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Road Test

  1. Ensure shift linkage, fluid level and condition are okay. Add fluid and adjust control cable as needed. Road test vehicle, operating transaxle in each gear position. Check for slipping and any variation in shifting.
  2. If vehicle operates properly at highway speeds, but has poor acceleration, torque converter stator clutch may be slipping. If acceleration through all gears is normal, but high throttle opening is required to maintain highway speeds, torque converter stator clutch may be seized. Torque converter must be replaced if stator clutch is defective.
  3. In most cases, the clutch that is slipping can be determined by noting transaxle operation in all gear positions and noting which clutches are applied in proper gear position. See the TRANSMISSION COMPONENT APPLICATION CHART .
  4. Process of elimination can be used to detect any unit which slips and to confirm proper operation of good units. However, although road test analysis can usually diagnose slipping units, actual malfunction usually cannot be decided. Practically any condition can be caused by leaking hydraulic circuits or sticking valves.
NOTE: Clutch volume may be checked using DRB and manufacturer's instructions to determine if clutch is defective. See AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS - CHRYSLER 42LE CONTROLS article.
TRANSMISSION COMPONENT APPLICATION CHART

Selector Lever Position Elements In Use
"OD" Or "D" (Overdrive ON)
First Gear Underdrive Clutch, Low/Reverse Clutch
Second Gear Underdrive Clutch, 2/4 Clutch
Third Gear Underdrive Clutch, Overdrive Clutch
Overdrive Overdrive Clutch, 2/4 Clutch
"3" Or "D" (Drive, OD OFF)
First Gear Underdrive Clutch, Low/Reverse Clutch
Second Gear Underdrive Clutch, 2/4 Clutch
Third Gear Underdrive Clutch, Overdrive Clutch
"2" (Intermediate)
First Gear Underdrive Clutch, Low/Reverse Clutch
Second Gear Underdrive Clutch, 2/4 Clutch
Third Gear Underdrive Clutch, Overdrive Clutch
"L" (Low)
First Gear Underdrive Clutch, Low/Reverse Clutch
Second Gear Underdrive Clutch, 2/4 Clutch
Third Gear Underdrive Clutch, Overdrive Clutch
"R" (Reverse) Reverse Clutch, Low/Reverse Clutch
"N" (Neutral) Low/Reverse Clutch
"P" (Park) Low/Reverse Clutch