Troubleshooting the automatic transmission is simplified by using the proven method of diagnosis. One of the most important things to remember is that there is a definite procedure to follow. Do not take short cuts or assume that critical checks or adjustments have already been made.

The following procedures are recommended for checking and/or verifying that the various components are adjusted and operating properly. Use Rotunda Automatic Transmission Tester 014-00737 or equivalent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Shift Trouble Diagnosis

TV Control Cable System

 CAUTION: Do not drive vehicle if cable is broken or disconnected at throttle body lever.

1. Symptoms: Excessively early and/or soft upshifts with or without slip-bump feel. Slip-bump feel on light throttle shift into and out of fourth gear (3-4 and/or 4-3 shifts). No forced downshift (kickdown) function at appropriate speeds.
   • Cause: TV control cable set too long.
   • Remedy: Reset cable per procedure for the TV control cable system.
   • Cause:Damage to friction elements in transmission may result due to excessive slipping since TV pressure will remain near zero. If it is necessary to drive vehicle before servicing or resetting cable, disconnect cable at the transmission lever. TV pressure will allow light throttle operation. However, shift will be delayed and harsh.
   • Remedy: Replace/reconnect cable and reset per procedure for the TV control cable system.
2. Symptoms: Shift clunk when throttle is backed off after full or heavy throttle acceleration. Harsh coasting downshifts out of fourth gear (automatic 4-3 shifts in (D)range).
   • Cause: TV control cable is set too short.
   • Remedy: Reset cable per procedure for the TV control cable system.
   • Cause: Transmission lever does not return to idle (lever to rear as far as possible) although cable is correctly set.
   • Remedy: Check for binding due to misaligned or damaged cable brackets or damaged cable or return spring (in rubber boot). Check for binding at cable connections at throttle body or transmission. Pry off cable from the TV lever ball stud and check for free movement of the cable. Lubricate the ball stud with a small amount of Multi-Purpose Grease D0AZ-19584-AA (ESR-M1C159-A and ESB-M1C93-A) or equivalent and reattach the cable. Check for frozen moisture in cable due to damaged boot. Service or replace as necessary. Set cable per procedure for the TV control cable system.
   • Cause: Cable assembly not correctly attached to bracket at either throttle body or transmission.
   • Remedy:Determine reason for cable becoming detached. Replace if necessary. Set cable per procedure for the TV control cable system.
3. Symptoms:Extremely delayed and harsh upshift, especially at light to moderate acceleration and harsh idle engagement.
   • Cause: Cable disconnect at transmission (transmission TV pressure is at maximum).
   • Remedy:Determine cause for cable becoming disconnected. Service or replace as necessary. Set cable per procedure for the TV control cable system.
   • Cause:Transmission lever stays at wide-open throttle (WOT) or part throttle although cable is correctly set.
   • Remedy:Check for binding conditions as detailed previously. Service or replace as necessary. Set cable per procedure for the TV control cable system.