Transaxle - Troubleshooting: Specifications Mazda Tribute I

Fluid Leakage in Torque Converter Area

Use the following procedures to locate the exact source of leakage in the torque converter area. Leakage at the front of transaxle, as evidenced by fluid around the converter housing, may have several sources. By careful observation, it is possible in many instances to pinpoint the source of the leak before removing the transaxle from the vehicle. The paths which the fluid can take to reach the bottom of the converter housing are as follows (numbers on (Scheme 88) relate to items below)

Scheme 88

1. Fluid leaking by the converter impeller hub seal lip will tend to move along the drive hub and onto the back of the impeller housing. Except in the case of a total seal failure, fluid leakage by the lip of the seal will be deposited on the inside of the converter housing only, near the outside diameter of the housing.
2. Fluid leakage by the outside diameter of the converter impeller hub seal and the case will follow the same path as leaks by the inside diameter of the seal.
3. Fluid leakage from the converter-to-flexplate stud weld will appear at the outside diameter of the torque converter, on the back face of flexplate, and in the converter housing only near the flexplate. If a converter-to-flexplate stud leak is suspected, remove converter and pressure check.
4. Fluid leakage from the pump will flow down the back of the converter housing. Leakage can be from loose or missing pump bolts, a torn or damaged pump-to-case gasket or a worn pump bushing.
5. Engine oil leaks are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as transaxle pump seal leaks. The following areas of possible leakage should be checked to determine if engine oil leakage is causing the concern. Leakage at the valve cover may allow oil to flow over the converter housing or seep down between the converter housing and cylinder block causing oil to be present in or at the bottom of the converter housing. Oil plug leaks will allow oil to flow down the rear face of the cylinder block to the converter housing. Leakage at the crankshaft seal will work back to the flexplate and then into the converter housing.

TORQUE CONVERTER DIAGNOSIS

Prior to installing a new or remanufactured torque converter, all diagnostic procedures must be followed. This is to prevent the unnecessary installation of new or remanufactured torque converters. Only after a complete diagnostic evaluation can the decision be made to install a new or remanufactured torque converter.

Begin with the normal diagnostic procedures as follows.

1. Preliminary Inspection.
2. Know and Understand the Customers Concern.
3. Verify the Concern - Carry out the Torque Converter Operation Test.
4. Carry out Diagnostic Procedures. Carry out On-Board Diagnostics. For additional information, refer to «DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS»(ref-150940-S42582837182002112700000). Repair all non-transaxle related DTCs first. Repair all transaxle DTCs. Rerun on-board diagnostics to verify repair. Carry out Line Pressure Test. For additional information, refer to «SPECIAL TESTING PROCEDURES»(ref-174431-S10923652052005040400000). Carry out Stall Speed Test. For additional information, refer to «SPECIAL TESTING PROCEDURES»(ref-174431-S10923652052005040400000). Carry out Diagnosis by Symptom Routines. Refer to «AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX»(ref-174431-S39035155322005040400000) Use the index to locate the appropriate routine that best describes the symptom(s). The routine will list all possible components that may cause or contribute to the symptom. Check each component listed, diagnose, and repair as required, before repairing the torque converter..

Torque Converter Clutch Operation Test

This test verifies that the torque converter clutch control system and the torque converter are operating correctly.

Carry out the test as follows.

1. Carry out On-Board Diagnostic Test. For additional information, refer to «DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS»(ref-150940-S42582837182002112700000).
2. Connect a tachometer to the engine.
3. Bring engine to normal operating temperature by driving the vehicle at highway speeds for approximately 15 minutes in D position.
4. After normal operating temperatures are reached, maintain a constant vehicle speed of about 80 km/h (50 mph) and tap the brake pedal with the left foot.
5. Engine RPM should increase when the brake pedal is tapped, and should decrease about five seconds after the brake pedal is released. If this does not occur, see torque converter operation concerns. For additional information, refer to «AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX»(ref-174431-S39035155322005040400000). If the vehicle is at a stop and stalls in D at idle, move the transaxle range selector lever to the manual 1 position, see torque converter operation concerns. Refer to «TORQUE CONVERTER DIAGNOSIS»(ref-174431-S24874264192005040400000). Repair as required. If the vehicle does not stall in manual 1, refer to «AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX»(ref-174431-S39035155322005040400000).

See also:
• SELECTOR LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT