For 1990-2009 cars

Important: The Road Test Procedure should be performed only as part of the Symptom Diagnosis. Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission.

The following test provides a method of evaluating the condition of the automatic transmission. The test is structured so that most driving conditions would be achieved. The test is divided into the following parts:

• | Electrical Function Check

• | Upshift Control and Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Apply

• | Part Throttle Detent Downshifts

• | Full Throttle Detent Downshifts

• | Manual Downshifts

• | Coasting Downshifts

• | Manual Gear Range Selection

- | REVERSE

- | Manual SECOND

- | Manual THIRD

- | Manual FOURTH

Important: Complete the test in the sequence given. Incomplete testing cannot guarantee an accurate evaluation.

Before the road test, ensure the following:

• | The engine is performing properly.

• | Transmission fluid level is correct. Refer to the Transmission Fluid Check.

• | Tire pressure is correct.

During the road test:

• | Perform the test only when traffic conditions permit.

• | Operate the vehicle in a controlled, safe manner.

• | Observe all traffic regulations.

• | View the scan tool data while conducting this test.

| Take along qualified help in order to operate the vehicle safely.

• | Observe any unusual sounds or smells.

After the road test, inspect for the following:

• | Transmission fluid level

| Refer to the Transmission Fluid Check.

• | Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have set during the testing

| Refer to the applicable DTC.

• | Scan tool data for any abnormal readings or data

• | Fluid leaks

### Electrical Function Check

Perform this check first, in order to ensure the electronic transmission components are connected and functioning properly. If these components are not checked, a simple electrical condition could be mis-diagnosed.

1. Connect the scan tool.
2. Ensure the gear selector is in PARK and set the parking brake.
3. Start the engine.
4. Verify that the following scan tool data can be obtained and is functioning properly.

Refer to Transmission Control Module Scan Tool Information for typical data values. Data that is questionable may indicate a concern.

• | Engine Speed

• | Transmission output speed

• | Vehicle speed

• | IMS Range

• | Transmission range (engine list)

• | Commanded gear

• | PC solenoid reference current

• | PC solenoid actual current

• | PC solenoid duty cycle

• | Engine coolant temperature

• | Transmission fluid temperature

• | Acceleration Pedal Position

• | Ignition voltage

• | 1-2 shift solenoid

• | 2-3 shift solenoid

• | 4-5 shift solenoid

• | TCC solenoid duty cycle

• | TCC slip speed

5. Monitor the brake switch signal with the Tech II. The scan tool should display:

• | Open when the brake pedal is released.

• | Closed when the brake pedal is depressed.

6. Check the garage shifts.

6.1. | Apply the brake pedal and ensure that the parking brake is set.

6.2. | Move the gear selector through the following ranges:

6.2.1. | PARK to REVERSE

6.2.2. | REVERSE to NEUTRAL

6.2.3. | NEUTRAL to DRIVE

6.3. | Pause 2 to 3 seconds in each gear position.

6.4. | Verify the gear engagements are immediate and not harsh.

Important: Harsh engagement may be caused by any of the following conditions:

• | High idle speed

| Compare engine idle speed to desired idle speed.

• | Commanded low PC solenoid current

| Compare PC solenoid reference current to PC solenoid actual current.

• | A default condition caused by certain DTCs that result in maximum line pressure to prevent slippage

Important: Soft or delayed engagement may be caused by any of the following conditions:

• | Low idle speed

| Compare engine idle speed to desired idle speed.

• | Low fluid level

• | Commanded high PC solenoid current

| Compare PC solenoid reference current to PC solenoid actual current.

• | Cold transmission fluid

| Inspect for low transmission fluid temperature.

• | Selector linkage

| Inspect the adjustment.

7. Monitor transmission range on the scan tool, engine list.

7.1. | Apply the brake pedal and ensure the parking brake is set.

7.2. | Move the gear selector through all ranges.

7.3. | Pause 2-3 seconds in each range.

7.4. | Return gear selector to PARK.

7.5. | Verify that all selector positions match the scan tool display.

8. Check accelerator pedal input.

8.1. | Apply the brake pedal and ensure that the parking brake is set.

8.2. | Ensure the gear selector is in PARK.

8.3. | Monitor accelerator pedal while increasing and decreasing engine speed with the throttle pedal. The scan tool accelerator pedal should increase and decrease with engine speed.

If any of the above checks do not perform properly, record the result for reference after completion of the road test.

### Upshift Control and Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Apply

The TCM calculates the upshift points based primarily on two inputs: throttle angle and vehicle speed. When the TCM determines that conditions are met for a shift to occur, the TCM commands the shift by closing or opening the ground circuit for the appropriate solenoid.

Perform the following steps:

1. Refer to the Shift Speed table in this section and choose a throttle position of 12 percent, 25 percent or 50 percent. All throttle angles shown should be tested to cover the normal driving range.
2. Monitor the following scan tool parameters:

• | Throttle angle

• | Vehicle speed

• | Engine speed

• | Output shaft speed

• | Commanded gear

• | Slip speed

• | Solenoid states

3. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.
4. Accelerate the vehicle using the chosen throttle angle. Hold the throttle steady.
5. As the transmission upshifts, note the vehicle speed when the shift occurs for each gear change. There should be a noticeable shift feel or engine speed change within 1 to 2 seconds of the commanded gear change.
6. Compare the shift speeds to the Shift Speed table. Refer to Shift Speed. Shift speeds may vary slightly due to transmission fluid temperature or hydraulic delays in responding to electronic controls.

• | Note any harsh, soft or delayed shifts or slipping.

• | Note any noise or vibration.

7. Repeat steps 1- 6 to complete all throttle angles.

Important: This transmission is equipped with an electronically controlled capacity clutch (ECCC). The pressure plate does not fully lock to the torque converter cover. The pressure plate maintains a small amount of slippage, approximately 20 RPM, in THIRD, FOURTH and FIFTH gears, depending on the vehicle application. ECCC was developed to reduce the possibility of noise, vibration or chuggle caused by TCC apply. Typical apply speeds are 49-52 km/h (30-32 mph) in THIRD gear and 65-73 km/h (40-45 mph) in FOURTH gear. Full lockup is available at highway speeds on some applications.

Important: The TCC will not engage until the engine is in closed loop operation and the vehicle speed is as shown in the Shift Speed table. Refer to Shift Speed. The vehicle must be in a near-cruise condition, not accelerating or coasting, and on a level road surface.

8. Inspect for TCC apply in THIRD, FOURTH and FIFTH gear.

• | Note the TCC apply point. When the TCC applies there should be a noticeable drop in engine speed and a drop in slip speed to below 100 RPM. If the TCC apply can not be detected:

- | Check for DTCs.

- | Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis.

• | Refer to the Shift Speed table for the correct apply speeds.

### Part Throttle Detent Downshift

1. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 64-88 km/h (40-55 mph) in FIFTH gear.
3. Quickly increase throttle angle to greater than 50 percent.
4. Verify the following:

• | The TCC releases

• | The transmission downshifts immediately to FOURTH gear

5. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.

### Full Throttle Detent Downshift

1. Accelerate the vehicle to speeds of 64-88 km/h (40-55 mph) in FIFTH gear.
2. Quickly increase throttle angle to 100 percent (WOT).
3. Verify the following:

• | The TCC releases

• | The transmission downshifts immediately to THIRD gear

### Manual Downshifts

The shift solenoid valves control the initial downshift for the 5-4, 4-3, 3-2 manual downshifts. The solenoid states should change during or shortly after a manual downshift is selected.

#### Manual 5-4 Downshift

1. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 64-88 km/h (40-55 mph) in FIFTH gear.
3. Release the throttle while moving the gear selector to FOURTH.
4. Verify the following:

• | The TCC releases

• | The transmission downshifts immediately to FOURTH gear

• | The engine slows the vehicle

#### Manual 5-3 Downshift

1. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 64-72 km/h (40-45 mph).
3. Release the throttle while moving the gear selector to THIRD.
4. Verify the following:

• | The TCC releases.

• | The transmission downshifts immediately to THIRD gear.

• | The engine slows the vehicle.

#### Manual 5-2 Downshift

1. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 48 km/h (30 mph).
3. Release the throttle while moving the gear selector to SECOND.
4. Verify the following:

• | The TCC releases.

• | The transmission downshifts immediately to SECOND gear.

• | The engine slows the vehicle.

### Coasting Downshifts

1. Place the gear selector in the OVERDRIVE position.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to FIFTH gear with the TCC applied.
3. Release the throttle.
4. Verify the following:

• | The TCC releases

• | Downshifts occur at speeds shown in the Shift Speed table. Refer to Shift Speed.

### Manual Gear Range Selection

The shift solenoids control the upshifts in the manual gear ranges.

Perform the following tests using 10-15 percent throttle angle.

#### Reverse

1. With the vehicle stopped, move the gear selector to REVERSE.
2. Slowly accelerate the vehicle.
3. Verify that there is no noticeable slip, noise, or vibration.

#### Manual Second

1. With the vehicle stopped, move the gear selector to SECOND.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 32 km/h (20 mph).
3. Verify the following:

• | No upshifts occur.

• | The TCC does not apply.

• | There is no noticeable slip, noise, or vibration.

#### Manual Third

1. With the vehicle stopped, move the gear selector to THIRD.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 57 km/h (35 mph).
3. Verify the following:

• | The 1-2 shift occurs.

• | The 2-3 shift does not occur.

• | There is no noticeable slip, noise or vibration.

#### Manual Fourth

1. With the vehicle stopped, move the gear selector to FOURTH.
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 64 km/h (40 mph).
3. Verify the following:

• | The 1-2 shift occurs

• | The 2-3 shift occurs

• | There is no noticeable slip, noise or vibration