Section 07-01A: Transmission, Automatic, A4LD | 1993 Mustang Workshop Manual |
The Quick Tests are in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual. These tests are used to diagnose the PCM, sensors and actuators.
The following is a guide for using the Quick Tests, with some special considerations to remember.
Quick Test 1.0 Visual Check
Perform the Visual Check as outlined in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual.
Quick Test 2.0 Vehicle Preparation and Equipment Hookup
NOTE: The SUPER STAR II Tester 007-0041A or equivalent must be used on fast mode to properly display the Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
NOTE: The On-Board Diagnostics can be entered only once each time the key is turned on. To re-enter the On-Board Diagnostics, turn the key off and wait 10 seconds.
Quick Test 3.0 Key On, Engine Off (KOEO)
Some special considerations for Key On, Engine Off On-Board Diagnostics include the following:
KOEO On-Board Diagnostics
NOTE: If SUPER STAR II Tester is unavailable, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual for alternate methods to run the On-Board Diagnostics.
Quick Test 4.0 Continuous Test Memory Codes
Continuous memory codes are from concerns which were detected during normal vehicle operation. These codes are retained for 40 warm-up cycles.
After servicing any KOEO or KOER "hard" DTCs and a pass code 11 or 111 is received on both, service the continuous memory codes. Some special considerations for continuous testing include the following:
CAUTION: DTCs in continuous memory can be erased by disconnecting the battery
or by ungrounding the Self Test Input (STI) while the codes are being displayed
during the KOEO On-Board Diagnostics. This STI is ungrounded by disconnecting
the small Data Link connector or unlatching the STAR Tester button. Always
write down the DTCs to avoid losing information that can be used to diagnose
the customer's concern.
Special Test Modes
NOTE: The wiggle test may also be entered by "latching" STI; ON, OFF, ON.
Quick Test 5.0 Key On, Engine Running (KOER)
The Engine Running On-Board Diagnostics provides "hard" DTCs only. Some special considerations for Engine Running On-Board Diagnostics include the following:
KOER On-Board Diagnostics
NOTE: Engine must be warm or DTC 116 — ECT sensor out of On-Board Diagnostic range will occur.
Special Test Mode
The wiggle test allows the technician to attempt to recreate an intermittent malfunction. Tap, move and wiggle the suspected sensor and/or wire harness. When a malfunction is detected the STO will be turned on as long as the concern is present. STO ON will cause the STAR Tester to sound a continuous tone. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp will also illuminate.
NOTE: The Wiggle Test may also be entered by "latching" STI; ON, OFF, ON.
Quick Test 6.0 Computed Timing Check
This Quick Test is used to diagnose engine idle concerns only. Any engine concerns or DTCs should be serviced BEFORE the transmission concerns are serviced.
After On-Board Diagnostics
After the On-Board Diagnostics procedures are completed, service all DTCs.
Begin with non-transmission related DTCs, then service any transmission related DTCs. Refer to the EEC-IV On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Code Description Chart for information on Condition and Symptoms. This chart will be helpful in referring to the proper manual(s) and to aid in diagnosing internal transmission concerns and external non-transmission inputs. The Pinpoint Tests are used in diagnosing electrical concerns of the A4LD transmission. Make sure that the vehicle wiring harness and the PCM are diagnosed as well. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual will aid in diagnosing non-transmission electronic components.
NOTE: The vehicle wiring harness, PCM and non-transmission sensors may affect transmission operations. Service these concerns first. Use the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual.
Pinpoint Tests
If DTCs appear while performing the On-Board Diagnostics refer to the EEC-IV On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Code Description Chart for the appropriate service procedure. Prior to entering Pinpoint Tests, refer to any TSBs and Oasis messages for A4LD transmission concerns.
NOTE: Prior to entering Pinpoint Tests, check the PCM wiring harness for proper connections, bent or broken pins, corrosion, loose wires, proper routing, proper seals and their condition. Check the PCM, sensors and actuators for damage. Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual.
NOTE: After Electrical Diagnosis has been performed and a concern still exists, refer to the Mechanical Diagnosis.
Item | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | — | Transmission Tester |
2 | — | Power Cable |
3 | — | Overlay Cards |
4 | — | A4LD Adapter Cable |
5 | — | AODE Adapter Cable |
6 | — | AXODE Adapter Cable |
7 | — | E4OD Adapter Cable |
8 | — | Extender Cable |
Item | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | — | VPWR Pin Jacks (red): VPWR test points for solenoid circuits. |
2 | — | Solenoid Signal Line Pin Jacks (black) Signal line test points for solenoid circuits. |
3 | — | B+ (red) and B- (black) Pin Jacks: Battery reference points when measuring circuits for shorts. |
4 | — | TOT Pin Jacks: Test points for TOT sensor. |
5 | — | TSS or OSS Pin Jacks: Test points for TSS or OSS sensor. |
6 | — | Diode Test Jack: Connect banana plug end of test probe into this jack for diode testing. Connect other end of test probe to solenoid signal pin jack (with diode and check mark). |
Item | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | — | Overlay and Cable Correctly Installed LEDs: Only LEDs with symbol and cable correctly matched. |
2 | — | Status LEDs: LED OFF when not activated by tester (solenoid not activated, open circuit or signal line short to ground. LED GREEN when activated by tester and current draw is correct. LED RED when activated by tester and current draw is excessive (short to VPWR). All LEDs light orange during on-board diagnostic. |
3 | — | Solenoid Activate Buttons: Energize respective solenoids during click testing and activate selected circuits during DRIVE MODE testing. |
4 | — | Tester Mode Switch: Selects operating mode, either BENCH or DRIVE. |
5 | — | Solenoid Select/Gear Select Knob: Has three functions. In BENCH MODE: acts as shift solenoid selector for click testing. In DRIVE MODE: acts as forward gear selector in place of vehicle's PCM-controlled shifting. Hydraulic safety mechanisms and overrides are built into the transmission. In OHMS/DIODE check: allows you to measure ohms and check for presence of a diode on specific solenoids. |
6 | — | Diode Test Button: Activates DIODE TEST circuit. |
7 | — | Diode OK LED: With DIODE TEST BUTTON depressed, indicates condition of diode. (LED ON: diode OK.) |
The Transmission Tester allows a technician to operate the electrical portion of the transmission independent of the vehicle electronics. The Transmission Tester usage is divided into five steps:
Preliminary Testing and Diagnosis
Before any diagnostic testing is done on a vehicle some preliminary checks must be performed, as outlined below. Be sure to write down your findings, especially any DTCs found, for future reference.
Installing the Transmission Tester (Set Up Procedures)
Installing the Transmission Tester AT THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTOR allows the separation of the vehicle electronics from the transmission electronics. Disconnecting the normal vehicle electronics will in itself set additional codes and cause firm shifts. (Disconnecting the transmission connector defaults the transmission to maximum line pressure).
NOTE: During tester usage additional DTCs may be set. Therefore, it is important that all codes are erased after repairs have been made. To verify elimination of all codes rerun On-Board Diagnostics.
NOTE: A4LD transmission will not have firm shifts when using the tester. It does not default to maximum line pressure.
NOTE: The following manuals should be available to assist in diagnosis of
electronically controlled transmissions:
CAUTION: Do not attempt to pry off connectors with a screwdriver. This will
damage the connector and could result in a transmission concern. If you have
transmission heat shields, remove them first. Always replace heat shields after
service.
CAUTION: Route all cables away from HEAT SOURCES.
Static Testing — Vehicle "OFF"
Static testing procedures allow for shop testing of the transmission in the vehicle or on the bench. Completion of these tests prove out the transmission electronically.
CAUTION: For resistance checks, be sure that the tester solenoid select switch
is set to the "OHMS/DIODE CHECK" position or damage to the ohmmeter may result.
Resistance/Continuity Tests
Transmission Solenoids and Sensors Resistance Tests
Solenoids (SS 3-4/4-3, TCC)
If out of range refer to the pinpoint tests.
Pinpoint Test A — (SS 3-4/4-3);
Pinpoint Test C — TCC
SOLENOID | SOLENOID RESISTANCE (ohms) |
---|---|
SS 3-4/4-3
TCC |
26-40
26-40 |
Short to Ground and Solenoid Voltage Tests
NOTE: LED will turn GREEN when solenoid activates and turn OFF when deactivated.
LED will turn RED if an activated solenoid/harness is shorted to B+.
LED will remain OFF if an activated solenoid/harness is shorted to ground or no continuity.
NOTE: SS 3-4/4-3 and TCC solenoid click may or may not be audible.
Solenoid Diode Test
NOTE: A bad diode may cause PCM concerns.
Dynamic Testing — Vehicle Running
Dynamic testing is the final step in the Transmission Tester usage. It allows the transmission to be proven out electronically and hydraulically.
Transmission Solenoid Cycling and Drive Test Procedures
Preliminary Set Up
Upshift/Downshift
NOTE: These tests should be performed on the road. If performed on the hoist the technician may not feel all of the shifts when they are engaged.
LEDs will turn green when solenoids are activated and turn off when deactivated. Refer to the appropriate overlay for the proper status/shift sequence of the shift solenoids during upshift and downshifts.
SS 3-4/4-3 Upshift/Downshift
Did the vehicle upshift from first to second and then into third?
NOTE: These upshifts are hydraulically controlled.
Did the vehicle upshift to fourth gear?
Did the 3-4/4-3 Shift solenoid activate/deactivate?
Does the vehicle downshift for fourth to third, third to second, and second to first?
Did the 3-4/4-3 Shift solenoid activate/deactivate?
Did the vehicle downshift hydraulically?
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Engagement
NOTE: This test should be performed on the road. If performed on the hoist the technician may not feel the TCC engage.
CAUTION: Do not depress TCC (CCO) switch with transmission in gear and the
vehicle at a stop. Damage to torque converter clutch may result.
Does the converter engage? Does the engine RPM drop?
Did the TCC (CCO) solenoid activate/deactivate?
NOTE: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) was formerly called Converter Clutch Override (CCO).
Removing the Transmission Tester and Clearing DTCs
CAUTION: Do not attempt to pry off connectors with a screwdriver. This will
damage the connector and could result in a transmission concern.