rough idle DODGE RAM 2003 Service Manual PDF

POWER STEERING PRESSURE
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
A pressure sensing switch is used in the power
steering system. It is mounted on the high-pressure
steering hose (Fig. 9). This switch will be used with
both 3.7L, 4.7L and 5.7L engines. There is no pres-
sure switch used for the 5.9L pump.
OPERATION
The switch is used on the 3.7L V-6, 4.7L & 5.7L
V-8 engines.
The power steering pressure switch provides an
input to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This
input is provided during periods of high steering
pump load and low engine rpm; such as during park-
ing maneuvers. The PCM increases the idle speed
through the Idle Air Control (IAC) motor. This is
done to prevent the engine from stalling under the
increased load.
When steering pump pressure exceeds 3275 kPa  
690 kPa (475 psi   100 psi), the Normally Closed
(NC) switch will open and the PCM will increase the
engine idle speed. This will prevent the engine from
stalling.
When pump pressure drops to approximately 1379
kPa (200 psi), the switch circuit will re-close and
engine idle speed will return to its previous setting.
REMOVAL - 3.7L, 4.7L & 5.7L
The power steering pressure switch is installed in
the power steering high-pressure hose (Fig. 9).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from power
steering pressure switch.
(2) Place a small container or shop towel beneath
switch to collect any excess fluid.
(3) Remove switch. Use back-up wrench on power
steering line to prevent line bending.
INSTALLATION - 3.7L, 4.7L & 5.7L
This switch is used only with the 3.7L V±6 and the
4.7L, 5.7L V-8 engines.
(1) Install power steering switch into power steer-
ing line.
(2) Tighten to 8±11 N´m (70±100 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to switch.
(4) Check power steering fluid and add as neces-
sary.
(5) Start engine and again check power steering
fluid. Add fluid if necessary.
PULLEY
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not reuse the old power steering
pump pulley it is not intended for reuse. A new pul-
ley must be installed if removed.
(1) Remove the power steering pump assembly,
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the pulley from the pump with an
appropriate power steering pulley removal tool (Fig.
10).
Fig. 9 PRESSURE SWITCH
1 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP HOUSING
3 - POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
4 - RETURN HOSE
5 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH PRESSURE SWITCH
Fig. 10 PULLEY REMOVAL
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP
2 - PULLEY
3 - POWER STEERING PULLEY REMOVAL TOOL
DRPUMP 19 - 45

(7) Install lock ball in dimple at front of shaft.
Hold ball in place with petroleum jelly if desired.
(8) Install front thrust washer on shaft and slide
washer up against gear and over lock ball (Fig. 80).
(9) Install wave washer, flat washer and remain-
ing snap ring on idler shaft (Fig. 80). Verify snap
ring is seated.
SHIFT SHAFT AND DETENT PLUNGER BUSHINGS/
BEARINGS
(1) Inspect shift shaft bushing and bearing for
damage.
(2) If necessary, the shift shaft bushing can be
replaced as follows:
(a) Locate a bolt that will thread into the bush-
ing without great effort.
(b) Thread the bolt into the bushing, allowing
the bolt to make its own threads in the bushing.(c) Attach a slide hammer or suitable puller to
the bolt and remove bushing.
(d) Use the short end of Installer 8119 to install
the new bushing.
(e) Bushing is correctly installed if flush with
the transmission case.
(3) If necessary, the shift shaft bearing can be
replaced as follows:
(a) Locate a bolt that will thread into the bear-
ing without great effort.
(b) Thread the bolt into the bearing as much as
possible.
(c) Attach a slide hammer or suitable puller to
the bolt and remove the bearing.
(d) Use the short end of Installer 8119 to install
the new bearing.
(e) Bearing is correctly installed if flush with the
transmission case.
(4) Inspect detent plunger bushings for damage.
NOTE: The detent plunger bushings are installed to
a specific depth. The space between the two bush-
ings when correctly installed contain an oil feed
hole. Do not attempt to install the bushings with
anything other than the specified tool or this oil
hole may become restricted.
(5) If necessary, the detent plunger bushings can
be replaced as follows:
(a) Using the long end of Installer 8119, drive
the detent bushings through the outer case and
into the shift shaft bore.
(b) Remove the bushings from the shift shaft
bore.
(c) Install a new detent plunger bushing on the
long end of Installer 8118.
(d) Start bushing in the detent plunger bore in
the case.
(e) Drive bushing into the bore until the tool
contacts the transmission case.
(f) Install a new detent plunger bushing on the
short end of Installer 8118.
(g) Start the bushing in the detent plunger bore
in the case.
(h) Drive bushing into the bore until the tool
contacts the transmission case.
Fig. 80 IDLER GEAR & SHAFT ASSEMBLY
1 - REAR OF SHAFT
2 - GEAR
3 - THRUST WASHER AND BALL
4 - WAVE WASHER
5 - FLAT WASHER
6 - FRONT OF SHAFT
7 - SNAP RING
8 - SNAP RING
21 - 26 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(2) Remove countershaft end play shim and rear
bearing cup (Fig. 33).
(3) Remove reverse idler shaft (Fig. 34).
(4) Rotate countershaft outward and push reverse
idler gear away from countershaft and toward front
of case (Fig. 35).
(5) Remove idler gear (Fig. 36).
(6) Keep reverse idler gear bearings and spacer
together (Fig. 37). Insert idler shaft through gear and
bearings to keep them in place.
(7) Remove idler gear thrust washers from gear
case. Install washers on idler shaft to keep them
together for cleaning and inspection.
Fig. 33 END PLAY SHIM AND REAR BEARING CUP
1 - COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING CUP
2 - END PLAY SHIM
Fig. 34 REVERSE IDLER SHAFT
1 - REVERSE IDLER SHAFT
Fig. 35 IDLER GEAR AND COUNTERSHAFT
1 - REVERSE IDLER GEAR
2 - COUNTERSHAFT
Fig. 36 REVERSE IDLER GEAR
1 - REVERSE IDLER GEAR
2 - DRIVE GEAR BORE
Fig. 37 IDLER GEAR COMPONENTS
1 - BEARINGS
2 - REVERSE IDLER GEAR
21 - 52 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(28) Remove reverse clutch gear (Fig. 63).
(29) Remove first gear from bearing and mainshaft
(Fig. 64).
(30) Remove first gear bearing from mainshaft
(Fig. 65).
CLEANING
Clean the gears, shafts, shift components and
transmission housings with a standard parts clean-
ing solvent. Do not use acid or corrosive base sol-
vents. Dry all parts except bearings with compressed
air.
Clean the shaft bearings with a mild solvent such
as Mopar degreasing solvent, Gunk or similar sol-
vents. Do not dry the bearings with compressed air.
Allow the bearings to either air dry or wipe them dry
with clean shop towels.
INSPECTION
NOTE: Minor corrosion, nicks, or pitting can be
smoothed with 400 grit emery and polished out with
crocus cloth.
Inspect the reverse idler gear, bearings, shaft and
thrust washers. Replace the bearings if the rollers
are worn, chipped, cracked, flat-spotted or brinnelled.
Replace the gear if the teeth are chipped, cracked or
worn thin.
Inspect the front bearing retainer and bearing cup.
Replace the bearing cup if scored, cracked, brinnelled
or rough. Check the release bearing slide surface of
the retainer carefully. Replace the retainer if worn or
damaged in any way.
Inspect mainshaft bearing surfaces, splines, snap
ring grooves and threads. Replace the shaft if any
surfaces exhibit considerable wear or damage.
Inspect the countershaft and bearings. Replace the
shaft if any surfaces exhibit considerable wear or
damage.
Inspect shift forks for wear and distortion. Check
fit of the sleeve in the fork to be sure the two parts
fit and work smoothly. Replace the fork if the roll pin
holes are worn oversize or damaged. Do not attempt
to salvage a worn fork. Replace shift fork roll pins if
necessary or if doubt exists about their condition.
The all bearings for wear, roughness, flat spots,
pitting or other damage. Replace the bearings if nec-
essary.
Inspect the blocker rings and fiction cones. replace
either part if worn or damaged in any way. Replace if
the friction material is burned, flaking off or worn.
Inspect synchro components wear or damage.
Replace parts if worn, cracked or distorted.
Inspect all of the thrust washers and locating pins.
Replace the pins if bent or worn. Replace the wash-
ers if worn or the locating pin notches are distorted.
Inspect the case and housing/adapter sealing and
mating surfaces are free of burrs and nicks. InspcetFig. 63 Reverse Clutch Gear
1 - REVERSE CLUTCH GEAR
Fig. 64 FIRST GEAR
1 - FIRST GEAR
Fig. 65 FIRST GEAR BEARING
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - FIRST GEAR BEARING
21 - 60 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(2) Remove countershaft oil guide from the coun-
tershaft front bearing bore in the clutch housing (Fig.
48).
(3) Remove countershaft front bearing race, end-
play shims and spacer from the clutch housing with
Remover 6061-1 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 49).
(4) Remove input shaft bearing race with Remover/
Installer 8237 and Handle C-4171.
(5) Remove input shaft oil guide and retainer seal
(Fig. 50).
CLEANING - TRANSMISSION
Clean the gears, bearings shafts, extension/adapter
housing and gear case with solvent. Dry all parts
except the bearings with compressed air. Allow the
bearings to either air dry or wipe them dry with
clean shop towels.
INSPECTION
NOTE: Minor corrosion, nicks, or pitting can be
smoothed with 400 grit emery and polished out with
crocus cloth.
Inspect the reverse idler gear, bearings, shaft and
thrust washers. Replace the bearings if the rollers
are worn, chipped, cracked, flat-spotted or brinnelled.
Replace the gear if the teeth are chipped, cracked or
worn thin.
Inspect the front bearing retainer and bearing cup.
Replace the bearing cup if scored, cracked, brinnelledor rough. Check the release bearing slide surface of
the retainer carefully. Replace the retainer if worn or
damaged in any way.
Inspect mainshaft bearing surfaces, splines, snap
ring grooves and threads. Replace the shaft if any
surfaces exhibit considerable wear or damage.
Fig. 48 COUNTERSHAFT OIL GUIDE
1 - CLUTCH HOUSING
2 - COUNTERSHAFT OIL GUIDE
Fig. 49 FRONT COUNTERSHAFT BEARING RACE
1 - CLUTCH HOUSING
2 - HANDLE
3 - REMOVER
Fig. 50 OIL GUIDE AND SEAL
1 - INPUT SHAFT OIL GUIDE
2 - INPUT SHAFT OIL SEAL
21 - 104 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has two primary causes.
(1) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
(2) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failuredue to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The torque converter should be replaced whenever
a failure generates sludge and debris. This is neces-
sary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same condi-
tions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mis-
taken for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
Fluid level is checked with the engine running at
curb idle speed, the transmission in NEUTRAL and
the transmission fluid at normal operating tempera-
ture.The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground.
The transmission fluid level can be checked two
ways.
PROCEDURE ONE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operat-
ing temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 201

STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
For proper service intervals (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHED-
ULES - DESCRIPTION). The service fluid fill after a
filter change is approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Place a large diameter shallow drain pan
beneath the transmission pan.
(3) Remove bolts holding front and sides of pan to
transmission (Fig. 98).
(4) Loosen bolts holding rear of pan to transmis-
sion.
(5) Slowly separate front of pan and gasket away
from transmission allowing the fluid to drain into
drain pan.
(6) Hold up pan and remove remaining bolt hold-
ing pan to transmission.
(7) While holding pan level, lower pan and gasket
away from transmission.
(8) Pour remaining fluid in pan into drain pan.
(9) Remove screws holding filter to valve body
(Fig. 99).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and pour fluid
in filter into drain pan.
(11) Dispose of used trans fluid and filter properly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position a new transmission oil filter onto the
valve body.
(2) Install the screws to hold the filter to the valve
body. Tighten the screws to 4 N´m (35 in.lbs.).
(3) Clean the gasket surfaces of the transmission
oil pan and transmission pan rail.NOTE: The transmission pan oil gasket is reusable.
Inspect the sealing surfaces of the gasket. If the
sealing ribs on both surfaces appear to be in good
condition, clean the gasket of any foreign material
and reinstall.
(4) Position the oil pan gasket onto the oil pan.
(5) Position the oil pan and gasket onto the trans-
mission and install several bolts to hold the pan and
gasket to the transmission.
(6) Install the remainder of the oil pan bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 13.6 N´m (125 in.lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle and fill transmission. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL
To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of MopartAT F
+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add3
pints (1-1/2 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
or torque converter was replaced or drained, add
12 pints (6 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(3) Apply parking brakes.
(4) Start and run engine at normal curb idle
speed.
(5) Apply service brakes, shift transmission
through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set
parking brake, and leave engine running at curb idle
speed.
Fig. 98 Transmission Pan
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - GASKET
3-PAN
Fig. 99 Transmission Filter
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - FILTER
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 203
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

(6) Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid
level. If level is low,add fluid to bring level to
MIN mark on dipstick.Check to see if the oil level
is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is
noticably higher than the other, the dipstick has
picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the
oil to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.
(7) Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at nor-
mal operating temperature.
(8) With the engine running at curb idle speed, the
gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake
applied, check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foam-
ing and shifting problems can result.
(9) Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow
mark.
When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release
park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill
tube.
FRONT CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The front clutch assembly (Fig. 100) is composed of
the front clutch retainer, pressure plate, clutch
plates, driving discs, piston, piston return spring,return spring retainer, and snap-rings. The front
clutch is the forward-most component in the trans-
mission geartrain and is directly behind the oil pump
and is considered a driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
Fig. 100 Front Clutch Components
1 - INNER PISTON SEAL 7 - CLUTCH DISCS
2 - CLUTCH PISTON 8 - RETAINER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH PISTON SPRING RETAINER 9 - CLUTCH PISTON SPRINGS (9)
4 - CLUTCH PLATES 10 - OUTER PISTON SEAL
5 - CLUTCH PACK SNAP-RING (WAVED) 11 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
6 - REACTION PLATE
21 - 204 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

THROTTLE VALVE
In all gear positions the throttle valve (Fig. 285) is
being supplied with line pressure. The throttle valve
meters and reduces the line pressure that now
becomes throttle pressure. The throttle valve is
moved by a spring and the kickdown valve, which is
mechanically connected to the throttle. The larger
the throttle opening, the higher the throttle pressure
(to a maximum of line pressure). The smaller the
throttle opening, the lower the throttle pressure (to a
minimum of zero at idle). As engine speed increases,
the increase in pump speed increases pump output.
The increase in pressure and volume must be regu-
lated to maintain the balance within the transmis-
sion. To do this, throttle pressure is routed to the
reaction area on the right side of the throttle pres-
sure plug (in the regulator valve).
The higher engine speed and line pressure would
open the vent too far and reduce line pressure too
much. Throttle pressure, which increases with engine
speed (throttle opening), is used to oppose the move-
ment of the pressure valve to help control the meter-
ing passage at the vent. The throttle pressure is
combined with spring pressure to reduce the force of
the throttle pressure plug on the pressure valve. The
larger spring at the right closes the regulator valve
passage and maintains or increases line pressure.The increased line pressure works against the reac-
tion area of the line pressure plug and the reaction
area left of land #3 simultaneously moves the regu-
lator valve train to the right and controls the meter-
ing passage.
The kickdown valve, along with the throttle valve,
serve to delay upshifts until the correct vehicle speed
has been reached. It also controls downshifts upon
driver demand, or increased engine load. If these
valves were not in place, the shift points would be at
the same speed for all throttle positions. The kick-
down valve is actuated by a cam connected to the
throttle. This is accomplished through either a link-
age or a cable. The cam forces the kickdown valve
toward the throttle valve compressing the spring
between them and moving the throttle valve. As the
throttle valve land starts to uncover its port, line
pressure is ªmeteredº out into the circuits and viewed
as throttle pressure. This increased throttle pressure
is metered out into the circuits it is applied to: the
1-2 and 2-3 shift valves. When the throttle pressure
is high enough, a 3-2 downshift will occur. If the
vehicle speed is low enough, a 2-1 downshift will
occur.
Fig. 285 Throttle Valve
21 - 282 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has two primary causes.
(1) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
(2) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failuredue to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The torque converter should be replaced whenever
a failure generates sludge and debris. This is neces-
sary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same condi-
tions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mis-
taken for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
Fluid level is checked with the engine running at
curb idle speed, the transmission in NEUTRAL and
the transmission fluid at normal operating tempera-
ture.The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground.
The transmission fluid level can be checked two
ways.
PROCEDURE ONE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operat-
ing temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 381