Road Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before road testing, be sure the fluid level and control cable adjustments have been checked and adjusted if necessary. Verify that all diagnostic trouble codes have been resolved.

Observe engine performance during the road test. A poorly tuned engine will not allow accurate analysis of transmission operation.

Operate the transmission in all gear ranges. Check for shift variations and engine flare which indicates slippage. Note if shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed, early, or if part throttle downshifts are sensitive.

Slippage indicated by engine flare, usually means clutch, overrunning clutch, or line pressure problems.

A slipping clutch can often be determined by comparing which internal units are applied in the various gear ranges. The Clutch Application chart provides a basis for analyzing road test results.

545RFE CLUTCH APPLICATION CHART

SLP	UD	OD	R	2C	4C	L/R	OVERRUNNING
P-PARK	-	-	-	-	-	ON	-
R-REVERSE	-	-	ON	-	-	ON	-
N-NEUTRAL	-	-	-	-	-	ON	-
D-FIRST	ON	-	-	-	-	ON*	ON
D-SECOND	ON	-	-	ON	-	-	-
D-SECOND PRIME	ON	-	-	-	ON	-	-
D-THIRD	ON	ON	-	-	-	-	-
D-FOURTH	-	ON	-	-	ON	-	-
					D-FIFTH	ON	ON
D-LIMP-IN	ON	ON	-	-	-	-	-
2-FIRST	ON	-	-	-	-	ON*	ON
2-SECOND	ON	-	-	ON	-	-	-
2-LIMP-IN	ON	-	-	ON	-	-	-
1-LOW	ON	-	-	-	-	ON	ON
*L/R clutch is on only with the output shaft speed below 150 rpm.