Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Analyzing road test. Hydraulic pressure test. Air testing transmission clutch and band operation

Jeep Cherokee (XJ) 1984 - 2001 Service Manual > Transmission and transfer case > Automatic transmission-30RH > Diagnosis and testing > Analyzing road test. Hydraulic pressure test. Air testing transmission clutch and band operation

Analyzing road test

Refer to the Clutch and Band Application chart and note which elements are in use in the various gear ranges.

Verify that the rear clutch is applied in all forward ranges (D, 2, 1). The transmission overrunning clutch is applied in first gear (D, 2 and 1 ranges) only. The rear band is applied in 1 and R range only.

Verify that the overdrive clutch is applied only in fourth gear and the overdrive direct clutch and overrunning clutch are applied in all ranges except fourth gear. For example: If slippage occurs in first gear in D and 2 range but not in 1 range, the transmission overrunning clutch is faulty. Similarly, if slippage occurs in any two forward gears, the rear clutch is slipping.

Fig. 56 Clutch And Band Appl
Fig. 56 Clutch And Band Application

Applying the same method of analysis, verify that the front and rear clutches are applied simultaneously only in D range third gear. If the transmission slips in third gear, either the front clutch or the rear clutch is slipping.

If slippage occurs during the third gear and the direct clutch were to fail, the transmission would lose both reverse gear and overrun braking in 2 position (manual second gear). If the transmission slips in any other forward gears, the transmission rear clutch is probably slipping.

This process of elimination can be used to identify a slipping unit and check operation. Proper use of the Clutch and Band Application Chart is the key.

Although road test analysis will help determine the slipping unit, the actual cause of a malfunction usually cannot be determined until hydraulic and air pressure tests are performed. Practically any condition can be caused by leaking hydraulic circuits or sticking valves.

Unless a malfunction is obvious, such as no drive in D range first gear, do not disassemble the transmission.

Perform the hydraulic and air pressure tests to help determine the probable cause.

Hydraulic pressure test

Hydraulic test pressures range from a low of one psi (6.895 kPa) governor pressure, to 300 psi (2068 kPa) at the rear servo pressure port in reverse.

An accurate tachometer and two test gauges are required for the pressure test. Test Gauge C-3292 has a 100 psi range and is used at the accumulator, governor, and front servo pressure ports. Test Gauge C-3293-SP has a 300 psi range and is used at the rear servo port and overdrive test ports where pressures are higher. In cases where two test gauges are required, the 300 psi gauge can be used at any of the other test ports.

Pressure Test Port Locations

Pressure test ports locations are provided at the accumulator, front servo, and rear servo, governor passage, and overdrive clutch pressure passage (Fig.

57), (Fig. 58) and (Fig. 59).

Line pressure is checked at the accumulator port on the right side of the case. The front servo pressure port is at the right side of the case just behind the filler tube opening.

Fig. 57 Pressure Test Ports At Side Of Case
Fig. 57 Pressure Test Ports At Side Of Case

1 - REAR SERVO PORT
2 - LINE PRESSURE PORT
3 - FRONT SERVO PORT

Fig. 58 Pressure Test Ports At Rear Of Case-2WD
Fig. 58 Pressure Test Ports At Rear Of Case-2WD

1 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE PORT
2 - REAR SERVO PRESSURE PORT

Connect a tachometer to the engine. Position the tachometer so it can be observed from under the vehicle. Raise the vehicle on a hoist that will allow the wheels to rotate freely.

Fig. 59 Pressure Test Ports At Rear Of Case-4WD
Fig. 59 Pressure Test Ports At Rear Of Case-4WD

1 - ADAPTER HOUSING
2 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE PORT PLUG

PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE

Test One - Transmission In 1 Range

This test checks pump output, pressure regulation, and condition of the rear clutch and servo circuit.

Test Gauges C-3292 and C-3293-SP are required for this test. Gauge C-3292 has a 100 psi range. Gauge C-3293-SP has a 300 psi range.

(1) Connect 100 psi Gauge C-3292 to accumulator port.

(2) Connect 300 psi Gauge C-3293-SP to rear servo port (Fig. 57) and (Fig. 58).

(3) Disconnect throttle and gearshift rods from manual and throttle levers.

(4) Start and run engine at 1000 rpm.

(5) Move shift lever (on manual lever shaft) all the way forward into 1 range.

(6) Move transmission throttle lever from full forward to full rearward position and note pressures on both gauges.

(7) Line pressure at accumulator port should be 54-60 psi (372-414 kPa) with throttle lever forward and gradually increase to 90-96 psi (621-662 kPa) as lever is moved rearward.

(8) Rear servo pressure should be same as line pressure within 3 psi (20.68 kPa).

Test Two - Transmission In 2 Range

This test checks pump output and pressure regulation.

Use 100 psi Test Gauge C-3292 for this test.

(1) Connect test gauge to accumulator pressure port (Fig. 57) and (Fig. 58).

(2) Start and run engine at 1000 rpm.

(3) Move shift lever on valve body manual lever shaft, one detent rearward from full forward position.

This is 2 range.

(4) Move transmission throttle lever from full forward to full rearward position and read pressure at both gauges.

(5) Line pressure should be 54-60 psi (372-414 kPa) with throttle lever forward and gradually increase to 90-96 psi (621-662 kPa) as lever is moved rearward.

Test Three - Transmission In D Range

This test checks pressure regulation and condition of the clutch circuits. Use both pressure Test Gauges C-3292 and C-3293-SP for this test.

(1) Connect test gauges to accumulator and front servo ports (Fig. 57) and (Fig. 58). Use either test gauge at the two ports.

(2) Start and run engine at 1600 rpm for this test.

(3) Move selector lever to D range. This is two detents rearward from full forward position.

(4) Read pressures on both gauges as transmission throttle lever is moved from full forward to full rearward position.

(5) Line pressure should be 54-60 psi (372-414 kPa) with throttle lever forward and gradually increase as lever is moved rearward.

(6) Front servo is pressurized only in D range and should be same as line pressure within 3 psi (21 kPa) up to downshift point.

Test Four - Transmission In Reverse

This test checks pump output, pressure regulation and the front clutch and rear servo circuits. Use 300 psi Test Gauge C-3293-SP for this test.

(1) Connect 300 psi gauge to rear servo port (Fig.

57) and (Fig. 58).

(2) Start and run engine at 1600 rpm for test.

(3) Move valve body selector lever four detents rearward from the full forward position. This is Reverse range.

(4) Move throttle lever all way forward then all way rearward and note gauge readings.

(5) Pressure should be 145 - 175 psi (1000-1207 kPa) with lever forward and increase to 230 - 280 psi (1586-1931 kPa) as lever is moved rearward.

Test Five - Governor Pressure

This test checks governor operation by measuring governor pressure response to changes in engine speed. It is usually not necessary to check governor operation unless shift speeds are incorrect or if the transmission will not downshift.

(1) Connect 100 psi Test Gauge C-3292 to governor pressure port (Fig. 57) and (Fig. 58).

(2) Move shift lever to D range.

(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed and note pressure. At idle and with vehicle stopped, pressure should be zero to 1.5 psi maximum. If pressure exceeds this figure, governor valve or weights are sticking open.

(4) Slowly increase engine speed and observe speedometer and pressure test gauge. Governor pressure should increase in proportion to vehicle speed.

(5) Pressure rise should be smooth and drop back to 0 to 1.5 psi when wheels stop rotating.

(6) Compare results of pressure tests with analysis charts (Fig. 60).

TEST CONDITION

INDICATION

Line pressure OK during any one test Pump and regulator valve OK
Line pressure OK in R but low in D, 2, 1 Leakage in rear clutch area (servo, clutch seals, governor support seal rings on park gear)
Pressure OK in 1, 2 but low in D3 and R Leakage in front clutch area (servo, clutch seals, retainer bore, pump seal rings)
Pressure OK in 2 but low in R and 1 Leakage in rear servo
Front servo pressure in 2 Leakage in servo (broken servo ring or cracked servo piston)
Pressure low in all positions Clogged filter, stuck pressure regulator valve, worn or defective pump
Governor pressure too high at idle speed Governor valve sticking open
Governor pressure low at all mph figures Governor valve sticking closed
Lubrication pressure low at all throttle positions Clogged drainback valve, oil cooler or lines, seal rings leaking, output shaft plugged with devris, worn bushings in pump or clutch retainer

Fig. 60 Pressure Test Analysis

Air testing transmission clutch and band operation

Air-pressure testing can be used to check transmission front/rear clutch and band operation. The test can be conducted with the transmission either in the vehicle or on the work bench, as a final check, after overhaul.

Air-pressure testing requires that the oil pan and valve body be removed from the transmission. The servo and clutch apply passages are shown (Fig. 61).

Fig. 61 Air Pressure Test Passages
Fig. 61 Air Pressure Test Passages

1 - REAR SERVO APPLY
2 - FRONT SERVO APPLY
3 - PUMP SUCTION
4 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLY
5 - FRONT SERVO RELEASE
6 - LINE PRESSURE TO ACCUMULATOR
7 - PUMP PRESSURE
8 - TO CONVERTER
9 - REAR CLUTCH APPLY
10 - FROM CONVERTER
11 - TO COOLE

Front Clutch Air Test

Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and apply air pressure through front clutch apply passage.

Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump heard as the clutch applies.

Rear Clutch Air Test

Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and apply air pressure through rear clutch apply passage.

Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump heard as the clutch applies.

Front Servo Apply Air Test

Apply air pressure to the front servo apply passage.

The servo rod should extend and cause the band to tighten around the drum. Spring pressure should release the servo when air pressure is removed.

Rear Servo Air Test

Apply air pressure to the rear servo apply passage.

The servo rod should extend and cause the band to tighten around the drum. Spring pressure should release the servo when air pressure is removed.

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