Preliminary Inspection
Preliminary Inspection
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, refer to Fire Suppression System for Important Safety Warnings. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury. Description and Operation
The following items must be checked prior to beginning the diagnostic procedures:
Know and Understand the Concern
In order to correctly diagnose a concern, first understand the customer complaint or condition. Customer contact may be required in order to begin to verify the concern. 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 Verification of Condition.
Verification of Condition
This provides information that must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and carrying out the appropriate procedures.
The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the transmission.
Determine Customer Concern
NOTE: Some transmission conditions can cause engine concerns. An Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) short circuit can cause engine misfiring. The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) not disengaging will stall the engine.
Determine customer concerns relative to vehicle use and dependent driving conditions, paying attention to the following items:
- Hot or cold vehicle operating temperature
- Hot or cold ambient temperatures
- Type of terrain
- Vehicle loaded/unloaded
- City/highway driving
- Upshift
- Downshift
- Coasting
- Engagement
- Noise/vibration - check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent
Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
Transmission Fluid Level Check
NOTICE: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level indicator shows the transmission fluid below the DO NOT DRIVE mark or internal failure may result.
NOTE: If vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or when pulling a trailer, the transmission fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
NOTE: The transmission fluid level reading on the transmission fluid level indicator will differ from operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.
Under normal circumstances, the transmission fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly or has signs of transmission fluid leaking, the transmission fluid level should be checked.
1. With the selector lever in PARK, the engine at idle, the brake pedal applied, move the selector lever through each gear and allow transmission engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever in the PARK position.
2. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator cap and remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
3. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
4. Install the transmission fluid level indicator back in the transmission fluid filler tube until it is fully seated, then remove the transmission fluid level indicator. The transmission fluid level should be within the normal operating temperature range.
High Transmission Fluid Level
A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming and possible transmission malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, drain and refill the transmission.
Low Transmission Fluid Level
A low transmission fluid level could result in poor transmission engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in the transmission seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
NOTICE: The use of any type of transmission fluid other than specified may result in transmission malfunction and/or damage.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission fluid filler tube. Do not overfill the transmission. For transmission fluid type, refer to the General Specifications chart.
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. Under normal conditions the transmission fluid should be dark red, not brown or black in color or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color, this may indicate coolant in the transmission. The engine cooling system should be inspected at this time.
6. If transmission fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter, coolers and cooler tubes.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments; refer to Diagnosis By Symptom Diagnosis By Symptom.
Water in Transmission Fluid
To correctly repair an automatic transmission or transaxle that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean and replace the following parts:
- All internal and external seals
- All friction material; clutches and bands
- Torque converter
- All parts with bonded seals
- All solenoids
- All transmission fluid filters
Prior to installing the transmission or transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler(s), transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler hoses need to be flushed and cleaned.