOTE:
- Prior to entering pinpoint tests, check the Powertrain control module (PCM) and the EEC-V system wiring harness for proper connections, bent or broken pins, corrosion, loose wires, proper routing, proper seals and their condition. Check the PCM, sensors and actuators for damage. Refer to Powertrain Management.
- If a concern still exists after electrical diagnosis has been performed, refer to Diagnosis by Symptom.
- If DTCs appear while performing the on-board diagnostics, refer to the On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Code Description Chart for the appropriate repair procedure.
- Prior to entering pinpoint tests, refer to any TSBs.
- All non-transaxle DTCs should be addressed first. They could affect the electrical operation of the transaxle.