Checking the Basics

All Troubleshooting must begin by "Checking the Basics". Certain basic faults can be undetectable by the self-diagnostic system of the Electronic Transmission Control (EGS) control unit and in some cases can actually interfere with the self-checking and fault memory operation.
Low battery voltage, for example, can cause erroneous faults to set in control unit fault memories or can cause a system to go "Fail Safe" without setting a fault in memory. Also, testing procedures done on a running engine will cause malfunctions to be stored that were caused by a simulation or a disconnected circuit. On the other hand, system fault memories are cleared whenever the control unit or the battery is disconnected. Therefore, all fault memories should be read prior to any vehicle power interruption or troubleshooting. This will ensure that the technician can differentiate between actual malfunctions and "simulated malfunctions."
After testing is completed, the malfunction memory of the EGS control unit must be cleared.

Prior to any teardown, repair or component replacement, the following steps should always be considered.

COMPLAINT VERIFICATION
Whenever possible the repairing technician should personally verify the complaint. Having experienced the malfunction, the technician is less likely to try to repair non-existent faults.

MALFUNCTION VERIFICATION
Today's sophisticated automotive systems are easily misunderstood, which can lead to repairs that attempt to force a particular system to perform in a way that it was never intended to operate. Therefore, the troubleshooting technician should compare the system operation to the nominal system operation as described in the section Description and Operation. Furthermore, the technician is also encouraged to compare the problem vehicle system operation with a known good vehicle.

PREVIOUS REPAIRS/MODIFICATIONS
The vehicle repair history can provide explanations to unusual complaints which seem to elude normal troubleshooting attempts. Incorrect components, unapproved repairs or modifications can have subtle influences on seemingly unrelated systems.

NOTE - Vehicles with a history of accident damage and repair, may exhibit very unusual symptoms.

ENGINE CONDITION
Verify that the engine is operating properly (mechanically) and that there are no DTC's stored in the On-board diagnostic memory. DTC's stored in the Digital Motor Electronic (DME) control module should be eliminated first, since those stored in the transmission control module may only be a consequence of the engine control module fault. Refer to Computers and Control Systems Testing and Inspection

GENERAL TRANSMISSION CONDITION
Verify that the transmission meets minimum mechanical requirements (stall speed and pressure tests). Transmission oil level, mounting points and linkages, wire harness and connections, must be in in perfect working order. Black coloration or unusual smelling (burnt) fluids indicate transmission damage.

BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE
Batteries in a state of partial discharge can have a dramatic effect on EGS control units and related components.

POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE INTEGRITY
All B+ connections must be in perfect condition for trouble-free electronic system operation. Refer to Electronic Diagrams for B+ interconnects.

FUSIBLE LINK INTEGRITY
Fusible links are employed to prevent possible damage to electrical components and wiring harnesses. These links and their connections must be without dynamic resistance. Dynamic resistance can only be checked using the voltage drop method of testing.

NEGATIVE GROUND CONNECTIONS
As all electrical circuits are a circle, all B- connections must also be checked and verified to be in perfect condition. A poor "common" ground point will cause seemingly unrelated systems to influence one another. High current systems which encounter a poor "common" ground can back feed through other electrical systems causing unusual operation and perhaps inexplicable component failure. As with the B+ side of the electrical system, the ground side should be checked dynamically using the voltage drop technique.

POWER TRAIN CABLE ATTACHMENTS
Metal cables attached to the engine or transmission which appear overheated and/or discolored indicate the need to thoroughly test all ground connections.