Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

To properly diagnose a concern, first understand the condition. Customer contact may be required to begin to verify the concern. Understand the conditions as to when the concern occurs. For example:
- Hot or cold vehicle temperature
- Hot or cold ambient temperature
- Vehicle driving conditions
- Vehicle loaded or unloaded
After understanding when and how the concern occurs, proceed to verify the concern. Perform the following initial steps before performing on-board diagnostic procedures.
- Verify the concern by driving the vehicle
- Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level and condition
- Check shift linkage for proper adjustment.

Test Driving the Vehicle
Check the level of the ATF before performing a road test.
Begin the test drive with the vehicle in the D position. Drive the vehicle causing the transmission to upshift and downshift. Listen for abnormal sounds coming from the transmission or driveline related sounds. Check the shifting speeds at light acceleration and that the shift points are correct. Also check for any slipping or abrupt shifts. Check that the lockup function occurs and is correct.





Shift Point Chart-Economy Range





Shift Point Chart-Power Range

Check Fluid Level
Do not drive the vehicle if the ATF level is low. Check the level of the ATF, using the following procedure:
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface. Apply the parking brake and block the wheels.
2. Run the engine at idle speed, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each range. Allow time in each range to engage the transmission, then return to park.
3. Allow the ATF to reach normal operating temperature. Normal operating temperature is 176 - 194°F (80 - 90°C). Do not turn off the engine during the fluid level check.
4. Pull the fluid level indicator out of the indicator tube, wipe it clean and put it back into the tube. Make sure it is fully seated. Pull the fluid level indicator out of the indicator tube again and check the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the fluid indicator marked 176°F (80°C). If the transmission fluid is below the specified level, add TOTAL FLUID HX as necessary.

High or Low Fluid Level
Do not overfill the transaxle. ATF that is too high will result in foaming. Foaming will cause erratic control pressure, and the aerated fluid will be forced from the vent. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid must be removed.
If the ATF is too low, the transaxle will experience loss of engagement or slipping. A low fluid level may indicate a leak that could cause transaxle damage.

Fluid Condition Check
Observe the color and odor of the ATF. It should be dark red, not brown or black. A burnt odor indicates an overheating condition, a clutch disc failure or band failure. Also inspect the fluid for specks, signs of engine coolant or varnish on the indicator. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by further evidence of coolant or excessive solids in the transaxle, the transmission should be disassembled and completely cleaned and serviced.