automatic transmission FORD FESTIVA 1991 Service Manual
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BRAKE SYST EM
1991-92 BRAKES Disc & Drum
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
On Capri, vehicle braking is provided by front and rear disc brakes. Front and rear brakes are a full-floating, single piston design. The rear
caliper houses a self-adjusting parking brake.
On Festiva, vehicle braking is provided by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Rear brakes are a standard non-servo, self-en e r giz in g d e sign .
Front brakes are a full-floating, single piston design with caliper attached to steering knuckle.
BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
BLEEDING PROCEDURES
Manual Bleeding
1. Exhaust vacuum from power brake unit by depressing brake pedal several times. Fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. Install clear
vinyl bleeder hose onto first bleeder valve to be serviced. See BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE table. Place other end of hose in
clean transparent container.
2. Partially fill container with clean brake fluid. Open the bleeder valve 3/4 turn. Slowly depress brake pedal through its full travel. Close
bleeder valve and release pedal. Pump pedal several times to push air toward wheel cylinders. Repeat procedure until flow of brake
fluid is clear and shows no signs of air bubbles. Proceed to next bleeder valve in sequence and repeat procedure.
BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE
Pressure Bleeding
1. Exhaust vacuum from power brake unit by depressing brake pedal several times. Fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. With
pressure bleeder at least 1/2 full, connect pressure bleeder to master cylinder using appropriate adaptor.
2. Install clear vinyl bleeder hose onto first bleeder valve to be serviced. See BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE table. Place other
end of hose in clean transparent container. Partially fill container with clean brake fluid. Open bleeder valve 1-2 turns. Allow fluid to
run until flow of fluid is clear and shows no signs of air bubbles. Proceed to next bleeder valve in sequence and repeat procedure.
Remove pressure bleeder and fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid.
ADJUSTMENTS
BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT (FESTIVA)
1. Block wheels to prevent vehicle from rolling. Start engine and place transmission in Neutral. Fully release parking brake. Move carpet
and insulation away from firewall and brake pedal. Measure distance horizontally between upper center of brake pedal pad and firewall.
Distance should be 8.03-8.23" (204-209 mm).
2. If pedal height is incorrect, inspect pedal assembly for missing, worn or damaged bushings or for loose attaching bolts. Ensure firewall is
not distorted and pedal is not bent. If pedal height is still not within specifications, check brake pedal, booster or master cylinder for
correct and/or correctly installed parts
BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY (FESTIVA)
Pump brake pedal several to bleed vacuum from power brake booster. Gently depress brake pedal by hand and measure and measure play
before resistance is felt. Free play should be .16-.28" (4-7 mm). If free play is not within specifications, adjust brake pedal push rod.
BRAKE PEDAL FLOOR CLEARANCE
Capri
1. Move carpet and insulation away from floor board and brake pedal. With engine running and using Brake Pedal Effort Gauge (021-
00001), apply 132 lbs. (59.9 kg) of force to brake pedal. Measure distance from upper surface of brake pedal pad to floor board. If
distance is less than 3.27" (83 mm), inspect pedal assembly for missing, worn or damaged bushings or for loose attaching bolts.
2. Verify that floor board is not distorted and pedal is not bent. If pedal height is still not within specifications, check brake pedal, booster
or master cylinder for correct and/or correctly installed parts. Check for air in hydraulic system.
Festiva
Move carpet and insulation away from floor board and brake pedal. Using Brake Pedal Effort Gauge (021-00001) or equivalent, apply 132
lbs. (59.9 kg) of force to brake pedal. Measure distance from upper surface of brake pedal pad to floor board. If distance is less than 2.68" (68
mm), check for air in hydraulic system, faulty automatic adjusters or excessive shoe clearance.
POWER BRAKE UNIT PUSH ROD
Capri
ApplicationSequence
CapriRR, LF, LR & RF
FestivaRR, LR, RF & LF
NOTE:Check fluid level in m aster cylinder frequently during the bleeding sequence.
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levels to proper level.
Removal (1.6L & 1.6L Turbo)
1. Relieve fuel pressure and discharge air conditioning system (if equipped). See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION. Disconnect and remove battery, battery tray and battery tray support bracket.
2. Release wiring harness retaining straps from battery support tray. Disconnect windshield washer supply hose between fluid reservoir and
hood. Mark hinge locations and remove hood.
3. Disconnect intake air tube and wiring to ignition coil and vane airflow meter. Remove air cleaner/vane airflow meter assembly. Remove
air cleaner assembly support brackets. Disconnect intercooler hoses from turbocharger (if equipped).
4. Drain engine coolant and remove radiator. Disconnect accelerator cable, and remove retaining bracket from cam cover. Position cable to
one side.
5. Disconnect and plug fuel lines at fuel filter and pressure regulator. Disconnect power brake booster manifold vacuum hose from
manifold. Disconnect heater hoses at heater core tubes. Label and remove vacuum hoses located at throttle body.
6. For manual transaxle turbocharged vehicles, disconnect clutch cable and remove support bracket and cable from transmission. On non-
turbo vehicles, disconnect clutch slave hydraulic line. For automatic transaxle, remove transaxle cooler lines.
7. Disconnect starter wiring at starter. Remove harness from locating strap on bracket. Disconnect alternator wiring. Disconnect wiring
from engine coolant sensors located on rear of engine block. Remove ground connection at bracket on thermostat cover. Disconnect O2
sensor wire, main wiring harness connector, TPS connector (turbocharged only), knock sensor connector, distributor wiring and
transaxle wiring. Disconnect ground wire and strap at front of engine, and reinstall lifting eye.
8. Remove engine oil dipstick and retaining clip. Remove power steering pump from mounting bracket. Remove power steering pump
mounting bracket. With hoses attached, position pump aside. Remove upper air conditioning compressor retaining bolts (if equipped).
9. Raise vehicle on hoist. Drain engine oil and cooling system. On vehicles with air conditioning, remove lower air conditioning
compressor mounting bolts, and position compressor out of way.
10. Remove front wheels and tires. Remove front ball joints-to-ste e r in g kn u c kl e s r e t a in in g b o l t s. R e mo ve sp l a sh gu a r d s. Dr a in t ransmission
oil and remove half shafts from differential. Remove front exhaust pipe bracket located on lower side of engine. Disconnect front
exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold, or turbocharger (if equipped).
11. Remove frame support bar-to-engine support bolt. Loosen right control arm bolt and, pivot support bar downward. Disengage rubber
exhaust hangers located directly behind catalytic converter. Allow exhaust system to hang down 6 inches, and support system with
mechanic's wire. Unbolt shift linkage and stabilizer bar at transaxle. Remove nuts from front and rear engine mounts, and lower vehicle.
12. Attach chains onto lift eyes at ends of cylinder head, and support engine with hoist. Remove RH engine mount through bolt. Raise
engine off mounts and slightly pivot engine/transaxle assembly. Disconnect oil pressure sensor and route starter/alternator wiring
harness from engine. Carefully lift engine/transaxle assembly, turn assembly while raising to clear brake master cylinder, shift linkage
universal joint, radiator support and air conditioning lines (if equipped).
13. Remove intake manifold support bracket. Remove gusset plate(s) (if equipped). Remove starter. Remove transaxle-to-engine retaining
bolts. Identify bolts to ensure correct installation. Separate transaxle from engine. On manual transaxle, remove pressure plate, clutch
disc and flywheel. On automatic transaxle, remove flexplate.
Installation (1.6L & 1.6L Turbo)
1. Install transaxle to engine in reverse order of removal. Attach hoist to engine/transaxle assembly and position assembly in vehicle.
Before engine contacts mounts, route starter, alternator and oil pressure sensor wiring, and connect oil pressure sensor. Lower engine
until front mount seats on crossmember. Install through bolt on RH engine mount. DO NOT tighten bolt.
2. Remove hoist. Raise vehicle and support with jackstands. Align rear engine mount to crossmember, and install retaining nuts to front
and rear engine mounts. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table at end of article.
3. On manual transaxles, connect shift coupling and stabilizer. Tighten to specification. On automatic transaxles, connect shift linkage and
oil cooler lines. Tighten linkage retaining bolt, shift cable pivot and oil cooler hose clamps to specification. Connect front exhaust pipe
to manifold (or turbocharger). Install exhaust pipe to support bracket. Tighten bolts to specification. Tighten manifold (or turbocharger)
to specification. Attach rubber exhaust hangers. Position cross brace. Tighten retaining nut and bolt and right control arm front bolt.
4. Install drive axles. Install ball joint retaining bolts and tighten to specification. Mount A/C Compressor to engine (if equipped). Tighten
lower retaining bolts to specification. Install splash guards. Install tire and wheel assemblies. Tighten retaining nuts to specification.
5. Lower vehicle. Install upper A/C compressor retaining bolts (if equipped). Tighten bolts to specification. Tighten RH engine mo u n t
through bolt to specification. Connect alternator wiring.
6. Position power steering pump bracket on stud. Lower pump into engine compartment. Install power steering pump bracket retaining
bolts and nut. Tighten to specification. Install power steering pump and belt. Tighten adjustment nut and pivot bolt to specification.
7. Install engine oil dipstick and retaining clip. Install ground strap and ground wire to cylinder head. Install clutch cable (if equipped).
Connect clutch hydraulic line if equipped with manual transaxle or naturally aspirated. Connect transmission electrical connectors.
Connect fuel lines to fuel filter and pressure regulator. Install intake air tube to throttle body.
8. Install intercooler hoses on turbocharged models. Install air cleaner assembly brackets. Install air cleaner assembly with airflow meter
attached. Install intake air tube. Install coil and airflow meter connectors. Connect coolant crankcase and air bypass hoses. Install
vacuum hoses as noted in disassembly.
9. Connect accelerator cable. Install retaining bracket. Install power brake booster hose. Remove speedometer cable from transaxle. Fill
transaxle to specification. See CAPACITIES in SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS article. Install speedometer cable.
Connect speedometer cable connector. Fill engine oil to capacity.
10. Install radiator/fan assembly. Tighten bracket retaining bolts to specification. Connect coolant hoses and fan electrical connector. Fill
coolant to specification.
11. Install hood and connect washer hose. Install battery tray support, battery tray, battery and battery hold-down. Connect battery
terminal. Evacuate and charge air conditioning system (if equipped). Road test vehicle and inspect for leaks.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
Removal (1.3L)
CAUT ION: DO NOT allow com pressor to hang by hoses. T ie up com pressor with m echanic's wire.
Page 2 of 19 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - ENGINE OVERHAUL 1991-92 FORD MOTOR CO. ENGINES 1.3L & 1.6L 4-Cylinder
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D - ADJUSTMENTS
1991 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Ford/Mercury - On-Vehicle Adjustm ents
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Before beginning any on-vehicle adjustments to fuel or ignition systems, ensure engine mechanical condition is okay.
VALVE CLEARANCE
IGNITION TIMING
CAPRI
1. Place automatic transmission in Park or manual transmission in Neutral. Disconnect and plug hoses attached to vacuum diaphragm
assembly on distributor. Connect tachometer and timing light. Turn off all electrical loads.
2. Start engine, and warm it to operating temperature. Ensure idle speed is set to specification, adjusting if necessary. See IDLE SPEED &
MIXTURE . Determine initial timing. See IGNITION TIMING table. If base timing is not correct, loosen distributor mounting bolts
and rotate distributor until marks align. Tighten bolts to 14-18 ft. lbs. (19-25 N.m).
3. Increase engine RPM while observing timing light. Verify ignition timing advances. For Turbo models, go to step 5). For non-Turbo
models, continue with step 4).
4. On non-Turbo models, apply 16 in. Hg vacuum to chamber "A". Verify timing advances by 26-30 degrees. Remove vacuum source from
chamber "A". Apply 8 in. Hg vacuum to chamber "B" while observing timing. Verify timing advances by 3-7 degrees. Stop engine, and
remove test equipment.
5. On Turbo models, apply 20 in. Hg vacuum to advance diaphragm. Verify timing advances by 13-17 degrees. Disconnect vacuum source.
Apply 8 psi (.6 kg/cm
2 ) pressure to advance diaphragm. Verify timing retards by 3-7 degrees. Stop engine, and remove test equipment.
FESTIVA
1. Place manual transmission in Neutral or automatic transmission in Park. Turn all accessories off. Locate one-wire STI (Black) connector
near master cylinder. Using a jumper wire, connect STI terminal to ground. See Fig. 1
. Connect timing light and tachometer.
Fig. 1: Locating Self
-Test Input (STI) Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Start engine, and warm to operating temperature. Ensure idle speed is set to specification, adjusting if necessary. See IDLE SPEED &
MIXTURE .
3. Check initial timing. White timing mark should align with white mark on crankshaft pulley. If marks do not align, loosen distributor
mounting bolts and rotate distributor until marks align. Tighten bolts to 14-18 ft. lbs. (19-25 N.m).
4. Remove jumper wire. Increase engine RPM, and verify ignition timing advances beyond initial setting. Stop engine, and remove test
equipment.
IGNITION TIMING NOTE:All m odels are equipped with hydraulic lash adjusters. No adjustm ents are required.
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IDLE SPEED & MIXTURE
IDLE MIXTURE
IDLE SPEED
1. Turn off all accessories. Place automatic transmission in Park or manual transmission in Neutral. Set parking brake. Connect tachometer
to engine. Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Connect a jumper wire between single-wire STI test connector (Green on
Capri; Black on Festiva) and ground. See Fig. 1
.
2. Locate idle speed control by-pass air (ISC-BPA) valve on intake manifold. Remove cap, and adjust idle speed to specification by turning
idle air adjust screw on ISC-BPA valve. See Fig. 2
. Remove jumper wire.
IDLE RPM
Fig. 2: Locating Idle Air Adjust Screw
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
THROTTLE POSITION SWITCH (TP)
CAPRI
Throttle position sensor is preset at factory. No adjustment is required.
FESTIVA
1. Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are adjusted to specification. Stop engine. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Unplug TP connector at throttle body. Insert appropriate feeler gauge between throttle stop screw and stop lever. Check for continuity
between specified terminals on TP connector. See TP ADJUSTMENT table.
3. To adjust, loosen TP attaching screws. Connect ohmmeter between terminals IDL and TL. See Fig. 3
. Insert a .020" (.5 mm) feeler
gauge between throttle stop screw and stop lever.
4. Rotate TP until ohmmeter indicates continuity. Insert a .028" (.7 mm) thickness gauge between stop screw and stop lever. Ohmmeter
should indicate no continuity. If ohmmeter indicates continuity, repeat adjustment procedure.
ApplicationAuto. Trans.Man. Trans.
1.3L9-11 @ 8509-11 @ 700
1.6L Non-Turbo1-3 @ 8500-4 @ 850
1.6L Turbo10-14 @ 8500-4 @ 850
NOTE:Idle m ixture is controlled by ECA and is not adjustable.
ApplicationAuto. Trans.Man. Trans.
1.3L830-870680-720
1.6L800-900800-900
CAUT ION: DO NOT tam per with throttle stop screw at throttle lever. Doing so m ay result in dam age to throttle
body.
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memory. Intermittent failures may be caused by a sensor, connector, or wiring. See INTERMITTENTS in TESTS W/O CODES article in the
ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
VISUAL CHECK & VEHICLE PREPARATION
Before connecting any equipment to diagnose EEC system, perform following preparatory procedures:
Verify condition of air cleaner and air ducts.
Check all vacuum hoses for leaks, restrictions, or improper routing.
Check EEC system wiring harness electrical connections for corrosion, bent or broken pins, loose wires or terminals, or improper
routing.
Check ECA, sensors, and actuators for physical damage.
Check engine oil and coolant level.
Perform all necessary safety precautions to prevent personal injury or vehicle damage.
Set parking brake. Place shift lever in Park for automatic transmissions, or Neutral for manual transmissions. DO NOT move shift lever
during test unless specifically directed.
Turn off all lights and accessories. Ensure vehicle doors are closed when measuring voltage or resistance.
Start engine. Run at idle until upper radiator hose is hot and pressurized and engine is off fast idle. Check for leaks around exhaust
manifold, exhaust gas oxygen sensor, and vacuum hose connections.
Turn ignition off. Service items as required. Go to EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP .
EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP
VOM
1. Turn ignition off. Connect a jumper wire from STI connector to ground. Refer to SELF-TEST CONNECTOR LOCATION and
SELF
-TEST CONNECTOR WIRE COLORS tables. See Fig. 1 .
2. Connect VOM between STO terminal and engine ground. Set VOM to measure 0-20 volts DC.
CHECK ENGINE Light (MIL)
Connect a jumper wire between STI connector and ground.
SUPER STAR II Tester
Turn ignition off. Connect adapter cable leads to diagnostic tester. Connect service adapter cables to vehicle self-test connectors. Ground
adapter cable.
SELF-TEST CONNECTOR LOCATION
SELF-TEST CONNECTOR WIRE COLORS
Fig. 1: Self
-Test Connector Terminal ID
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
RETRIEVING CODES
Reading Service Codes
ApplicationLocation
1.3LLeft Rear Corner Of Engine Compartment
1.6LRight Rear Corner Of Engine Compartment
CircuitWire Color
1.3L
SMLBlue/Green
STIYellow/Green
STOYellow/White
1.6L
SMLBlack/Blue
STIYellow
STOGreen/Black
Page 2 of 20 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - G - TESTS W/CODES 1991-92 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Ford Motor Co. Self-Diagnostics
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CLUTCH ENGAGE SWITCH (CES)
This switch is located on the manual transaxle and informs the ECA of transmission operating conditions. The ECA uses this data fo r id l e
speed control and canister purge valve operation.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) (FESTIVA)
This sensor is located in the distributor and sends engine RPM and crankshaft position data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating
fuel metering, ignition timing, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
CYLINDER IDENTIFICATION SENSOR (CID) (CAPRI)
This sensor is located in the distributor and provides crankshaft position data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel metering
and ignition timing.
ELECTRICAL LOAD SWITCHES
Blower control, cooling fan, rear window defroster, air conditioning and headlight switches all send signals to the ECA. The ECA uses these
signals for idle speed control.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR
This sensor is located in the intake manifold and sends coolant temperature data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel
metering, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
EXHAUST GAS OXYGEN (EGO) SENSOR
This sensor is located in the exhaust manifold and senses oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel
metering, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH (A/T)
This switch is located on the automatic transaxle and sends a signal to the ECA whenever the transaxle is in Neutral or Park ranges. The ECA
uses this signal in calculating fuel metering, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH (PSPS)
This switch is located on the power steering pump and sends data about power steering operation to the ECA. The ECA uses this data for idle
speed control.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TP)
This device is located on the throttle body and contains 2 switches. The Wide Open Throttle (WOT) Switch sends a signal to the ECA when
throttle valve opening is more than 70 degrees. The ECA uses this signal in calculating fuel metering.
The Idle Switch (IDL) sends a signal to the ECA when throttle valve opening is less than 1.5 degrees. The ECA uses this signal for idle speed
control and canister purge valve operation.
VANE AIRFLOW (VAF) METER
This sensor is located in the air cleaner housing and sends intake airflow data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel metering.
VANE AIR TEMPERATURE (VAT) SENSOR
This sensor is located inside the vane airflow sensor and senses intake air temperature. The ECA uses this data in calculating fu el met erin g,
idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
CEC OUTPUT SIGNALS
CANISTER PURGE (CANP) SOLENOID
See EMISSION SYSTEMS.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
See SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
FUEL INJECTORS
See FUEL CONTROL.
IDLE SPEED CONTROL BY-PASS AIR (ISC-BPA) VALVE
See IDLE SPEED. NOTE:Vehicles are equipped with different com binations of com puter-controlled com ponents. Not all
com ponents listed below are used on every vehicle. For theory and operation of each output
com ponent, refer to indicated system .
Page 2 of 6 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - E - THEORY/OPERATION 1991 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Ford/Mercury Theory & Operation
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ASCS
Air Suction Control Solenoid
ASD
Auto Shutdown
ASDM
Air Bag System Diagnostic Module
ASV
Air Suction Valve
A/T
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
ATC
Automatic Temperature Control
ATDC
After Top Dead Center
ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid
ATS
Air Temperature Sensor
Aux.
Auxiliary
Avg.
Average
AXOD
Automatic Transaxle Overdrive (Ford Models Only)
"B"
BAC
By-Pass Air Control
BAP
Barometric Absolute Pressure Sensor
BARO
Barometric
Batt.
Battery
Bbl.
Barrel (Example: 4-Bbl.)
BCM
Body Control Module
BHP
Brake Horsepower
BMAP
Page 2 of 15 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Commonly Used Abbreviations
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A "howling" or "whining" noise from the ring and pinion gear can be caused by an improper gear pattern, gear damage, or improper bearing
preload. It can occur at various speeds and driving conditions, or it can be continuous.
Before disassembling axle to diagnose and correct gear ke sure that tires, exhaust, and vehicle trim have been checked as possible causes.
Chuckle
This is a particular rattling noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel. It occurs while decelerating from 40
MPH and usually can be heard until vehicle comes to a complete stop. The frequency varies with the speed of the vehicle.
A chuckle that occurs on the driving phase is usually caused ive clearance due to differential gear wear, or by a damaged tooth on the coast
side of the pinion or ring gear. Even a very small tooth nick or a ridge on the edge of a gear tooth is enough the cause the noise.
This condition can be corrected simply by cleaning the gear tooth nick or ridge with a small grinding wheel. If either gear is damaged or scored
badly, the gear set must be replaced. If metal has broken loose, the carrier and housing must be cleaned to remove particles that could cause
damage.
Knock
This is very similar to a chuckle, though it may be louder, and occur on acceleration or deceleration. Knock can be caused by a gear tooth that
is damaged on the drive side of the ring and pinion gears. Ring gear bolts that are hitting the carrier casting can cause knock. Knock can also be
due to excessive end play in the axle shafts.
Clunk
Clunk is a metallic noise heard when an automatic transmission is engaged in Reverse or Drive, or when throttle is applied or released. It is
caused by backlash somewhere in the driveline, but not necessarily in the axle. To determine whether driveline clunk is caused by the axle,
check the total axle backlash as follows:
1. Raise vehicle on a frame or twinpost hoist so that drive wheels are free. Clamp a bar between axle companion flange and a part of the
frame or body so that flange cannot move.
2. On conventional drive axles, lock the left wheel to keep it from turning. On all models, turn the right wheel slowly until it is felt to be in
Drive condition. Hold a chalk marker on side of tire about 12" from center of wheel. Turn wheel in the opposite direction until it is
again felt to be in Drive condition.
3. Measure the length of the chalk mark, which is the total axle backlash. If backlash is one inch or less, drive axle is not the source of
clunk noise.
Bearing Whine
Bearing whine is a high-pitched sound similar to a whistle. It is usually caused by malfunctioning pinion bearings. Pinion bearings operate at
drive shaft speed. Roller wheel bearings may whine in a similar manner if they run completely dry of lubricant. Bearing noise will occur at all
driving speeds. This distinguishes it from gear whine, which usually comes and goes as speed changes.
Bearing Rumble
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. It is usually caused by a malfunctioning wheel bearing. The lower pitch is because the
wheel bearing turns at only about 1/3 of drive shaft speed.
Chatter On Turns
This is a condition where the entire front or rear of vehicle vibrates when vehicle is moving. The vibration is plainly felt as well as heard. Extra
differential thrust washers installed during axle repair can cause a condition of partial lock-up that creates this chatter.
Axle Shaft Noise
Axle shaft noise is similar to gear noise and pinion bearing whine. Axle shaft bearing noise will normally distinguish itself from gear noise by
occurring in all driving modes (Drive, cruise, coast and float), and will persist with transmission in Neutral while vehicle is moving at problem
speed.
If vehicle displays this noise condition, remove suspect parts, replace wheel seals and install a new set of bearings. Re-evaluate vehicle for
noise before removing any internal components.
Vibration
Vibration is a high-frequency trembling, shaking or grinding condition (felt or heard) that may be constant or variable in level and can occur
during the total operating speed range of the vehicle.
The types of vibrations that can be felt in the vehicle can d into 3 main groups:
Vibrations of various unbalanced rotating parts of the vehicle.
Resonance vibrations of the body and frame structures caused by rotating of unbalanced parts.
Tip-in moans of resonance vibrations from stressed engine or exhaust system mounts or driveline flexing modes.
DRIVE AXLE - RWD TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing. For definitions of listed
noises or sounds, see DRIVE AXLE
- NOISE DIAGNOSIS under POWERTRAIN.
Page 28 of 36 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Trouble Shooting - Basic Procedures
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Com puter Relearn Procedures
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
Vehicles equipped with engine or transmission computers may require a relearn procedure after vehicle battery is disconnected. Many vehicle
computers memorize and store vehicle operation patterns for optimum driveability and performance. When vehicle battery is disconnected,
this memory is lost. The computer will use default data until new data from each key start is stored. As computer memorizes vehicle operation
for each new key start, driveability is restored. Vehicle computers may memorize vehicles operation patterns for 40 of more key starts.
Customers often complain of driveability problems during relearn stage because vehicle acts differently then before being serviced. Depending
on type and make of vehicle and how it is equipped, the following complaints (driveability problems) may exist:
Harsh Or Poor Shift Quality
Rough Or Unstable Idle
Hesitation Or Stumble
Rich Or Lean Running
Poor Fuel Mileage
These symptoms and complaints should disappear after a number of drive cycles have been memorized. To reduce the possibility of
complaints, after any service which requires battery power to be disconnected, vehicle should be road tested.
GENERIC COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
Some manufacturers identify a specific relearn procedure which will help establish suitable driveability during relearn stage. These procedures
are especially important if vehicle is equipped with and electronically controlled automatic transmission or transaxle. Always complete
procedure before returning vehicle to customer. The following general procedures are to be used if driveability problems are encountered after
power loss or battery has been disconnected. These procedures may provide an aid in eliminating these problems.
Automatic Transmission
Set parking brake, start engine in "P" or "N" position. Warm-up vehicle to normal operating temperature or until cooling fan cycles.
Allow vehicle to idle for one minute in "N" position. Select "D" and allow engine to idle for one minute.
Accelerate at normal throttle position (20-50%) until vehicle shifts into top gear.
Cruise at light to medium throttle.
Decelerate to a stop, allowing vehicle to downshift, and use brakes normally.
Process may be repeated as necessary.
Manual Transmission
Place transmission in Neutral position.
Ensure emergency brake has been set and all accessories are turned off.
Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature.
Allow vehicle to idle in Neutral for one minute.
Initial relearn is complete, and process will be completed during normal driving.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00012612
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CLUNK
Clunk is a metallic noise heard when an automatic transmission is engaged in Reverse or Drive, or when throttle is applied or released. It is
caused by backlash somewhere in the driveline, but not necessarily in the axle. To determine whether driveline clunk is caused by the axle,
check the total axle backlash as follows:
1. Raise vehicle on a frame or twinpost hoist so that drive wheels are free. Clamp a bar between axle companion flange and a part of the
frame or body so that flange cannot move.
2. On conventional drive axles, lock the left wheel to keep it from turning. On all models, turn the right wheel slowly until it is felt to be in
drive condition. Hold a chalk marker on side of tire about 12" from center of wheel. Turn wheel in the opposite direction until it is again
felt to be in drive condition.
3. Measure the length of the chalk mark, which is the total axle backlash. If backlash is one inch or less, clunk will not be eliminated by
overhauling drive axle.
BEARING WHINE
Bearing whine is a high-pitched sound similar to a whistle. It is usually caused by malfunctioning pinion bearings. Pinion bearings operate at
driveshaft speed. Roller wheel bearings may whine in a similar manner if they run completely dry of lubricant. Bearing noise will occur at all
driving speeds. This distinguishes it from gear whine, which usually comes and goes as speed changes.
BEARING RUMBLE
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. It is usually caused by a malfunctioning wheel bearing. The lower pitch is because the
wheel bearing turns at only about 1/3 of driveshaft speed.
CHATTER ON TURNS
This is a condition where the whole front or rear vibrates when vehicle is moving. The vibration is easily felt and heard. Extra differential
thrust washers installed during axle repair can cause a condition of partial lock-up that creates the chatter.
AXLE SHAFT NOISE
Axle shaft noise is similar to gear noise and pinion bearing whine. Axle shaft bearing noise will normally distinguish itself from gear noise by
occurring in all driving modes. Noise will persist with transmission in neutral while vehicle is moving at problem speed.
If vehicle displays this noise condition, remove suspect axle shafts and replace axle bearings. Re-evaluate vehicle for noise before removing
any internal components.
VIB R AT ION
Vibration is a high-frequency trembling, shaking or grinding condition (felt or heard) that may be constant or variable in level and con occur
during the total operating speed range of the vehicle.
The types of vibrations that can be felt in the vehicle can be divided into 3 main groups:
Vibrations of various unbalanced rotating parts of the vehicle.
Resonance vibrations of the body and frame structures caused by rotating of unbalance parts.
Tip-in moans of resonance vibrations from stressed engine or exhaust system mounts or driveline flexing modes. NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00002193
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