Road Test
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 1996 Dodge Ram Wagon, 1996 Dodge Ram Van, 1996 Dodge Pickup, 1996 Dodge Dakota, and 1996 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Ensure shift linkage/cable and throttle valve cable are properly adjusted. See the appropriate TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article in the AUTOMATIC TRANS SERVICING section. Ensure fluid level and condition are okay. Add Mopar ATF Plus Type 7176 fluid and adjust control cables or linkages (if necessary).
- Ensure all electrical connections on transmission and overdrive switch are okay. Turn overdrive switch to the ON position. Road test vehicle and operate transmission in each gear position. Observe engine performance during road test. A poorly tuned engine will not allow an accurate analysis of transmission operation.
- Check for slippage and shift variations. Note if shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed or early. Slipping in any gear usually indicates clutch, band, or overrunning clutch problems. A slipping clutch or band in a particular gear can usually be identified by noting transmission operation in other gearshift positions and comparing internal components used. For sprcifications, refer to the CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION
.CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION (1)
Gearshift Position Elements In Use "D" (Drive) 1st Gear Rear Clutch, Overrunning Clutch, OD Direct Clutch & OD Overrunning Clutch 2nd Gear Front Band, Rear Clutch, OD Direct Clutch & OD Overrunning Clutch 3rd Gear Front Clutch, Rear Clutch, OD Direct Clutch & OD Overrunning Clutch 4th Gear Front Clutch, Rear Clutch & OD Clutch "2" (Second) 1st Gear Rear Clutch, Overrunning Clutch, OD Direct Clutch & OD Overrunning Clutch 2nd Gear Front Band, Rear Clutch, OD Direct Clutch & OD Overrunning Clutch "1" (Low) 1st Gear Rear Clutch, Rear Band, Overrunning Clutch, OD Direct Clutch & OD Overrunning Clutch "R" (Reverse) Front Clutch, Rear Band & OD Unit Direct Clutch "N" (Neutral) All Clutches & Bands Released/Ineffective "P" (Park) All Clutches & Bands Released/Ineffective (1) Transmission contains front and rear bands, front clutch, rear clutch and overrunning clutch. The overdrive unit contains overdrive clutch, direct clutch and overrunning clutch. - Problem area may be detected by determining which components are applied. By selecting another gear that does not use these clutches, the clutch that is slipping can be determined. See the CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION .
- Process of elimination can be used to detect slipping units and confirm proper operation of good units. Although road test analysis can usually diagnose slipping units, the actual malfunction, however, usually cannot be decided.
- Practically any condition can be caused by leaking hydraulic circuits or sticking valves. Transmission failure may be determined by performing hydraulic pressure test along with clutch and servo air pressure test.