Test Drive Form: Notes

This schedule is intended to provide guidelines when test driving a car to evaluate complaints about automatic transmissions. Please observe speed limits.

Before the test drive: 

• Check the oil level in the transmission before test driving. See Checking Oil Level .

Test driving: 

• Check the operation of the park/neutral position (PNP) switch:
  • Try to start the car with gear selector in position P  .
  • Try to start the car with the gear selector in any position other than P  - or N 
• Check the gear selector positions:
  • Check that the selector engages in each position, and that it does not try to jump out of the selected position.
• Check the back-up (reverse) gear:
  • Back up the car as usual, ensuring that the back-up (reversing) light comes on.
• Listen for mechanical noises:
  • Start with the gear selector in D  -. Drive the car so that the transmission shifts up and down. Listen for abnormal noises from the transmission. If you hear noises, interrupt test drive and return to the workshop. Fault-trace the relevant symptoms in the symptom manager.
• Verify transmission function while driving: 

  Economy mode (E)/Sport mode (S) 

  • During normal driving the transmission uses the economy mode (E)  . The transmission shifts smoothly. In the event of rapid acceleration, the transmission switches to the sport mode (S)  . This results in quicker and harsher shifting up and down. Check that the transmission is working correctly. See Gear shifting speeds in the appropriate Pocket Data book.
  • Start with the gear selector in D  -. Check the shifting speeds using the lowest possible acceleration. Also note whether the gears slip or shifting is harsh. Check that the lock-up function engages. Lock-up does not function at throttle opening below 4%.
  • Start with the gear selector in D  -. Depress the accelerator pedal (AP) to the kickdown position, (wide open throttle (WOT)). After the shift from 1st to 2nd, reduce the throttle opening to just below the kickdown threshold (85% throttle opening). Check the gear shifting speeds for the relevant engine type. See the appropriate Pocket Data book. Also note whether the gears slip or shifting is harsh. Check that the lock-up function engages.
  • HINT: Accelerate slowly. Gently press the brake while maintaining the same throttle opening. Lock-up must disengage. 
  • Start with the gear selector in D  -. Depress the accelerator pedal (AP) to the kickdown position at different speeds. Check the HIGHEST gear shifting speed at which the kickdown downshift occurs.
  • Stop the car on a level road with the gear selector in the N  , release the brake and depress the accelerator pedal (AP) slightly. Does the car move forward?
  • Start in position 3. Drive until third gear engages. Release the accelerator pedal. Check that there is engine braking in 1st gear. Move the lever to position L  at high speed and let the car slow down. Check the shifting points as the car slows.
  • Start in position L  . Increase the speed. Check that engine braking takes place.
  • Move the gear selector to P  with the car stationary on an incline and release the brake. Does the car move?