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 will 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 |
• | Manual Gear Range Selection |
Important: Complete the test in the sequence given.
Incomplete testing cannot guarantee an accurate evaluation.
Before the road test, make sure the following:
• | The engine is performing properly. |
• | 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, check the following:
• | Inspect for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may have set
during the testing. Refer to the applicable DTC. |
• | Monitor the scan tool data for any abnormal readings or data. |
Electrical Function Check
Perform this procedure first in order to make sure the electronic transmission
components are functioning properly. If these components are not checked, a simple
electrical condition may be misdiagnosed.
- Connect the scan tool.
- Ensure the gear selector is in PARK and set the parking brake.
- Start the engine.
- Verify that the following scan tool data can be obtained and is functioning
properly.
Refer to
Control Module References
for typical data values. Data that is questionable may indicate a concern.
• | Line PC Sol. Pressure Cmd. |
• | Calc. Throttle Position |
• | PC Sol. 2 Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 3 Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 4 Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 5 Pressure Cmd. |
- Monitor the TCC Brake Switch parameter while applying and releasing the
brake pedal. The scan tool should display:
• | Open when the brake pedal is applied. |
• | Closed when the brake pedal is released. |
- Check the garage shifts.
6.1. | Apply the brake pedal and make sure the parking brake is set. |
6.2. | Move the gear selector through the following ranges: |
6.2.2. | REVERSE to NEUTRAL |
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 engine idle speed--Compare engine idle speed to desired idle
speed. |
• | Commanded low pressure control (PC) solenoid current--Investigate
PC Sol. Pressure Cmd. kPa (psi) for all solenoids. High pressure will cause harsh
shifts. |
• | A default condition caused by certain DTCs that result in maximum line
pressure to prevent clutch 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. |
• | Commanded high PC solenoid current--Investigate PC Sol. Pressure
Cmd. kPa (psi) for all solenoids. Low pressure will cause soft or delayed shifts. |
• | Cold transmission fluid temperature (TFT)--Use the scan tool
to determine TFT. |
• | Selector linkage--Inspect and adjust as necessary. |
- Monitor transmission range on the scan tool, engine data list.
7.1. | Apply the brake pedal and make sure the parking brake is set. |
7.2. | Move the gear selector through all ranges. |
7.3. | Pause 2 to 3 seconds in each range. |
7.4. | Return gear selector to PARK. |
7.5. | Verify that all selector positions match the scan tool display. |
- Check throttle position input.
8.1. | Apply the brake pedal and make sure the parking brake is set. |
8.2. | Ensure the gear selector is in PARK. |
8.3. | Monitor the scan tool Calc. Throttle Position while increasing and decreasing
engine speed with the throttle pedal. The scan tool Calc. Throttle Position percentage
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 2 inputs: throttle
position 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:
- Refer to
Shift Speed
table in
this section and choose a throttle position of 12.5 percent or 25 percent.
All throttle positions shown should be tested to cover the normal driving range.
- Monitor the following scan tool parameters:
• | Calc. Throttle Position |
• | TCC PC Sol. Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 2 Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 3 Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 4 Pressure Cmd. |
• | PC Sol. 5 Pressure Cmd. |
- Place the gear selector in the DRIVE position.
- Accelerate the vehicle using the chosen throttle position. Hold the throttle
steady.
- As the transmission upshifts, there should be a noticeable shift feel
or engine speed change within 1 to 2 seconds of the commanded gear change.
The TCC feel may not be noticeable. Look for 100-300 RPM engine speed
change.
- Compare the shift speeds to the Shift Speed table. Refer to
Shift Speed
. Shift speeds may vary slightly due to TFT
or other operating variables, including hydraulic delays in responding to electronic
controls.
• | Note any harsh, soft or delayed shifts or slipping. |
• | Note any noise or vibration. |
Important: This transmission is equipped with an electronically
controlled capacity clutch (ECCC), which does not allow the clutch to fully lock to
the torque converter cover. The clutch maintains a small amount of slippage, approximately
20 RPM, in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th gears, depending on the vehicle application.
ECCC was developed to reduce the possibility of noise, vibration or chuggle caused
by TCC apply. 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.
- Monitor TCC PC solenoid current while driving and make sure the current rises
when the TCC is commanded to apply.
• | 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: |
• | Apply and release the brake pedal. The TCC will release on most applications. |
Part Throttle Detent Downshift
- Place the gear selector in the DRIVE position.
- Accelerate the vehicle to 64-88 km/h (40-55 mph)
in 6th gear.
- Quickly increase throttle angle to between 25-30 percent.
- Verify the following:
• | The transmission downshifts immediately. |
Manual Downshifts
Manual downshift testing is not required for vehicles equipped with Driver Shift
Control (DSC). The TCM and shift solenoids will automatically override DSC
downshifts to protect the transmission from damage.
Coasting Downshifts
- Place the gear selector in the DRIVE position.
- Accelerate the vehicle to 6th gear with the TCC applied.
- Release the throttle and apply the brakes
- Verify the following:
• | The TCC releases (on most applications). |
• | Downshifts occur as commanded. |
Manual Gear Range Selection
This application does not utilize manual forward gear ranges.
Reverse
Perform the following test using a 10-15 percent throttle position.
- With the vehicle stopped, move the gear selector to REVERSE.
- Slowly accelerate the vehicle.
- Verify that there is no noticeable slip, noise or vibration.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions on DSC. The TCM will upshift
automatically when maximum engine speed is achieved and will protect from any downshift
which may cause excessive engine RPMs.