Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission unit, it is very difficult to properly diagnose and troubleshoot this unit on your own. For problems not listed below, contact your dealer's service department or automatic transmission specialist. Do not remove the transmission from the vehicle, as most tests are done on the installed unit.
Fluid leak
Transmission fluid is usually dark red in color. Do not mistake engine oil for fluid leaks, drops of which may fall on the transmission.
To determine the source of the leak, first remove all dirt from the gearbox housing and the area around them using a special compound or steam. Make a short trip at low speed to keep the leak marks from blowing away from the source. Jack up the car and locate the leak. Common Leak Locations:
- a) Transmission pan (Section 1 or Section 7B)
- b) Level connection (Section 1 or Section 7B)
- c) Branch pipes connecting the transmission to the liquid cooling pipes (Section 7)
Transmission fluid is brown or smells of burning
- Transmission fluid level is low or needs to be replaced (Section 1)
General gear selection problems
The most likely cause of shift failures is poor clutch cable adjustment. The following are common problems that can be caused by an incorrectly adjusted cable:
- a) The engine starts not in the Park and Neutral positions.
- b) The indicator panel or lever does not show the selected gear correctly.
- c) The car can move in the Park or Neutral positions.
- d) Random gear shifting.
For cable adjustment procedure, see Section 7B.
Transmission won't downshift (kickdown) with fully depressed gas pedal
- Low transmission fluid (Section 1)
- Incorrect shift cable adjustment (Section 7B)
Engine won't start in any gear or doesn't start in Park or Neutral
- Starter lock defective (Section 7B)
- Incorrect shift cable adjustment (Section 7B)
Transmission slips, shifts jerkily, makes noise or does not transmit rotation when shifting into forward or reverse gears
- There are many possible causes of the problems listed above, but only low fluid levels can be fixed on your own. Check fluid level and condition as described in Section 1. Add fluid or change fluid and filter if necessary. If after this the transmission does not work, contact a specialist.
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