LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Jeep >> 1983 >> Scrambler Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T4 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission >> Automatic Trans >> Diagnosis & Overhaul - 727, 904, 998 & 999 >> Trouble Shooting >> Transmission Trouble Shooting - AMC & Jeep

Transmission Trouble Shooting - AMC & Jeep

A/T - HARSH ENGAGEMENT OF "R", "D", "2", & "1" (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Engine idle speed Check setting and adjust
Throttle linkage Check for smooth travel; clean linkage pivot points as required, but do not lubricate them and then adjust
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Rear band Accumulator Check and adjust rear band Clean and inspect for broken seal rings, scratched bore or broken/collapsed spring; Check piston for cracks or evidence of it cocking in bore
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch
A/T - SLOW ENGAGEMENT OF "N", "R", "D", "2", & "1" (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Engine idle speed Check setting and adjust
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Clogged oil filter Inspect and replace filter
Rear band Check and adjust rear band
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation
Accumulator Clean and inspect for broken seal rings, scratched bore or broken/collapsed spring; Check piston for cracks or evidence of it cocking in bore
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch
Seal Rings Inspect seal rings on reaction shaft support and governor support for wear, cracks or breakage; Inspect ring grooves on both support assemblies for nicks, burrs or distortion; Inspect bores in front clutch retainer and output shaft support for nicks, grooves, wear, cracks, or scratches
A/T - NO UPSHIFT, STUCK IN LOW GEAR (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Throttle linkage Check for smooth travel; clean linkage pivot points as required, but do not lubricate them and then adjust
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Governor valve Clean and inspect all parts; Check weights, shaft and valve for burrs, nicks, scores or binding; Check spring for collapsed or distorted coils and snap rings for distortion; Check filter for dirt and debris; Inspect body for cracks or warpage; Check torque on governor and output shaft support bolts
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Front band Check and adjust front band
Front servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks and worn or broken seal rings; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever, strut and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear, looseness in case, or for leaking "O" ring
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation
Oil pump Clean and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely.
A/T - NO LOW GEAR, MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Governor valve Clean and inspect all parts; Check weights, shaft and valve for burrs, nicks, scores or binding; Check spring for collapsed or distorted coils and snap rings for distortion; Check filter for dirt and debris; Inspect body for cracks or warpage; Check torque on governor and output shaft support bolts
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
A/T - NO KICKDOWN OR NORMAL DOWNSHIFT (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Throttle linkage Check for smooth travel; clean linkage pivot points as required, but do not lubricate them and then adjust
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Front band Check and adjust front band
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Governor valve Clean and inspect all parts; Check weights, shaft and valve for burrs, nicks, scores or binding; Check spring for collapsed or distorted coils and snap rings for distortion; Check filter for dirt and debris; Inspect body for cracks or warpage; Check torque on governor and output shaft support bolts
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Front servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks and worn or broken seal rings; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever, strut and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear, looseness in case, or for leaking "O" ring
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation
A/T - DELAYED ERRATIC SHIFTS - HARSH AT TIMES (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Throttle linkage Check for smooth travel; clean linkage pivot points as required, but do not lubricate them and then adjust
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Front band Check and adjust front band
Governor valve Clean and inspect all parts; Check weights, shaft and valve for burrs, nicks, scores or binding; Check spring for collapsed or distorted coils and snap rings for distortion; Check filter for dirt and debris; Inspect body for cracks or warpage; Check torque on governor and output shaft support bolts
Clogged oil filter Inspect and replace filter
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Front servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks and worn or broken seal rings; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever, strut and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear, looseness in case, or for leaking O-ring
Rear servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks, worn or broken seal ring, or damaged seal; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear or looseness in case
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness
A/T - SLIPS IN FORWARD DRIVE RANGES (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at FULL mark with engine at idle, replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Throttle linkage Check for smooth travel; clean linkage pivot points as required, but do not lubricate them and then adjust
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Front band Check and adjust front band
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches burrs and rounded edges on valve lands, Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Front servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks and worn or broken seal rings; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches nicks or wear; Check lever, strut and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear, looseness in case, or for leaking O-ring
Rear servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks, worn or broken seal ring, or damaged seal; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear or looseness in case
Accumulator Clean and inspect for broken seal rings, scratched bore or broken/collapsed spring; Check piston for cracks or evidence of it cocking in bore
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch
Rear band Inspect band for wear and for good bonding of lining to band; Inspect lining for burn marks, glazing, uneven wear patterns, flaking or if band grooves are worn away at any portion of band. Replace band if any of these conditions are present
Seal Rings Inspect seal rings on reaction shaft support and governor support for wear, cracks or breakage; Inspect ring grooves on both support assemblies for nicks, burrs or distortion; Inspect bores in front clutch retainer and output shaft support for nicks, grooves, wear, cracks, or scratches
A/T - SLIPS IN REVERSE ONLY (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at FULL mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Front band Check and adjust front band
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Rear servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks, worn or broken seal ring, or damaged seal; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear or looseness in case
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely
Rear band Inspect band for wear and for good bonding of lining to band; Inspect lining for burn marks, glazing, uneven wear patterns, flaking or if band grooves are worn away at any portion of band; Replace band if any of these conditions are present
A/T - WILL NOT MOVE IN FORWARD OR REVERSE (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings
Clogged oil filter Inspect and replace filter
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks scratches, burrs and rounded edges on Valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation
Converter drive plate Check plate for flatness, cracks at mounting bolt holes, loose attaching bolts or damaged ring gear teeth; A broken drive plate may indicate engine-to-transmission misalignment caused by loose, missing or misaligned dowels
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness
Planetary gear set Clean and inspect annulus gear, planet pinion carrier assembly and sun gear for worn thrust washers, damaged gear teeth and excessive pinion end clearance; Examine bushings in sun gear for excessive wear
A/T - SLIPS IN LOW GEAR "D" ONLY, BUT NOT IN "1" (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Overrunning clutch Clean and inspect clutch parts for brindled clutch rollers or cam, or improperly assembled rollers or springs; Check for collapsed springs and bent spring retainer tabs.
A/T - REVERSE OKAY, WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN ANY GEAR (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage.
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation.
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch.
A/T - NO REVERSE (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage.
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings.
Front band Check and adjust front band.
Rear servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks, worn or broken seal ring, or damaged seal; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear or looseness in case.
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation.
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely.
Rear band Inspect band for wear and for good bonding of lining to band; Inspect lining for burn marks, glazing, uneven wear patterns, flaking or if band grooves are worn away at any portion of band; Replace band if any of these condition's are present.
A/T - MOVES IN NEUTRAL POSITION (CREEPS) (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch.
A/T - DRAGS OR LOCKS UP (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings.
Front band Check and adjust front band.
Park lock Check condition of lock rod, lock rod ball, sprag reaction plug, governor support, and sprag shaft; Replace parts as required.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
Front servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks and worn or broken seal rings; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever, strut and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear, looseness in case, or for leaking "O" ring.
Rear servo and linkage Inspect piston for wear, cracks, worn or broken seal ring, or damaged seal; Check springs for collapsed or broken coils; Check servo bore for scratches, nicks or wear; Check lever and band for damage; Check lever shaft for wear or looseness in case.
Accumulator Clean and inspect for broken seal rings, scratched bore or broken/collapsed spring; Check piston for cracks or evidence of it cocking in bore.
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely.
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch.
Planetary gear set Clean and inspect annulus gear, planet pinion carrier assembly and sun gear for worn thrust washers, damaged gear teeth and excessive pinion end clearance; Examine bushings in sun gear for excessive wear.
Rear band Inspect band for wear and for good bonding of lining to band; Inspect lining for burn marks, glazing, uneven wear patterns, flaking or if band grooves are worn away at any portion of band; Replace band if any of these conditions are present.
Overrunning clutch Clean and inspect clutch parts for brindled clutch rollers or cam, or improperly assembled rollers or springs; Check for collapsed springs and bent spring retainer tabs.
A/T - GRATING, GROWLING OR SCRAPING NOISE (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned.
Park lock Check condition of lock rod, lock rod ball, sprag reaction plug, governor support, and sprag shaft; Replace parts as required.
Output shaft bearing, bushing, or seal Remove extension housing, inspect parts, and replace parts as required.
Clogged oil filter Inspect and replace filter.
Converter drive plate Check plate for flatness, cracks at mounting bolt holes, loose attaching bolts or damaged ring gear teeth; A broken drive plate may indicate engine-to-transmission misalignment caused by loose, missing or misaligned dowels.
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness.
Front clutch Clean and inspect all parts; Examine retainer and piston for scores and scratches; discs and plates for wear; return springs for collapsed coils; and seal rings for damage; vent check ball in retainer must operate freely.
Planetary gear set Clean and inspect annulus gear, planet pinion carrier assembly and sun gear for worn thrust washers, damaged gear teeth and excessive pinion end clearance; Examine bushings in sun gear for excessive wear.
Overrunning clutch Clean and inspect clutch parts for brindled clutch rollers or cam, or improperly assembled rollers or springs; Check for collapsed springs and bent spring retainer tabs.
Torque Converter If converter hub seal surface or drive slots are damaged or if converter contains foreign material, burned-oxidized fluid or debris, replace converter; Do not attempt to clean or flush converter.
A/T - BUZZING NOISE (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned.
Governor valve Clean and inspect all parts; Check weights, shaft and valve for burrs, nicks, scores or binding; Check spring for collapsed or distorted coils and snap rings for distortion; Check filter for dirt and debris; Inspect body for cracks or warpage; Check torque on governor and output shaft support bolts.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
Clutch and band operation Remove valve body and perform air pressure test to apply clutches and bands to check operation.
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness.
Torque Converter If converter hub seal surface or drive slots are damaged or if converter contains foreign material, burned-oxidized fluid or debris, replace converter; Do not attempt to clean or flush converter.
A/T - OIL BLOWS OUT OF FILLER TUBE (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if milky and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned.
Transmission Oil Cooler Check lines and cooler for obstructions, or leaks (look for transmission fluid in radiator coolant, or milky-colored transmission fluid which indicates coolant in fluid).
Clogged oil filter Inspect and replace filter.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
Oil pump Clean pump and check all clearances; Inspect rotors for scoring and seal and bushings for wear; Inspect pump housing and reaction shaft support mating surfaces for flatness.
Transmission vent Make sure vent is open and not obstructed.
A/T - TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned.
Engine idle speed Check setting and adjust.
Transmission Oil Cooler Check lines and cooler for obstructions, or leaks (look for transmission fluid in radiator coolant, or milky-colored transmission fluid which indicates coolant in fluid).
Front band Check and adjust front band.
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required; Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings.
Clogged oil filter Inspect and replace filter.
Front band Check and adjust front band.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches, burrs and rounded edges on valve lands, Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
Converter drive plate Check plate for flatness, cracks at mounting bolt holes, loose attaching bolts or damaged ring gear teeth; A broken drive plate may indicate engine-to-transmission misalignment caused by loose, missing or misaligned dowels.
A/T - STARTER WILL NOT OPERATE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK (AMC & JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Gearshift linkage Check and adjust linkage
Neutral start switch Check wires and connections; Test switch, See if valve body manual lever grounds switch in "P" and "N" positions; If not okay, check ground strip at valve body manual lever; If okay, check starting circuit.
Engine performance Verify proper engine operation; Be sure compression meets specifications and that fuel and ignition systems are functioning properly.
Valve body Remove, disassemble, clean thoroughly and inspect valves and plugs for nicks, scratches burrs and rounded edges on valve lands; Check bores for scratches, springs for collapsed coils, and all mating surfaces for nicks, burrs or warpage; Reassemble and install, tightening all screws to specification.
A/T - POOR ACCEL., EXCESS THROTTLE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN SPEED (AMC/JEEP)

Possible Cause Correction
Fluid level and condition Fluid should be at "FULL" mark with engine at idle; replace fluid if "milky" and full of bubbles, or dark and smells burned.
Engine performance Verify proper engine operation; Be sure compression meets specifications and that fuel and ignition systems are functioning properly.
Throttle linkage Check for smooth travel; clean linkage pivot points as required, but do not lubricate them and then adjust.
Stall test Perform stall test to check holding ability of converter and transmission clutches.
Hydraulic pressure Perform hydraulic pressure test; Repair hydraulic components as required, Check and correct throttle and line pressure settings.
Torque Converter If converter hub seal surface or drive slots are damaged or if converter contains foreign material, burned- oxidized fluid or debris, replace converter; Do not attempt to clean or flush converter.
Rear clutch Inspect all rear clutch parts as outlined for front clutch.