GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Symptom Diagnosis

Diagnostic Category

Diagnostic Information

This table consists of eight diagnostic categories that are located in the left column. Using this column, choose the appropriate category based on the operating conditions of the vehicle or transmission. After selecting a category, use the right column to locate the specific symptom diagnostic information.

Fluid Diagnosis

This category contains the following topics:

    • Fluid condition, appearance, contaminants, smell, overheating
    • Line pressure, high or low
    • Fluid leaks
    • Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
    • Refer to Oil Pressure High or Low .
    • Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis , procedure.
    • Refer to Oil Out the Vent .

Noise and Vibration Diagnosis

This category contains the following topics:

    • Ratcheting noise
    • Noise, drive gear, final drive, whine, growl, rattle, buzz, popping
    • Vibration
    • Refer to Ratcheting Noise .
    • Refer to Popping Noise .
    • Refer to Noise in Random Ranges .

Range Performance Diagnosis

This category contains the following topics:

    • Drives in Neutral
    • No Park
    • No Reverse
    • No Drive
    • No engine braking
    • Lack of Power or Hesitation
    • Refer to Drives in Neutral .
    • Refer to No Park .
    • Refer to No Reverse or Slips in Reverse .
    • Refer to No Drive in All Ranges .
    • Refer to No Drive in Drive Range .
    • Refer to No Overrun Braking - Manual 3-2-1 .
    • Refer to Lack of Power or Hesitation .

Shift Quality (Feel) Diagnosis

This category contains the following topic:

    • Harsh, soft or slipping shifts
    • Harsh, soft or delayed engagement
    • Shift shudder, flare or tie-up
    • Refer to Harsh Shifts .
    • Refer to Slipping or Harsh 1-2 Shift .
    • Refer to Harsh Garage Shift .
    • Refer to Delay in Drive and Reverse .
    • Refer to 3-2 Flare or Tie-Up .

Shift Pattern

This category contains the following topics:

    • One forward gear only
    • Two forward gears only
    • Gear missing or slipping
    • No upshift or slipping upshift
    • No downshifts
    • Non-First gear start
    • Refer to First Gear Range Only - No Upshift .
    • Refer to Third Gear Only .
    • Refer to Slips in First Gear .
    • Refer to Slipping or Harsh 1-2 Shift .
    • Refer to Second Gear Start .

Shift Speed Diagnosis

This category contains the following topic:

Inaccurate or inconsistent shift points

Refer to Inaccurate Shift Points .

Torque Converter Diagnosis

This category contains the following topics:

    • Torque converter diagnosis
    • TCC does not apply
    • TCC does not release
    • TCC apply/release quality
    • Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .
    • Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch Apply .
    • Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch Release .
    • Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Shudder .

If symptom is not found

    • Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
    • Refer to Road Test .
    • Refer to Line Pressure Check .