The following definitions and abbreviations are provided to establish a common language for describing transmission related conditions. Taking the few minutes to read this information may easily overcome unnecessary waste of time by being familiar with the terminology used within this diagnosis section.

Throttle Positions

Engine Braking: A condition where the engine is used to slow the vehicle by manually downshifting during a zero throttle coastdown.

Full Throttle Detent Downshift: A quick apply of the accelerator pedal to its full travel, forcing a downshift.

Heavy Throttle: Approximately 3/4 of accelerator pedal travel--75 percent throttle position.

Light Throttle: Approximately 1/4 of accelerator pedal travel--25 percent throttle position.

Medium Throttle: Approximately 1/2 of accelerator pedal travel--50 percent throttle position.

Minimum Throttle: The least amount of throttle opening required for an upshift.

Wide Open Throttle (WOT): Full travel of the accelerator pedal--100 percent throttle position.

Zero Throttle Coastdown: A full release of the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion and in drive range.

Shift Conditions Definitions

Bump: A sudden and forceful apply of a clutch or a band.

Chuggle: A bucking or jerking. This condition may be most noticeable when the converter clutch is engaged. It is similar to the feel of towing a trailer.

Delayed: A condition where a shift is expected but does not occur for a period of time. This could be described as a clutch or band engagement that does not occur as quickly as expected during a part throttle or wide open throttle apply of the accelerator, or during manual downshifting to a lower range. This term is also defined as "Late" or "Extended".

Double Bump - Double Feel: Two sudden and forceful applies of a clutch or a band.

Early: A condition where the shift occurs before the vehicle has reached proper speed. This condition tends to labour the engine after the upshift.

End Bump: A firmer feel at the end of a shift than at the start of the shift. This is also defined as "End Feel" or "Slip Bump".

Firm: A noticeably quick apply of a clutch or band that is considered normal with a medium to heavy throttle. This apply should not be confused with "Harsh" or "Rough".

Flare: A quick increase in engine RPM along with a momentary loss of torque. This most generally occurs during a shift. This condition is also defined as "Slipping".

Harsh - Rough: A more noticeable apply of a clutch or band than "Firm". This condition is considered undesirable at any throttle position.

Hunting: A repeating quick series of upshifts and downshifts that causes a noticeable change in engine RPM, such as a 4-3-4 shift pattern. This condition is also defined as "Busyness".

Initial Feel: A distinctly firmer feel at the start of a shift than at the finish of the shift.

Late: A shift that occurs when the engine RPM is higher than normal for a given amount of throttle.

Shudder: A repeating jerking condition similar to "Chuggle" but more severe and rapid. This condition may be most noticeable during a certain ranges of vehicle speed.

Slipping: A noticeable increase in engine RPM without a vehicle speed increase. A slip usually occurs during or after initial clutch or band apply.

Soft: A slow, almost unnoticeable clutch or band apply with very little shift feel.

Surge: A repeating engine related condition of acceleration and deceleration that is less intense than "Chuggle".

Tie-Up: A condition where two opposing clutch and/or bands are attempting to apply at the same time, causing the engine to labour with a noticeable loss of engine RPM.

Noise Conditions

Drive Link Noise: A whine or grown that increases or fades with vehicle speed and is most noticeable under a light throttle acceleration. It may also be noticeable in Park or Neutral operating ranges with the vehicle stationary.

Final Drive Noise: A hum related to vehicle speed which is most noticeable under a light throttle acceleration.

Planetary Gear Noise: A whine related to vehicle speed, which is most noticeable in First, Second, Fourth gears or Reverse. The condition may become less noticeable, or go away after an upshift.

Pump Noise: A high pitched whine that increases in intensity with engine RPM. This condition may also be noticeable in all operating ranges with the vehicle stationary moving.

Torque Converter Noise: A whine usually noticed when a vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in Drive or Reverse. The noise will increase with engine RPM.

Transmission Abbreviations

A/C:  Air Conditioning

A/T:  Automatic Transmission

DLC:  Diagnostic Link Connector

DTC:  Diagnostic Trouble Code

ECCC:  Electronically Controlled Capacity Clutch

ECM: Engine Control Module

ECT:  Engine Coolant Temperature

IGN:  Ignition

IMS: Internal Mode Switch

ISS:  Input Speed Sensor

MAP:  Manifold Absolute Pressure

MIL:  Malfunction Indicator Lamp

NC:  Normally Closed

NO: Normally Open

OBD:  On Board Diagnostic

OSS: Output Speed Sensor

PCS: Pressure Control Solenoid

PM:  Permanent Magnet

PWM:  Pulse Width Modulation

RPM: Revolutions Per Minute

SS:  Shift Solenoid

SOL:  Solenoid

TAP: Transmission Adaptive Pressure

TCC:  Torque Converter Clutch

TCM:  Transmission Control Module

TFT: Transmission Fluid Temperature

WOT: Wide Open Throttle