Road Test

2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Road Test
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
  1. PROBLEM SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION 
    1. Taking into consideration the results of the customer problem analysis, try to reproduce the symptoms of the trouble. If the problem is that the transaxle does not shift up, shift down, or the shift point is too high or too low conduct the following road test referring to the automatic shift schedule and simulate the problem symptoms.
  2. PERFORM ROAD TEST 
    NOTE: Conduct the test at normal operating ATF temperature 50 to 80 °C (122 to 176 °F).
    1. D position test

      Shift into the D position and fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:

      1. Check up-shift operation.

        Check that 1 --> 2, 2 --> 3 and 3 --> O/D up-shift takes place, and that the shift points conform to the automatic shift schedule SERVICE DATA .

        NOTE:

        O/D Gear Up-shift Prohibition Control

        • Coolant temp. is 60 °C (140 °F) or less and vehicle speed is 70 km/h (43 mph) or less.
        • ATF temp. is 20 °C (68 °F) or less.

        O/D and 3rd Gear Lock-up Prohibition Control

        • Brake pedal is depressed.
        • Accelerator pedal is released.
        • Coolant temp. is 60 °C (140 °F) or less.

        3rd Gear Lock-up Prohibition Control

        • O/D main switch off (O/D ON)
      2. Check for shift shock and slip.

        Check for shock and slip at the 1 -->2, 2 -->3 and 3 --> O/D up-shift.

      3. Check for abnormal noises and vibration.

        Run in D position lock-up or O/D gear and check for abnormal noises and vibration.

        NOTE:

        The check for the cause of abnormal noises and vibration must be done very thoroughly as it could also be sure to loss of balance in the differential, torque converter, etc.

      4. Check kick-down operation.

        Check that the possible kick-down vehicle speed limits for 2nd to 1st, 3rd to 2nd, O/D to 3rd kick-downs conform to those indicated on the automatic shift schedule while driving through all gears with the shift lever in the D position SERVICE DATA .

      5. Check for abnormal shock and slip at kick-down.
      6. Check the lock-up mechanism.
        • Drive in D position O/D gear, at a steady speed (lock-up ON) of about 60 km/h (37 mph).
        • Lightly depress the accelerator pedal and check that the engine speed does not change abruptly.

      If there is a big jump in engine speed, there is no lock-up.

    2. 2 position test

      Shift into the 2 position and fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:

        NOTE:

        There is no O/D up-shift and lock-up in the 2 position.

      1. Check up-shift operation.

        Check that the 1 --> 2 up-shift takes place and that the shift point conforms to the automatic shift schedule SERVICE DATA .

      2. Check engine braking.

        While running in the 2 position and 2nd gear, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.

      3. Check for abnormal noises during acceleration and deceleration, and for shock at up-shift and down-shift.
    3. L position test

      Shift into the L position and fully depress the accelerator pedal and check the following points:

      1. Check no up-shift.

        While running in the L position, check that there is no up-shift to 2nd gear.

      2. Check engine braking.

        While running in the L position, release the accelerator pedal and check the engine braking effect.

      3. Check for abnormal noises during acceleration and deceleration.
    4. WARNING: Before conducting this test ensure that the test area is free from people and obstruction.
    5. R position test

      Shift into the R position and fully depress the accelerator pedal and check for slipping.

    6. P position test

      Stop the vehicle on a grade (more than 5°), shift into the P position and release the parking brake. Check that the vehicle does not move.

RENDER: 1.0x

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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.