FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Vehicle Damage Warnings

The ECM (ECCS control module) has an on board diagnostic system. It will light up the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to warn the driver of a malfunction causing emission deterioration.

CAUTION
- Be sure to turn the ignition switch "OFF" and disconnect the negative battery terminal before the repair or inspection work. The open/short circuit of the related switches, sensors, solenoid valves, etc. will cause the MIL to light up.
- Be sure to connect and lock the connectors securely after the work. The loose (unlocked) connector will cause the MIL to light up due to the open circuit. (Be sure to connect the connector without water, grease, dirt, bent terminals, etc. in it.)
- Be sure to route and clamp the harnesses properly afier work. The interference of the harness with a bracket, etc. may cause the MIL to light up due to the short circuit.
- Be sure to erase the unnecessary (already fixed) malfunction information in the A/T control unit or ECM before returning the vehicle to the customer.




PRECAUTION
- Before proceeding with disassembly, thoroughly clean the outside of the transmission. It is important to prevent the internal parts from becoming contaminated by dirt or other foreign matter.
- Disassembly should be done in a clean work area.
- Use lint-free cloth or towels for wiping parts clean. Common shop rags can leave fibers that could interfere with the operation of the transmission.
- Place disassembled parts in order for easier and proper assembly.
- All parts should be carefully cleaned with a general purpose, non-flammable solvent before inspection or reassembly.
- Gaskets, seals and O-rings should be replaced any time the transmission is disassembled.
- When connecting A/T control unit harness connector, tighten bolt until red projection is in line with connector.
- It is very important to perform functional tests whenever they are indicated.
- The valve body contains precision parts and requires extreme care when parts are removed and serviced. Place removed parts in a parts rack in order to replace them in correct positions and sequences. Care will also prevent springs and small parts from becoming scattered or lost.
- Properly installed valves, sleeves, plugs, etc. will slide along bores in valve body under their own weight.
- Before assembly, apply a coat of recommended ATF to all parts. Apply petroleum jelly to protect O-rings and seals, and to hold bearings and washers in place during assembly. Do not use grease.
- Extreme care should be taken to avoid damage to O-rings, seals and gaskets when assembling.
- Replace ATF cooler if excessive foreign material is found in oil pan or clogging strainer.
- After overhaul, refill the transmission with new ATF.
- When the A/T drain plug is removed, only some of the fluid is drained. Old A/T fluid will remain in torque converter and ATF cooling system.