Preliminary Inspection
Preliminary Inspection
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 necessary in order to begin to verify the concern. Understand the condition 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 verify the concern.
Verification of Condition
The following information must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and executing the appropriate procedures.
The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the engine.
Determine Customer Concern
NOTE: Some transmission conditions can cause engine concerns. An electronic pressure control short circuit can cause engine misfiring. The torque converter clutch 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
CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is low or internal failure may result.
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the transmission fluid needs to cool down 30 minutes to obtain an accurate reading.
This vehicle is not equipped with a transmission fluid level indicator. An incorrect transmission fluid level may affect the transmission operation and could result in transmission damage. To correctly check and add transmission fluid to the transmission, refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check.
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, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transmission damage. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check to correct a possible overfill condition.
Low Transmission Fluid Level
A low transmission fluid level can result in poor transmission engagement, slipping or damage. This can also indicate a leak in one of the transmission seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
CAUTION: Do not use water-based cleaners, mineral spirits, brake cleaner or solvents that may contain acetone, xylene or heptane to clean and/or flush the transmission assembly, transmission components and the torque converter or transmission damage will occur. Use only clean transmission fluid designated for the transmission/converter being serviced.
CAUTION: The use of any type of transmission fluid other than specified may result in transmission damage.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission fluid level plug in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. For transmission fluid filling, refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check. For transmission fluid type, refer to the General Specification chart.
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the transmission fluid level. Only remove the small (center) plug for this procedure.
2. Observe the color and the odor of the transmission fluid. Under normal circumstances the color should be dark reddish, not brown or black.
3. Allow the transmission fluid to drip onto a 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 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.
6. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom. 5R55S - Automatic Transaxle/Transmission
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.