Road Test

ROAD TEST

1. PROBLEM SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION
a. Based on the result of the customer problem analysis, try to reproduce the symptoms. If the problem is that the transmission does not shift up, shift down, or the shift point is too high or too low, conduct the following road test while referring to the automatic shift schedule and simulate the problem symptoms.

2. ROAD TEST

NOTE: Perform the test at the normal operating ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) temperature: 50° to 80°C (122° to 176°F).

a. D position test:
Shift into the D position, fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:
1. Check up-shift operation.
Check that 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 and 3 -> 4 up-shifts take place, and that the shift points conform to the automatic shift schedule.

HINT:
4th Gear Up-shift Prohibition Control
- Engine coolant temperature is 55°C (131°F) or less and vehicle speed is 49.71 mph (80 km/h) or less.
- ATF temperature is 10°C (50°F) or less.
4th Gear Lock-up Prohibition Control
- Brake pedal is depressed.
- Accelerator pedal is released.
- Engine coolant temperature is 60°C (140°F) or less.

2. Check for shift shock and slippage.
Check for shock and slippage at the 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 and 3 -> 4 up-shifts.
3. Check for abnormal noise and vibration.
Check for abnormal noise and vibration when up-shifting from 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 and 3 -> 4 while driving with the shift lever in the D position, and check while driving in the lock-up condition.

HINT: The check for the cause of abnormal noise and vibration must be done thoroughly as it could also be due to loss of balance in the differential, torque converter clutch, etc.

4. Check kick-down operation.
While running in the D position, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, check that the possible kick-down vehicle speed limits for 2 -> 1, 3 -> 2 and 4th -> 3 kick-downs conform to those indicated on the automatic shift schedule.
5. Check for abnormal shock and slippage at kick-down.
6. Check the lock-up mechanism.
- Drive in the D position (4th gear), at a steady speed (lock-up ON).
- Lightly depress the accelerator pedal and check that the engine speed does not change abruptly.

HINT:
- There is no lock-up function in the 1st and 2nd gears.
- If there is a sudden increase in engine speed, there is no lock-up.

b. 3 position test:
Shift into the 3 position, fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:
1. Check up-shift operation.
Check that 1 -> 2, 2 -> 3 up-shifts take place and that the shift point conforms to the automatic shift schedule.

HINT:
There is no 4th up-shift and lock-up in the 3 position.
3rd Gear Lock-up Prohibition Control
- Brake pedal is depressed.
- Accelerator pedal is released.
- Engine coolant temperature is 60°C (140°F) or less.

2. Check engine braking.
While running in the 3 position and 3nd gear, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.
3. Check for abnormal noise during acceleration and deceleration, and for shock at up-shift and down-shift.
4. Check the lock-up mechanism.
- Drive in the 3 position (3rd gear), at a steady speed (lock-up ON).
- Lightly depress the accelerator pedal and check that the engine speed does not change abruptly.

HINT:
- There is no lock-up function in the 1st and 2nd gears.
- If there is a sudden increase in engine speed, there is no lock-up.

c. 2 position test:
Shift into the 2 position, fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:
1. Check up-shift operation.
Check that 1 -> 2 up-shift takes place and that the shift point conforms to the automatic shift schedule.
2. Check engine braking.
While running in the 2 position and 2nd gear, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.
3. Check for abnormal noise during acceleration and deceleration, and for shock at up-shift and down-shift.

d. L position test:
Shift into the L position, fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:
1. Check no up-shift.
While running in the L position, check that there is no up-shift to the 2nd gear.
2. Check engine braking.
While running in the L position, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.
3. Check for abnormal noises during acceleration and deceleration.

e. R position test:
Shift into the R position, lightly depress the accelerator pedal, and check that the vehicle moves backward without any abnormal noise or vibration.

CAUTION: Before conducting this test, ensure that the test area is free from people and obstructions.

f. P position test:
Stop the vehicle on a grade (more than 5°) and after shifting into the P position, release the parking brake. Then, check that the parking lock pawl holds the vehicle in place.