A/T, ZF - Coolant Contamination Inspection

90saab02

FILE IN VOL.

S.I. Man. I

SEC. PG

B-4 27
Subject: Coolant Contamination Issue: 02/90-1215

In The ZF Automatic Transmission

Application: 9000 Models With ZF Automatic Transmission


A transmission that exhibits erratic or hard shifts, noise when shifting, particularly on the 2-3 upshift, and/or clutch slipping tendencies, may indicate a radiator oil cooler failure. This Service Information provides an illustration detailing the exact locations in the transmission valve body where contamination residues will collect. Examine these locations when determining if antifreeze has contaminated the transmission.

When dealing with this type of problem, you should consult previously issued S.I.'s, 05/88-1057 "Flushing An Automatic Transmission Cooling Circuit", 07/88-1062 "Checking For Transmission Oil Cooler Leakage In The Engine Radiator" and 07/88-1063 "Transmission Damage Due To Coolant Contamination In The Automatic Transmission Fluid".


Transmission Contamination Inspection Procedure

1. Drain and inspect the transmission fluid. Antifreeze or a pink, milky appearance indicates that contamination has taken place.

Figure 1.:

2. Remove the valve body cover on the transmission. Inspect for any of the following indications:

a. Separated droplets of antifreeze or pink, milky emulsion in the recesses of the valve body assembly, screw heads, or main case (Figure 1).

b. Rust formation and/or sludge accumulation on the old-style metal vent.

c. Rust formation and/or sludge accumulation on the underside of the valve body cover.

d. Rust formation on the steel separator plates of the valve body assembly.


3. If evidence of coolant is found in the ATF and the transmission, follow the procedures in S.I.'s 07/88-1062 and 7/88-1063, which are located in the bound Service Information Supplement 7B.