Automatic Transmission: Diagnosis Saab 9-2X I

INSPECTION

Note. The level of ATF varies with fluid temperature. Pay attention to the fluid temperature when checking ATF level.

Raise the ATF temperature by driving a distance of 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 miles). Otherwise, idle the engine to raise ATF temperature to 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F) on Vehicle Diagnostic Interface.

Make sure the vehicle is level.

After selecting all positions (P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1), set the select lever in "P" range. Measure the ATF level with the engine idling for one or two minutes.

Scheme 101

1. ATF level gauge
2. Upper level
3. Lower level

Make sure that ATF level is between the upper level and lower level at HOT side.

If the level is below the lower level, check for leaks in the transmission. If there are leaks, it is necessary to repair or replace gasket, oil seals, plugs or other parts.

Check ATF level after raising ATF temperature to 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F) by driving the distance of 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 miles) or by idling the engine.

Park the vehicle on a level surface.

Remove the oil level gauge and wipe it clean.

Reinsert the level gauge all the way. Be sure that the level gauge is correctly inserted and in the proper orientation.

Remove it again and note the reading. If the differential gear oil level is below the "L" line, add oil to bring the level up to the "F" line.

To prevent overfilling the differential gear oil, do not add oil above the "F" line.

Scheme 102

1. Oil level gauge
2. Upper level
3. Lower level

Note. The stall test is of extreme importance in diagnosing the condition of the automatic transmission and the engine. It should be conducted to measure the engine stall speeds in "R" and "2" ranges. Purposes of the stall test: To check the operation of the automatic transmission clutch. To check the operation of the torque converter clutch. To check engine performance.

Check that throttle valve opens fully.

Check that engine oil level is correct.

Check that coolant level is correct.

Check that ATF level is correct.

Check that differential gear oil level is correct.

Increase ATF temperature to 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F) by idling the engine for approx. 30 minutes (with select lever set to "N" or "P").

Place the wheel chocks at the front and rear of all wheels and engage the parking brake.

Move the manual linkage to ensure it operates properly, and shift the select lever to the "2" range. Turn hold switch ON.

While forcibly depressing the foot brake pedal, gradually depress the accelerator pedal until the engine operates at full throttle.

Scheme 103

1. Brake pedal
2. Accelerator pedal

When the engine speed is stabilized, record that speed quickly and release the accelerator pedal.

Shift the select lever to "N" range, and cool down the engine by idling it for more than one minute.

If the stall speed in "2" range is higher than specifications, low clutch slipping and 2-4 brake slipping may occur. To identify it, conduct the same test as above in "R" range.

Perform the stall tests with the select lever in "D" range. Turn hold switch OFF.

Note. Do not continue the stall test for MORE THAN 5 SECONDS at a time (from closed throttle, fully open throttle to stall speed reading). Failure to follow this instruction causes the engine oil and ATF to deteriorate and the clutch and brake to be adversely affected. Be sure to cool down the engine for at least 1 minute after each stall test with the select lever set in the "P" or "N" range and with the idle speed lower than 1,200 RPM. If the stall speed is higher than the specified range, attempt to finish the stall test in as short a time as possible, in order to prevent the automatic transmission from sustaining damage.

Stall speed (at sea level)

Saab 9-2X 2.0T Aero

2,600 - 3,400 RPM

Saab 9-2X 2.5i Linear

2,300 - 2,800 RPM

ADJUSTMENT/REPLACEMENT

Note. If the select lever is shifted while the engine is idling, there will be a certain time elapse or lag before the shock can be felt. This is used for checking the condition of the low clutch, reverse clutch, low & reverse brake and one-way clutch.

1. Perform the test at normal operating fluid temperature 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F).
2. Be sure to allow a 1 minute interval between tests.
3. Make three measurements and take the average value.

Fully apply the parking brake.

Start the engine.

Check the idling speed (A/C OFF).

Shift the select lever from "N" to "D" range.

Using a stop watch, measure the time it takes from shifting the lever until the shock is felt.

Time lag: Less than 1.2 seconds

If "N" ? "D" time lag is longer than specified

1. Line pressure too low
2. Low clutch worn
3. One-way clutch not operating properly
4. D-ring worn

In the same manner, measure the time lag for "N" ? "R".

Time lag: Less than 1.5 seconds

If "N" ? "R" time lag is longer than specified

1. Line pressure too low
2. Reverse clutch worn
3. Low & reverse brake worn
4. D-ring worn

Repair or replace parts if the results of the inspection below are not satisfactory.

Make sure the ATF does not leak from the joint of transmission and propeller shaft. If so, replace the oil seal.

Check the leakage of gear oil from differential side retainer oil seal part. If there is oil leakage, replace the oil seal.

When the driving condition or starter motor operation is erroneous, first check the shift linkage for improper operation. If the shift linkage is functioning properly, check the inhibitor switch.

Disconnect the inhibitor switch connector.

Check continuity in inhibitor switch circuits with the select lever moved to each position.

Note. Also check that continuity in ignition circuit does not exist when the select lever is in "R", "D", "3", "2" and "1" ranges. If the inhibitor switch is inoperative, check for poor contact of connector on transmission side.

PIN NO REFERENCE

Scheme 104

1. Inhibitor switch connector

Check if there is continuity at equal points when the select lever is turned 1.5° in both directions from "N" range.

If there is continuity in one direction and the continuity in the other or if there is continuity at unequal points, adjust the inhibitor switch.

Scheme 105

1. Continuity does not exist.
2. Continuity exists.
3. 1.5°

Repeat the above checks. If there are abnormalities, adjust the select cable.

Make sure that each component is free of harmful gouges, cuts, or dust.

Replace the part if any defect is found from the inspection.

Check for rust, hole, ATF leaks, and other damage.

Repair or replace any defective hoses, pipes, clamps, and washers found from the inspection below.

Check for ATF leaks in joints between the transmission, radiator, pipes, and hoses.

Check for deformed clamps.

Lightly bend the hose and check for cracks in the surface and other damage.

Pinch the hose with your fingers and check for poor elasticity. Also check for poor elasticity in the parts where the clamp was by pressing with your fingernail.

Check for peeling, cracks, and deformation at the tip of the hose.

Make sure the hose is not cracked or clogged.

Make sure the oil charge pipe is not deformed or otherwise damaged.

Make sure the ring gear is not damaged and that the protrusion on the edge of the torque converter clutch is not deformed or otherwise damaged.

1. Use forced air to make sure the transfer pipe and extension case routes are not clogged and do not leak.
2. Measure the extension end play and adjust it to within specifications. MPT model VTD model

1. Check the drive plate facing for wear and damage.
2. Check the snap ring for wear, return spring for permanent set and breakage, and return spring for deformation.
3. Check the D-ring for damage.
4. Measure the extension end play and adjust it to within specifications.

Inspect clearance between snap ring and pressure plate.

Before measuring clearance, place the same thickness of shim on both sides to prevent pressure plate from tilting.

If the clearance is not within specification, adjust it by selecting a suitable pressure plate on the transfer clutch piston side. If it exceeds the service limit, replace the drive plate with new one and adjust it within the specification by selecting the pressure plate.

Initial standard: 0.7 - 1.1 mm (0.028 - 0.043 in)

Limit thickness: 1.6 mm (0.063 in)

Scheme 106

THICKNESS REFERENCE

Check if the tight corner braking does not occur when the vehicle is started with steering wheel held at fully turned position. If tight corner braking occurs, perform the following procedures.

With the steering wheel held at fully turned position, drive the vehicle in "D" range and with vehicle speed at approx. 5 km/h (3 MPH) in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions for approx. ten times each, while repeating acceleration and braking intermittently.

If the tight corner braking still persists, drive the vehicle again in a circle for several laps.

1. Inspect drive plate facing for wear and damage.
2. Make sure snap ring is not worn and return spring has no permanent distortion, damage, or deformation.
3. Inspect D-ring for damage.
4. Measure multi-plate clutch clearance and adjust it to within the specification range.

1. Inspect parts to make sure there are no holes, cuts, and that they are not dusty.
2. Inspect extension end play and adjust it to within the standard value.

Check ball bearing and gear for dents or damage.

1. Rotate bearing by hand, make sure it rotates smoothly.
2. Make sure that each component is free of harmful gouges, cuts, or dust.
3. Measure the extension end play and adjust it to within specifications.

1. Check all parts for hole, score, or dirt.
2. Check the play of the extension end, and if necessary, adjust it.

Make sure that the tab of the packing pole on the reduction gear is not worn or otherwise damaged.

Measure the backlash and adjust to within specifications.

Check seal ring and O-ring oil seal for breaks or damage.

Check other parts for dents or abnormalities.

Selection of oil pump rotor assembly

Tip clearance

Install inner rotor and outer rotor to oil pump. With rotor gears facing each other, measure crest -to-crest clearance.

Tip clearance

0.02 - 0.15 mm (0.0008 - 0.0059 in)

Scheme 107

1. Thickness gauge
2. Inner rotor
3. Outer rotor

Side clearance

Set a depth gauge to oil pump housing, then measure oil pump housing-to-rotor clearances.

Side clearance

0.02 - 0.04 mm (0.0008 - 0.0016 in)

Scheme 108

1. Depth gauge
2. Inner rotor
3. Outer rotor

If depth and/or side clearances are outside specifications, replace rotor assembly.

THICKNESS REFERENCE

Measure the total end play and adjust to within specifications.

1. Make sure that all component parts are free of harmful cuts, gouges, and other faults.
2. Adjust the teeth alignment.

1. Check each component for harmful cuts, damage and other faults.
2. Measure the backlash and adjust to within specifications.

Make sure the manual lever and detention spring are not worn or otherwise damaged.