GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Category

Diagnostic Information

Important: The Functional Test Procedure should be performed before beginning any diagnosis. If this procedure has not already been performed, refer to Functional Test .

This table consists of seven diagnostic categories that are located in the left-hand 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-hand 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 Fluid Foaming .
    • Refer to High or Low Line Pressure .
    • Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis .
    • Refer to Fluid Leaks .

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 Noise .
    • Refer to Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test (procedure).
    • Refer to Vibration .

Range Performance Diagnosis

This category contains the following topics:

    • Drives in Neutral
    • No Park
    • No Reverse
    • No Drive
    • Loss of power
    • No engine braking
    • Shift indicator indicating wrong gear
    • No gear selection
    • Refer to Drives in Neutral .
    • Refer to No Park .
    • Refer to No Reverse or Slips in Reverse .
    • Refer to Loss of Drive .
    • Refer to Loss of Power .
    • Refer to Engine Stall .
    • Refer to No Engine Braking; All Manual Ranges .
    • Refer to No Engine Braking; Manual First - First Gear .
    • Refer to No Engine Braking; Manual Second - Second Gear .
    • Refer to Shift Indicator Indicates Wrong Gear Selection .
    • Refer to No Gear Selection .

Shift Quality (Feel) Diagnosis

This category contains the following topic:

Harsh shifts

Refer to Harsh Shifts .

Shift Pattern

This category contains the following topics:

    • One forward gear only
    • Specific forward gears only
    • Slipping
    • Refer to Second Gear Only .
    • Refer to First and Second Gears Only .
    • Refer to First and Fourth Gears Only .
    • Refer to Second and Third Gears Only .
    • Refer to Third and Fourth Gears Only .
    • Refer to No First Gear, Slips in First Gear .
    • Refer to No Second Gear, Slips in Second Gear .
    • Refer to No Third Gear, Slips in Third Gear .
    • Refer to No Fourth Gear, or Slips in Fourth Gear .

Shift Speed Diagnosis

This category contains the following topic:

Inaccurate or inconsistent shift points

Refer to Inaccurate/Inconsistent Shift Points .

Torque Converter Diagnosis

This category contains the following topics:

    • Torque Converter Diagnosis
    • TCC remains engaged
    • TCC application while engine is cold
    • TCC shudder
    • Engine stalling
    • Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .
    • Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Release .
    • Refer to Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Apply with Cold Engine .
    • Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Shudder .
    • Refer to Engine Stall .