GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The purpose of the stall test is to inspect the overall performance of the automatic transmission (A/T) and the engine by measuring the stall speed in drive (D) and reverse (R) range.

  1. Wedge the 4 wheels and apply the parking brake fully. Lock the vehicle in place.
  2. Fully press on the brake pedal with left foot.
  3. Important: Do not continuously run longer than 5 seconds. Extreme increasing of oil temperature may occur.

  4. Shift into drive (D) and reverse (R) range, fully press on accelerator pedal with right foot.
  5. Specification
    The standard stall speed is 2240-2540 RPM.

Make sure to keep interval for more than 1 minute between stall tests.

Result of Stall Test

Cause of Failure

Lower than standards in both drive (D) and reverse (R)

    • Less engine power
    • Torque converter 1-way clutch failure

Higher than standards only in drive (D)

    • Lower line pressure
       - Pressure control solenoid (PCS) failure
       - Primary regulator valve failure
    • Forward clutch (C1) failure, slipping
    • No. 2 1-way clutch (F2) failure

Higher than standards only in reverse (R)

    • Lower line pressure
       - PCS failure
       - Primary regulator valve failure
    • Reverse clutch (C3) failure, slipping
    • 1st and reverse brake (B3) failure, slipping

Higher than standards in both drive (D) and reverse (R)

    • Lower line pressure
       - PCS failure
       - Primary regulator valve failure
    • Oil pump failure
    • Oil strainer failure, clogging
    • Oil leak for each range circuit