ATX Diag from Alldata

According to www.alldatadiy.com, this is the starting point for diagnosing transmission problems:

 AX4N

Troubleshooting an electronically controlled automatic transaxle 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. Follow the procedures as written to avoid missing critical components or steps.

To properly diagnose a concern, the technician should have the following publications available:

• Transaxle service procedures
• Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

Using the Diagnostic Flow Chart as a guide, follow the steps as indicated.

Preliminary Inspection

• Know and understand the customer's concern.
• Verify the concern by operating the vehicle.
• Check the fluid level and condition.
• Check for NON-factory add-on items.
• Check shift linkages for proper adjustment.
• Check TSBs messages for the concern.

Diagnostics

• Perform on-board diagnostic procedures (KOEO, KOER).
• Record all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) .
• Repair all NON-Transaxle codes FIRST.
• Repair all transaxle codes SECOND.
• Erase all CONTINUOUS codes and attempt to repeat them.
• Repair all continuous codes.
• System pass no fault code set, proceed to DIAGNOSIS by SYMPTOM CHARTS for further information and diagnosis.

By following the diagnostic sequence, the service technician will be able to diagnose and repair the concern the first time.

Preliminary Inspections

Before any diagnostic testing is done on a vehicle, some preliminary checks must be performed as follows. Be sure to note findings, especially any DTCs found, for future reference.

• Check fluid level and condition of the transaxle.
• Check for add-on items (phones, computers, CB radio, etc.).
• Visually inspect wiring harness and connectors.
• Check for vehicle modifications.
• Verify the shift linkage is properly adjusted.
• Verify customer concern:
• upshift, downshift, coasting, engagement, noise/vibration
• Vehicle must be at normal operating temperature.
• Perform vehicle On-Board Diagnostic.
• Record all DTCs.
• Service all non-transaxle codes.

Verification of Condition

The following items must be checked before proceeding:

Know and Understand the Concern
In order to properly diagnose a concern you must first understand the customer complaint or condition. Customer contact may be required in order for the technician to begin to verify the concern. You must understand the conditions when the concern occurs. For example:

• hot or cold vehicle temperature.
• hot or cold ambient temperature.
• vehicle driving conditions.

After understanding when and how the concern occurs then proceed to verifying the concern.

Verification of Condition
This provides information which must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and performing the appropriate service procedures.

The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the AX4N transaxle:

Required Equipment

CAUTION: To properly diagnose an AX4N transaxle, the Rotunda Transmission Tester 007-00130 or equivalent must have been updated for AX4N compatibility. The Rotunda AX4N Transmission Tester Update (007-00105) includes internal software and related components and a new cable and overlay. Inspect your tester for the "AX4N Compatible" label located near the tester's cable connector. If the label is missing, do not use the tester to diagnose the AX4N transaxle.

• Rotunda Transmission Tester 007-00130
• Rotunda AX4N Transmission Tester Update 007-00105
• Rotunda New Generation Star (NGS) Tester 418-F048 (007-00500) or equivalent
• Rotunda 73 Digital Multimeter 105-R0051 or equivalent
• Rotunda Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Cable (TRS-E Cable) 418-F107 (007-00111) or Rotunda AX4N Cable and Overlay 418-F042 (007-00117) or equivalents, used with Transmission Tester 007-00130
• Rotunda Digital TR Sensor Overlay 007-00131 used with Rotunda Transmission Range (TR) Cable "E" 418-F107 (007-00111)
• Rotunda Digital TR Sensor Alignment Tool 307-351 (T97L-70010-A)
• Rotunda 104-Pin Breakout Box 418-049 (014-00950) or equivalent

Determine Customer Concern

• Hot or cold vehicle operating temperature
• Hot or cold ambient temperatures
• Type of terrain
• Vehicle loaded/unloaded
• City/highway driving
• Upshift
• Downshift
• Coasting
• Engagement
• Noise/Vibration

NOTE: If noise/vibration, check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent.

NOTE: Some AX4N transaxle conditions may cause engine concerns. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will stall the engine.

Visual Inspection

This inspection will identify modifications or additions to the vehicle operating system that may affect diagnosis.

1. Vehicle modification.
2. Electronic add-on items:

• air conditioning
• generators (alternators)
• engine turbos
• cellular telephones
• cruise controls
• CB radios
• linear boosters
• backup alarm signals
• computers

3. Leaks
4. Proper linkage adjustments.
5. These items, if not installed properly, will affect powertrain control module or transaxle function. Pay particular attention to add-on wiring splices in the powertrain control module harness or transaxle wiring harness, abnormal tire size, or axle ratio changes.

 

 Ok. That tells us that the shifter is actually shifting the transmission quadrant. If the fluid is fairly red, I would venture to guess the torque converter is hosed. This is getting a little past my field of knowledge. Anyone? Anyone? Bueler?