Road Testing A Complaint Vehicle (Transmission)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Some complaints will require a test drive as part of the repair verification procedure. The purpose of the test drive is to try to duplicate the diagnostic DTC or symptom condition.

CAUTION: Before road testing a vehicle, be sure that all components are reassembled. During the test drive, do not try to read the DRBIII® screen while in motion. Do not hang the DRBIII® from the rear view mirror or operate it yourself. Have an assistant available to operate the DRBIII®.

Road testing is an essential step in the diagnostic process that must not be overlooked. Along with the diagnostic information obtained from the DRBIII® Scan Tool and the original customer concern, the road test helps verify the problem was current and any repairs performed, fixed the vehicle correctly. Always operate and observe the vehicle under actual driving conditions.

Just as important as the road test is, there are preliminary inspections that should be performed prior to the road test. Always check the fluid level and condition before taking the vehicle on a road test. Determine if the incorrect fluid is being used, improper fluid will result in erratic transmission operation.

Some of the conditions of incorrect fluid level are as follows:

Delayed engagement
Poor shifting or erratic shifting
Excessive noise
Overheating

The next step is to verify that the shift linkage is correctly adjusted. If the shift linkage is incorrectly adjusted, a number of complaints can result.

The PCM monitors the Shift Lever Position (SLP) Sensor continuously. If the linkage is incorrectly adjusted, the PCM will sense a shift lever position that is not correct for the gear chosen by the driver. This may cause a DTC to be set.

The following complaints may also be the result of an incorrectly adjusted or worn linkage:

Delayed clutch engagement
Erratic shifts
Vehicle will drive in neutral
Engine will not crank in park or neutral
Gear shift linkage will be able to be shifted without the key in the ignition
Not able to remove the ignition key in park
Parking pawl will not engage properly

The shift linkage should also be adjusted when replacing the Transmission, repairing the valve body, or when repairing any component between the shift lever and the Transmission.

Some questions to ask yourself when performing the road test are as follows:

Is the complaint or concern what you think the problem is, based on the drivers description of the problem?
Is the Transmission operating normally, or is there a real problem?
When does the problem occur?
Is the problem only in one gear range?
What temperature does the problem occur?
Does the vehicle have to sit over night for the problem to occur?
Does the transmission go into Limp-in mode?