GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2005 🢒 Caprice WL 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transmission - 5L40-E/5L50-E 🢒 Functional Test

You must be familiar with basic electronics, fundamentals of automatic transmissions, and hydraulics to use this section of the service information. These will help you follow the diagnostic procedures detailed in this section.

You should be able to use a digital multi meter (DMM), a circuit tester, fused jumper wires or leads, and a line pressure gauge set. Having access to a Tech 2 is mandatory, as many aspects of the transmission diagnosis require the use of this tool.

The following Functional Test Procedure is designed to verify the correct operation of components in the transmission and to identify whether a condition is electrical in nature or not. This will eliminate the unnecessary removal of transmission components and time loss in rectification

Functional Test Procedure

When diagnosing any Hydra-Matic 5L40-E related hydraulic or mechanical condition, begin with this Functional Test Procedure. This procedure will indicate the proper path of diagnosing the transmission by describing the basic checks, and then referencing the location of specific checks.

The Functional Test Procedure is the first step in diagnosing mechanical or hydraulic transmission conditions. The Functional Test provides procedures and references to the Symptom Diagnosis table for specific diagnostic information.

It is important to realize that engine performance can greatly affect transmission performance. Ensure that the complaint is not the result of poor engine performance.

Functional Test Procedure Chart

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Verify customer complaint.

Has the customer complaint been verified?

Go to Step 2

--

2

Important: If an engine DTC fault is detected, the engine ECM may activate default actions that could be interpreted as being a transmission concern.

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

Has the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle been performed?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

3
  1. Perform a visual inspection. Look for the following conditions:
    2. • Vehicle damage
    • Transmission fluid pan damage
  2. Check for worn or damaged suspension components. Refer to CELL LINK 145791.
  3. Check for worn or damaged steering parts. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System.
  4. Transmission range selector linkage damaged or out of adjustment. Refer to Shift Control Linkage Replacement.
  5. Inspect for loose, worn, damaged, or missing:
    6. • Mounts
    • Brackets
    • Mounting hardware
  6. Transmission cooler or cooler line restrictions. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test.
  7. Check for fluid leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis.

Was any item identified that needed service?

Go to the appropriate section

Go to Step 4

4

Check the transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check.

Is the procedure complete and the fluid level correct?

Go to Step 5

--

5

Perform the transmission road test procedures. Refer to Road Test.

Did the vehicle exhibit any objectionable condition?

Go to Step 6

System OK

6

Did the vehicle exhibit objectionable torque converter operation?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 7

7

Did the vehicle exhibit a noise condition?

Go to Noise and Vibration Analysis

Go to Step 8

8

Did the vehicle exhibit a vibration condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

Did the vibration occur only during TCC apply or release?

Go to Step 15

Go to Noise and Vibration Analysis

10

Did the vehicle exhibit a shift speed condition such as low or high shift speeds?

Go to Inaccurate Shift Points

Go to Step 11

11

Check for any of the following shift quality (feel) conditions:

    • Harsh, soft, delayed, or no engagement
    • Harsh, soft, or delayed shifts
    • Shift shudder, flare, or tie-up

Were any of these conditions evident?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Perform the hydraulic line pressure check. Refer to Line Pressure Check.

Is the line pressure within specification?

Go to Step 13

Go to Fluid Pressure High or Low

13

Road test to check for any of the following shift pattern conditions:

    • No upshift or downshift
    • Only one or two forward gears
    • No First gear, no Second gear, no Third gear, or no Fourth gear
    • Slipping
    • Non-First gear start

Were any of these conditions evident?

Go to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission

Go to Step 14

14

Check for any of the following range performance conditions:

    • No Park, Reverse, or Drive
    • No engine braking
    • No gear selection
    • Incorrect gear selection

Were any of these conditions evident?

Go to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission

System OK

15

Refer to 2.6 Torque Converter Diagnosis Procedure in this section to check whether the vehicle exhibits any of the following TCC conditions:

    • Stuck ON or OFF
    • Early or late engagement
    • Incorrect apply or release
    • Soft or harsh apply
    • Cluck or shudder
    • No torque multiplication
    • Excessive slip
    • Poor acceleration
    • Engine stalls

Were any of the above TCC conditions evident?

Complete the recommended procedure recommendation in Torque Converter Diagnosis

System OK