GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Use the stall speed test in order to check the overall performance of the transmission and the engine. The test measures the maximum engine speeds in the forward and reverse ranges.

    Notice: This test should always be performed at a normal operating fluid temperature of 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F). DO NOT run engine at stall speed for more than five seconds continuously. If this precaution is not observed, engine oil and transaxle fluid temperatures may rise excessively high.

  1. Inspect the transmission fluid level. The level should be between the Full Hot and the Low Hot ranges on the fluid level indicator.
  2. Apply the parking brake and block the vehicle wheels.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  4. Press the brake pedal fully.
  5. Ensure that the manual selector lever is in the Park (P) position.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Move the manual selector lever to the Reverse (R) position.
  8. Press the accelerator pedal fully at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). While watching the tachometer, quickly read and record the engine speed (RPM) after the speed becomes constant (stall speed).
  9. Release the accelerator pedal immediately after you have recorded the stall speed.
  10. Return the selector lever to Park (P) position and turn the ignition switch to LOCK.

Evaluation

The stall speed should fall within 2300-2600 RPM in all tested gear positions. Refer to the Stall Speed Test Diagnosis for causes of higher or lower stall speed.

Stall Speed Test Diagnosis

Result

Probable Cause

Correction

Lower than 2300 RPM

  1. Lower than normal engine output
  2. Defective torque converter
  1. Diagnose the engine condition.
  2. Replace the torque converter.

Higher than 2600 RPM in Drive (D) position

  1. Overdrive clutch slipping
  2. Forward clutch slipping
  3. Defective overdrive one-way clutch
  4. Defective overdrive one-way clutch #2
  5. Low line pressure
  1. Inspect the overdrive clutch.
  2. Inspect the forward clutch.
  3. Inspect the overdrive one-way clutch.
  4. Inspect the overdrive one-way clutch #2.
  5. Test the line pressure.

Higher than 2600 RPM in Reverse (R) position

  1. Direct clutch slipping
  2. Reverse clutch slipping
  3. Low line pressure
  4. Overdrive clutch slipping
  5. Defective overdrive one-way clutch
  1. Inspect the direct clutch.
  2. Inspect the reverse clutch.
  3. Test the line pressure.
  4. Inspect the overdrive clutch.
  5. Inspect the overdrive one-way clutch.