Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Diagnosis And Testing - Road Testing
A unique transmission fluid has been developed for the 8HP transmission. This fluid is NOT compatible with ATF+4 or any other current Chrysler transmission fluid. For specifics about this unique fluid, see FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS in the owners manual.
Before road testing, be sure the fluid level has been checked and adjusted if necessary. Verify that all diagnostic trouble codes have been resolved.
Observe engine performance during the road test. A poorly tuned engine will not allow accurate analysis of transmission operation.
Operate the transmission in all gear ranges. Check for shift variations and engine flare which indicates slippage. Note if shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed, early, or if part throttle downshifts are sensitive.
Slippage indicated by engine flare, usually means clutch, overrunning clutch, or line pressure problems.
A slipping clutch can often be determined by comparing which internal units are applied in the various gear ranges. The Clutch Application chart provides a basis for analyzing road test results.
| GEAR | A | B | C | D | E | RATIO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | X | X | X | 4.69 | ||
| 2 | X | X | X | 3.13 | ||
| 3 | X | X | X | 2.10 | ||
| 4 | X | X | X | 1.67 | ||
| 5 | X | X | X | 1.29 | ||
| 6 | X | X | X | 1.1 | ||
| 7 | X | X | X | .84 | ||
| 8 | X | X | X | .67 | ||
| N | N/A | |||||
| R | X | X | X | 3.3 |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.