Automatic Transmission Symptom Troubleshooting (A/T)

Automatic Transmission Symptom Troubleshooting

These symptoms DO NOT trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or cause the [D] indicator to blink. If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was reported ON or the [D] indicator has been blinking, check for DTCs. If the vehicle has one of the symptoms in the following chart, check the probable cause(s) for it, in the sequence listed, until you find the problem.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)	Notes
When you turn the ignition switch ON (II), the D indicator comes on and stays on or never comes on at all	Communication line between multiplex integrated control unit and gauge assembly defective	Check if the MIL indicates the code for the communication line between the multiplex integrated control unit and gauge assembly .
D3 or M indicator does not indicate while the shift lever is in that position	Communication line between multiplex integrated control unit and gauge assembly defective	Check if the MIL indicates the code for the communication line between the multiplex integrated control unit and gauge assembly .
Shift lever cannot be moved from P position while you're pushing on the brake pedal	A problem in the shift lock system (interlock system)	Check the interlock system-shift lock system circuit.
Ignition switch cannot be moved from ACC (I) position to LOCK (0) position (Key is pushed in, shift lever in P position)	A problem in the key interlock system (interlock system)	Check the interlock system-key interlock system circuit.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Engine runs, but vehicle does not move in any gear	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.	Low ATF level Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Joint in shift cable and transmission or body worn ATF pump worn or binding Regulator valve stuck or spring worn ATF strainer clogged Mainshaft worn or damaged Final gears worn or damaged Transmission-to-engine assembly error Axle disengaged	Check the ATF level and check the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. If necessary, flush the ATF cooler lines. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an rpm-related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Check the line pressure. Be careful not to damage the torque converter housing when replacing the main ball bearing. You may also damage the ATF pump when you torque down the main valve body. This will result in ATF pump seizure if not detected. Use the proper tools. Install the main seal flush with the torque converter housing. If you push it into the torque converter housing until it bottoms out, it will block the fluid return passage and result in damage. Check the ATF strainer for debris. If the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump. If the ATF pump is OK, find the damaged components that caused debris. If no cause for contamination is found, replace the torque converter. Inspect the differential pinion shaft for wear under the pinion gears. If the differential pinion shaft is worn, overhaul the differential assembly, replace the ATF strainer, thoroughly clean the transmission, and flush the torque converter, cooler, and lines.
Vehicle moves in the R, but not in the D or D3 position, or the M position in 1st gear	1. 2. 3.	1st accumulator defective 1st gears worn or damaged 1st clutch defective	Check the 1st clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch and plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 1st clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Vehicle moves in the D, D3, R, but not in the M position in 2nd gear	1. 2. 3.	2nd accumulator defective 2nd gears worn or damaged 2nd clutch defective	Check the 2nd clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate.
Vehicle moves in the D, D3, M, but not in the R position	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.	Shift solenoid valve E defective Shift fork shaft stuck Shift valve E defective 4th/reverse accumulator defective 4th clutch defective Reverse gears worn or damaged	Check the D indicator and check for loose connectors. Inspect the shift solenoid valve E for seizure, and O-rings for wear and damage. Check for a missing shift fork bolt on the shift fork shaft. Check the 4th clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the reverse selector gear teeth chamfers, and inspect engagement teeth chamfers of the countershaft 4th gear and reverse gear. Replace the reverse gears and the reverse selector if they are worn or damaged. If the transmission makes a clicking, grinding, or whirring noise, also replace the mainshaft 4th gear, reverse idler gear, and countershaft 4th gear.
Poor acceleration; flares on starting off in D, D3, R, and M positions: Stall speed high in D and D3 positions, and in M position in 1st and 2nd gears	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.	Low ATF level Shift cable broken or out of adjustment ATF pump worn or binding Regulator valve stuck or spring worn ATF strainer clogged Torque converter check valve defective	Check the ATF level and check the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. If necessary, flush the ATF cooler lines. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an rpm-related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Check the ATF strainer for clogging. If the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump. If the ATF pump is OK, find the damaged components that caused debris, and no cause for contamination is found, replace the torque converter.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Poor acceleration; flares on starting off in the D, D3, R, and M positions: Stall speed high when starting off in the M position in 2nd gear	2nd clutch defective		Check the 2nd clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate.
Poor acceleration; flares on starting off in the D, D3, R, and M positions: Stall speed high in the R position	1. 2.	Shift cable broken or out of adjustment 4th clutch defective	Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Check the 4th clutch pressure in the D and R positions. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate.
Poor acceleration; flares on starting off in the D, D3, R, and M positions: Stall speed low in the D and D3 positions, and in the M position in 1st and 2nd gears	1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	Shift solenoid valve E defective Torque converter one-way clutch defective Engine output low Torque converter clutch piston defective Lock-up shift valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the shift solenoid valve E for seizure, and O-ring for wear and damage. Replace the torque converter.
Poor acceleration; flares on starting off in the D, D3, R, and M positions: Stall speed low in the R position	1. 2. 3. 4.	Torque converter one-way clutch defective Engine output low Torque converter clutch piston defective Lock-up shift valve defective	Replace the torque converter.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Engine idle vibration	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.	Low ATF level Shift solenoid valve E defective Drive plate defective or transmission misassembled Engine output low Torque converter clutch piston defective ATF pump worn or binding Lock-up shift valve defective Misadjusted engine and transmission mounts	Check the ATF level and check the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. If necessary, flush the ATF cooler lines. Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an rpm-related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Inspect the ATF strainer for clogged with particles of steel or aluminum. If the ATF strainer is clogged, replace it, and flush the torque converter, cooler, and lines. Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the shift solenoid valve E for seizure, and O-rings for wear and damage. Check for a misinstalled/damaged drive plate. Set idle rpm in gear to the specified idle speed. If still no good, adjust the engine and transmission mounts as outlined in the engine section of this service manual. Replace the torque converter.
Vehicle moves in the N position	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.	Excessive ATF Foreign material in separator plate orifice Relief valve defective 1st clutch defective 2nd clutch defective 3rd clutch defective 4th clutch defective 5th clutch defective Clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance incorrect Needle bearing seized, worn, or damaged Thrust washer seized up, worn, or damaged	Check the ATF level, and drain the ATF if it is an excess. Check if the ATF strainer is clogged. If the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump. If the ATF pump is OK, find the damaged components that caused debris, and no cause for contamination is found, replace the torque converter. Check the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover. Inspect the 3rd clutch feed pipe. If the 3rd clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 1st or 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged. Inspect the 5th clutch feed pipe. If the 5th clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the mainshaft if the bushing for the 5th clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Late shift from the N position to the D and D3 positions	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Joint in shift cable and transmission or body worn Mainshaft speed sensor defective Countershaft speed sensor defective ATF temperature sensor defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice Servo control valve defective 1st accumulator defective 1st check ball stuck Lock-up shift valve defective 1st clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the mainshaft speed sensor and countershaft speed sensor installation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Check the 1st clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover.
Late shift from the N position to the R position	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Joint in shift cable and transmission or body worn Mainshaft speed sensor defective Countershaft speed sensor defective ATF temperature sensor defective Shift fork shaft stuck Foreign material in separator plate orifice Shift valve E defective 4th/reverse accumulator defective Lock-up shift valve defective 4th clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the mainshaft speed sensor and countershaft speed sensor installation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Check for a missing shift fork bolt on the shift fork shaft. Check the 4th clutch pressure. Inspect the servo valve and O-ring.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
No shift	1. 2.	Mainshaft speed sensor defective Countershaft speed sensor defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Check the mainshaft and countershaft speed sensor installation.
Excessive shock or flares on all upshifts and downshifts	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Mainshaft speed sensor defective Countershaft speed sensor defective ATF temperature sensor defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the mainshaft speed sensor and countershaft speed sensor installation.
Excessive shock or flares on 1-2 upshift or 2-1 downshift	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective 2nd clutch transmission fluid pressure switch defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 1st accumulator defective 2nd accumulator defective 1st check ball stuck 2nd check ball stuck Lock-up shift valve defective 1st clutch defective 2nd clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 1st and 2nd clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Excessive shock or flares on 2-3 upshift or 3-2 downshift	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective 3rd clutch transmission fluid pressure switch defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 2nd accumulator defective 3rd accumulator defective 2nd check ball stuck 2nd clutch defective 3rd clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 2nd and 3rd clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 3rd clutch feed pipe. If the 3rd clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Excessive shock or flares on 3-4 upshift or 4-3 downshift	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 3rd accumulator defective 4th accumulator defective 3rd clutch defective 4th clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 3rd and 4th clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 3rd clutch feed pipe. If the 3rd clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Excessive shock or flares on 4-5 upshift or 5-4 downshift	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 4th accumulator defective 5th accumulator defective 4th clutch defective 5th clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 4th and 5th clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 5th clutch feed pipe. If the 5th clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the mainshaft if the bushing for the 5th clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Noise from transmission in all shift lever positions	1. 2.	ATF pump worn or binding Mainshaft bearing, countershaft bearing or secondary shaft bearing defective	Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an rpm-related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Be careful not to damage the torque converter housing when replacing the main ball bearing. You may also damage the ATF pump when you torque down the main valve body. This will result in ATF pump seizure if not detected. Use the proper tools. Install the main seal flush with the torque converter housing. If you push it into the torque converter housing until it bottoms out, it will block the fluid return passage and result in damage. Inspect if the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum. If clogged, replace it, and flush the torque converter, cooler, and lines. Inspect the mainshaft and countershaft for wear or damage.
Vehicle does not accelerate more than 31 mph (50 km/h)	Torque converter one-way clutch defective		Replace the torque converter.
Vibration in all shift lever positions	Drive plate defective or transmission misassembled		Check for a misinstalled/damaged drive plate. Set idle rpm in gear to the specified idle speed. If still no good, adjust the engine and transmission mounts as outlined in the engine section of this service manual.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Shift lever does not operate smoothly	1. 2. 3.	Transmission range switch defective or out of adjustment Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Joint in shift cable and transmission or body worn	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the transmission range switch for operation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft.
Transmission does not shift into P position	1. 2. 3.	Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Joint in shift cable and transmission or body worn Park mechanism defective	Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Check the park pawl spring installation and the park lever spring installation. If installation is incorrect, install the spring correctly. Make sure that the park lever stop is not installed upside down. Check the distance between the park pawl shaft and park lever roller pin. If the distance is out of tolerance, adjust the distance with the park lever stop.
Lock-up clutch does not disengage	1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Torque converter clutch piston defective Lock-up shift valve defective Lock-up control valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Replace the torque converter.
Unstable lock-up clutch operation	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Torque converter clutch piston defective Torque converter check valve defective Lock-up shift valve defective Lock-up control valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Replace the torque converter.

Symptom	Probable cause(s)		Notes
Lock-up clutch does not engage	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Mainshaft speed sensor defective Countershaft speed sensor defective Torque converter clutch piston defective Torque converter check valve defective Lock-up shift valve defective Lock-up control valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Replace the torque converter. Check the mainshaft speed sensor and countershaft speed sensor installation.
A/T gear position indicator does not indicate shift lever positions	1. 2. 3.	Transmission range switch defective or out of adjustment Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Joint in shift cable and transmission or body worn	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the transmission range switch operation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft.
Speedometer and odometer do not operate	Countershaft speed sensor defective		Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the transmission range switch operation. Check the countershaft speed sensor installation.
Transmission shifts up during low-rev engine speed condition; engine cannot rev up to high speed	VTEC rocker arms defective		Check the engine rocker arms as described in the engine section of this service manual.