AX1-10

A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Troubles occurring with the automatic transaxle can be caused by either the engine or the
transaxle itself. These two areas should be distinctly before proceeding with troubleshooting.
2. Troubleshooting should begin with the simplest operation, working up in order of difficulty,
but first determine whether the trouble lies within the engine or transaxle.
3. Proceed with the inspection as follows:

PRELIMINARY CHECK (See page AX1-1 1)

(a) Check the tire inflation.
(b) Check the idle speed.
(c) Check the fluid level and fluid condition.
(d) Check the throttle cable mark.
(e) Check the shift linkage.
(f) Check the neutral start switch.

STALL TEST (See page AX1-14 )

Check the engine and torque converter.

TIME LAG TEST (See page AX1-15 )

Check the automatic transaxle (each clutch, brake and gear) for wear.

HYDRAULIC TEST (See page AX1-16 )

Measure the line pressure and make basic check of fluid circuit.

ROAD TEST (See page AX1-19 )

Confirm if trouble lies within automatic transaxle. If noisy or vibrating,
the possible cause could be with the compressor, engine, drive shaft, tires,
etc.

Matrix Chart (See page AX1-24 )

 AX1-1 1
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

PRELIMINARY CHECK
1. CHECK FLUID LEVEL
HINT: The vehicle must have been driven so that the
engine and transaxle are at normal operating tem-
perature.
(fluid temperature: 70-80C or 158-176F)
(a) Park the vehicle on a level surface, set the parking
brake.
(b) With the engine idling, shift the selector into each
gear from P position to L position and return to P
position.
(c) Pull out the transaxle dipstick and wipe it clean.
(d) Push it back fully into the tube.
(e) Pull it out and check that the fluid level is in the HOT
range.
If the level is at the low side of the hot range, add fluid.

Fluid type:
ATF DEXRON II
NOTICE: Do not overfill.

2. CHECK FLUID CONDITION

If the fluid smells burnt or is black, replace it.
3. REPLACE ATF
NOTICE: Do not overfill.
(a) Using a hexagon wrench, remove the drain plug and
drain the fluid.
(b) Using a hexagon wrench, install the drain plug se-
curely.

(c) Add new fluid through the filler tube.

Fluid:
ATF DEXRON II
Capacity:
5.5 liters (5.7 US qts, 4.8 Imp.qts)
Drain and refill:
2.5 liter (2.6 US qts, 2.2 Imp.qts)
(d) Start the engine and shift the selector into all posi-
tions from P through L and then shift into P.
AX1-12
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

(e) With the engine idling, check the fluid level. Add fluid
up to the COOL level on the dipstick.
(f) Check the fluid level with the normal fluid temperature
(70 - 80C or 158 - 176F) and add as necessary.
NOTICE: Do not overfill.

4. REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID IF NECESSARY

(a) Using a hexagon wrench, remove the drain plug and
drain the fluid.
(b) Using a hexagon wrench, install the drain plug se-
curely.
(c) Remove the filler plug.
(d) Add new fluid until it begins to run out of the filler
hole.
Fluid type:
ATF DEXRON II
5. CHECK DIFFERENTIAL FLUID LEVEL
Remove the filler plug and check differential fluid
level.

6. INSPECT AND ADJUST THROTTLE CABLE

(a) Depress the accelerator pedal all the way and check
that the throttle valve opens fully.
HINT: If the throttle valve does not open fully, adjust
the accelerator link.
(b) Fully depress the accelerator.
(c) Loosen the adjustment nuts.
(d) Adjust the outer cable so that the distance between
the end of the boot and stopper on the cable is the
standard.
Standard boot and cable stopper distance:
0-1 mm (0-0.04in.)
(e) Tighten the adjusting nuts.
(f) Recheck the adjustments.
 AX1-13
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

7. INSPECT AND ADJUST SHIFT CONTROL CABLE

When shifting the shift lever from the N position to
other positions, check that the lever can be shifted
smoothly and accurately to each position and that the
position indicator correctly indicates the position.
(a) Remove the No.2 engine under cover.
(b) Loosen the nut on the manual shift lever.
(c) Push the manual lever fully toward the right side of
the vehicle.
(d) Return the lever two notches to the NEUTRAL posi-
tion.
(e) Set the shift lever in N position.
(f) While holding the lever lightly toward the R position
side, tighten the swivel nut.

8. ADJUST PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH

If the engine will start with the shift selector in any
position other than N or P position, adjustment is
required.
(a) loosen the park/neutral position switch bolts and set
the shift selector to the N position.
(b) Align the groove and neutral basic line.
(c) Hold is position and tighten the bolts.
Torque: 5.4 N-m (55 kgf-cm, 48 in.-lbf)
9. INSPECT IDLE SPEED (N RANGE)
Idle speed:
650-750 RPM
AX1-14
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

STALL TEST
The object of this test is to check the overall performance of the transaxle and engine by
measuring the maximum engine speeds in D and R positions.
NOTICE:
• Perform the test at normal operating fluid temperature (50-80C or 122-176F).
• Do not continuously run this test longer than 5 seconds.
MEASURE STALL SPEED
(a) Chock the front and rear wheels.
(b) Mount an engine tachometer.
(c) Fully apply the parking brake.
(d) Keep your left foot pressed firmly on the brake pedal.
(e) Start the engine.
(f) Shift into the D position. Step all the way down on the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
Quickly read the highest engine rpm at this time
Stall speed:
2,400 ± 150 rpm
(g) Perform the same test in the R position.
EVALUATION
(a) If the engine speed is the same for both positions but lower than specified value:
• Engine output may be insufficient
• Stator one-way clutch is not operating properly
(b) If the stall speed at the D position is higher than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Forward clutch slipping
• One-way clutch No.2 not operating properly
(c) If the stall speed at the R position is higher than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Direct clutch slipping
• First and reverse brake slipping
(d) If the stall speed in the R and D positions is higher than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Improper fluid level
 AX1-15
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

TIME LAG TEST

When the shift lever is shifted while the engine is idling, there will be a certain time elapse or lag
before the shock can be felt. This is used for checking the condition of the forward clutch, direct
clutch and first and reverse brake.
NOTICE:
• Perform the test at normal operating fluid temperature (50-80C or 122-176F).
• Be sure to allow a one minute interval tests.
• Make three measurements and take the average value.
MEASURE TIME LAG
(a) Fully apply the parking brake.
(b) Start the engine and check the idle speed. (Cooling fan and A/C OFF)
Idling speed:
N position 650-750 RPM
(c) Shift the shift lever from N to D position. Using a stop watch, measure the time it takes from
shifting the lever until the shock is felt.
Time lag:
Less than 1.2 seconds
(d) In same manner, measure the time lag for N→R.
Time lag:
Less than 1.5 seconds
EVALUATION
If N→D time lag is longer than specified.
• Line pressure too low
• Forward clutch worn
• Line pressure too low
• Direct clutch worn
• First and reverse brake worn
AX1-16
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

HYDRAULIC TEST
1. MEASURE LINE PRESSURE
(a) Warm up the transaxle fluid.
(b) Remove the transaxle case test plug and mount the oil pressure gauge (SST).
SST 09922-00094
NOTICE:
• Perform the test at normal operating fluid temperature (50 - 80C or 122 - 176F).
• Check that the throttle cable is adjusted within specifications.
• Check that the tire pressures are adjusted according to specifications.
(c) Fully apply the parking brake and chock the four wheels.
(d) Start the engine and check the idle speed.
(e) Shift into the D position, step down strongly on the brake pedal with your left foot and while
manipulating the accelerator pedal with the right foot, measure the line pressure at the engine
speeds specified in the table.
(f) In the same manner, perform the test in the R position.

D position

R position

(g) If the measured pressures are not up to specified values, recheck the throttle cable adjustment
(See page AX1-12 ) and retest.
 AX1-17
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

EVALUATION
(a) If the measured values at all position are higher than specified:
• Throttle cable out of adjustment
• Throttle valve defective
• Regulator valve defective
(b) If the measured values at all position are lower than specified:
• Throttle cable out of adjustment
• Throttle valve defective
• Regulator valve defective
• Oil pump defective
(c) If pressure is low in the D position only:
• D position circuit fluid leakage
• Forward clutch defective
(d) If pressure is low in the R position only:
• R position circuit fluid leakage
• First and reverse brake defective
• Direct clutch defective
AX1-18
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

2. MEASURE GOVERNOR PRESSURE

(a) Warm up the transaxle fluid.
(b) Remove the transaxle case test plug and mount the oil pressure gauge (SST).
SST 09992 - 00094
NOTICE:
• Perform the test at normal operating fluid temperature (50 - 80 C or 122 -176 F).
• Check that the throttle cable is adjusted within specifications.
• Check that the tire pressures are adjusted according to specifications.
(c) Check the parking brake to see that it is not applied.
(d) Start the engine.
(e) Shift into the D position and measure the governor pressures at the speeds specified in the table.
EVALUATION
If governor pressure is defective:
• Line pressure defective
• Fluid leakage in governor pressure circuit
• Governor valve operation defective
Differential gear ratio: 3.526
Vehicle speed (Reference) Governor pressure

Differential gear ratio: 3.722

Vehicle speed (Reference) Governor pressure
 AX1-19
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

ROAD TEST
NOTICE: Perform this test at normal fluid temperature
(50 - 80C or 122 -176F).
1. D POSITION TEST
Shift into D position and while driving with the ac-
celerator pedal held constant at the throttle valve full
open, check on the following points:
(a) Check to see that the 1-2 and 2-3 up-shifts take
place and also that the shift points conform to those
shown in the automatic shift schedule.
(See page AX1-23 )
EVALUATION
If there is no 1 - 2 up-shift:
• Governor- valve is defective
• 1 - 2 shift valve stuck
If there is no 2 - 3 up-shift:
• 2 - 3 shift valve stuck
If the shift point is defective:
• Throttle cable out-of adjustment
• Throttle valve, 1 - 2 shift valve, 2 - 3 shift valve,
etc. defective

(b) In the same manner, check the shock and the slip at 1
-2 and 2-3 up-shifts.
EVALUATION
If the shock is severe:
• Line pressure is too high
• Accumulator is defective
• Check ball is defective

(c) Run in the 3rd gear of D position, check the abnormal

noise and vibration.
HINT: Check for cause of abnormal noise and vibra-
tion must be made with extreme care as they could
also be due to unbalance in the drive shaft, differen-
tial, tires, torque converter etc.
AX1-20
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

(d) While running in the 3rd gear of D position, check to

see that the possible kick-down vehicle speed limits
for the 3-1 and 3-2 kick-down conform to those
indicated in the automatic shift schedule.
(See page AX1-23 )
EVALUATION
If the possible kick-down vehicle speed limit is de-
fective:
• Throttle cable out-of adjustment
• Throttle valve, 1 - 2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve,
etc. defective
(e) Check the abnormal shock and slip at kick-down.

(f) While running about 60 km/h (37 mph) in the 3rd gear
of D position, release your foot from the accelerator
pedal and shift into L position. Then check to see if
the 2-1 down-shift point conform to those indic-
ated in the automatic shift schedule.
(See page AX1-23 )

2. INSPECT LOCK-UP MECHANISM

(a) Drive in D position at a steady speed (Lock-up ON) of
about 80 km/h (50 mph).
(b) Lightly depress the accelerator pedal and check that
the engine speed does not change abruptly.
If there is a big jump in engine rpm, there is no lock-
up.

3. 2 POSITION TEST
(a) While running in 2 position, 2nd gear, release the
accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.
EVALUATION
If there is no engine braking effect:
• Second coast brake is defective
 AX1-21
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

(b) Check the abnormal noise during acceleration and-

deceleration.
(c) Check the shock at up-shift and down-shift.

4. L POSITION TEST
(a) While running in L position, check to see that there is
no up-shift to 2nd gear.

(b) While running in L position, release the accelerator

pedal and check the engine braking effect.
EVALUATION
If there is no engine brake effect:
• First and reverse brake is defective

(c) Check the abnormal noise during acceleration and

deceleration.

5. R POSITION TEST
Shift into R position and, while running at full throttle,
check the slipping.
AX1-22
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

6. P POSITION TEST
Stop the vehicle on a gradient (more than 9%) and,
after shifting into P position, release the parking
brake. Then check to see that the parking lock pawl
prevents the vehicle from moving.
 AX1-23
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

AUTOMATIC SHIFT SCHEDULE

Differential Gear Ratio: 3.526

Position Gear Position Vehicle Speed

L Position

Differential Gear Ratio: 3.722

Position Gear Position Vehicle Speed

L Position
AX1-24
A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING MATRIX CHART

You will find the troubles easier using the table well shown below. In this table, each number
shows the priority of causes in troubles. Check each part in order. If necessary, replace these
parts.
NOTICE: Refer to A131I, A132L Automatic Transaxle Repair Manual (Pub. No. RM058E) when
mark
appears in the column for page numbers.

AX1-40

AX1-33
See page

Low coast modulator valve

2nd coast modulator valve

No. 2 one-way clutch (F2)

1st and reverse brake (B3)

No. 1 one-way clutch (F1)

Throttle modulator valve

Primary regulator valve

2nd coast brake (B1)
Front planetary gear
Rear planetary gear
Forward clutch (C1)

Second brake (B2)

Parking lock pawl

Suspect Area

Direct clutch (C2)

Torque converter

B2 accumulator
C1 accumulator
Governer valve
1-2 Shift valve
2-3 Shift valve

Throttle valve
Manual valve

Symptom

Does not move in any forward range

Does not move in reverse range

Does not move in any forward range

or reverse range

No-up shift

No-down shift

Shift point too high or too low

Harsh
engagement
No lock-up

Slip
Poor acceleration

No kick-down

No engine

Suspect Area
Symptom

See page
”R” range

Forward & Reverse

A131L AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Torque converter AX1-40

Forward clutch (C1)

Direct clutch (C2)
No. 2 one-way clutch (F2)
1st and reverse brake (B3)

-
Second brake (B2)

TROUBLESHOOTING
No. 1 one-way clutch (F1)
Pressure relief valve
Oil strainer AX1-26

Second coast brake (B1)

1-2 Shift valve
2-3 Shift valve
Lock-up relay valve
Lock-up signal valve

AX1-25