Page 1737 of 2158

cushion engagement. The accumulators are all lo-
cated in the transmission case (Fig. 24).
Transmission Valve Body Solenoids
Three solenoids are used (Fig. 25). The No. 1 and 2
solenoids control shift valve operation by applying orreleasing line pressure. The signal to apply or release
pressure is provided by the transmission control
module.
The No. 3 solenoid controls operation of the torque
converter clutch. The solenoid operates in response to
signals from the transmission control module.
When the No. 1 and 2 solenoids are activated, the
solenoid plunger is moved off its seat opening the
drain port to release line pressure. When either sole-
noid is deactivated, the plunger closes the drain port.
The No. 3 solenoid operates in reverse. When the
solenoid is deactivated, the solenoid plunger is moved
off its seat opening the drain port to release line
pressure. When the solenoid is activated, the plunger
closes the drain port.
Fig. 24 Accumulators
Fig. 25 Transmission Valve Body Solenoids
JAW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 21 - 175
Page 1738 of 2158

AW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
General Diagnosis Information............... 176
Hydraulic Pressure Test.................... 177
Manual Shifting Test...................... 177Preliminary Inspection and Adjustment......... 176
TimeLagTest ........................... 178
Torque Converter Stall Test................. 178
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION
Shift points are controlled by the transmission con-
trol module (TCM). Before attempting repair, deter-
mine if a malfunction is electrical or mechanical.
The TCM used with the AW-4 transmission has a
self-diagnostic program compatible with the DRB
scan tool. The tester will identify faults in the elec-
trical control system.
Diagnosis should begin with the Preliminary Inspec-
tion And Adjustment procedure. It is will help deter-
mine if a problem is mechanical or electrical. The first
procedure step is Initial Inspection and Adjustment.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT
(1) Check and adjust transmission shift cable if
necessary.
Fig. 26 Preliminary Diagnosis Check Procedure
21 - 176 AW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ
Page 1739 of 2158

(2) Verify transmission throttle cable operation.
Repair or replace cable if necessary.
(3) Check engine throttle operation. Operate accel-
erator pedal and observe injector throttle plate move-
ment. Adjust linkage if throttle plate does not reach
wide open position.
(4) Check transmission fluid level when fluid is at
normal operating temperature. Start engine. Shift
transmission through all gear ranges then back to
Neutral. Correct level is to Full or Add mark on dip-
stick with engine at curb idle speed.
(5) Check and adjust park/neutral position switch
if necessary.
(6) Check throttle position sensor adjustment and
operation. Adjust the sensor if necessary.
MANUAL SHIFTING TEST
(1) This test determines if problem is related to
mechanical or electrical component.
(2) Stop engine and disconnect transmission con-
trol module or module fuse.
(3) Road test vehicle. Shift transmission into each
gear range. Transmission should operate as follows:
²lock in Park
²back up in Reverse
²not move in Neutral
²provide first gear only with shift lever in 1-2 posi-
tion
²operate in third gear only with shift lever in 3 po-
sition
²operate in overdrive fourth gear in D position
(4) If transmission operates as described, proceed
to next step. However, if forward gear ranges were
difficult to distinguish (all feel the same), or vehicle
would not back up, refer to diagnosis charts. Do not
perform stall or time lag tests.
CAUTION: Do not overspeed the engine during the
next test step. Ease off the throttle and allow the
vehicle to slow before downshifting.
(5) Continue road test. Manually downshift trans-
mission from D to 3, and from 3 to 1-2 position. Then
manually upshift transmission through forward
ranges again.
(6) If transmission operation is OK, perform stall,
time lag and pressure tests. If transmission shifting
problem is encountered, refer to diagnosis charts.
(7) If a problem still exists, continue testing with
DRB scan tool.
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TEST
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Connect pressure test gauge to test port on pas-
senger side of transmission. Use Adapter 7554 to con-
nect gauge. Be sure test gauge has minimum
capacity of 300 psi (2100 kPa).(2) Be sure transmission fluid is at normal operat-
ing temperature.
(3) Apply parking brakes and block wheels.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND
AT THE FRONT OR REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN THE
PRESSURE TEST.
(4) Check and adjust engine curb idle speed.
(5) Apply (and hold) service brakes.
(6) Shift transmission into D range and note line
pressure with engine at curb idle speed. Pressure
should be 61-to-70 psi (421-to-481 kPa).
(7) Press accelerator pedal to wide open throttle
position and note line pressure. Pressure should be
173-to-209 psi (1196-to-1442 kPa).
CAUTION: Do not hold wide open throttle for more
than 3-4 seconds at a time.
(8) Shift transmission into Reverse and note line
pressure with engine at curb idle speed. Pressure
should be 75-to-90 psi (519-to-618 kPa).
(9) Press accelerator to wide open throttle position
and note line pressure in Reverse. Pressure should
be 213-to-263 psi (1471-to-1814 kPa).
CAUTION: Do not hold wide open throttle for more
than 4 seconds.
(10) If line pressure is not within specifications,
adjust transmission throttle cable and repeat pres-
sure test.
Fig. 27 Pressure Test Gauge Connection
JAW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS 21 - 177
Page 1740 of 2158

PRESSURE TEST ANALYSIS
If pressures in D and Reverse are higher than
specified in test, check for the following:
²throttle cable loose, worn, binding or out of adjust-
ment
²throttle valve, downshift plug, throttle cam, or pri-
mary regulator valve are sticking, worn or damaged
If pressures in D and Reverse are lower than spec-
ified in test, check for following:
²throttle cable loose, worn, binding or out of adjust-
ment
²throttle valve, downshift plug, or throttle cam
sticking, worn or damaged
²primary regulator valve sticking, worn, or dam-
aged
²oil pump gears or housing worn, or damaged
²overdrive clutch worn, or damaged
If pressures are low in D range only, check for fol-
lowing:
²forward clutch worn or damaged
²fluid leakage in D range circuit (component seal
and O-rings)
If pressures are low in Reverse only, check for fol-
lowing:
²shift cable and manual valve out of adjustment
²fluid leakage in reverse circuit (component seal
and O-rings)
²direct clutch worn or damaged
²first/reverse brake worn or damaged
TORQUE CONVERTER STALL TEST
Stall testing checks the holding ability of the trans-
mission clutches and brakes and of the torque con-
verter stator overrunning clutch.Stall speeds are
checked in both Drive and Reverse ranges with
the AW-4 transmission.
(1) Before starting test, be sure fluid level is cor-
rect and fluid is at normal operating temperature.
(2) Connect tachometer to engine. Position tachom-
eter so it can be viewed from drivers seat.
(3) Apply parking brakes and block wheels.
(4) Apply and hold service brakes.
(5) Shift transfer case into 2H position.
(6) Start engine.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND AT
THE FRONT OR REAR OF THE VEHICLE DURING
THE TEST.
(7) Shift transmission into D range.
(8) Open throttle completely and record maximum
engine rpm registered on tachometer. It takes any-
where from 4 to 10 seconds to reach maximum rpm.
However, once maximum rpm has been achieved,do
not hold wide open throttle for more than 3-4
seconds.CAUTION: Stalling the converter causes a rapid in-
crease in fluid temperature. To avoid fluid overheat-
ing, hold wide open throttle for no more than 4
seconds after reaching peak rpm. In addition, if
more than one stall test is required, run the engine
at 1000 rpm with the transmission in Neutral for at
least 20 seconds to cool the fluid.
(9) Stall speed should be in 2100-2400 rpm range
in Drive.
(10) Release throttle, shift transmission into Neu-
tral, and run engine for 20-30 seconds to cool fluid.
(11) Shift transmission into Reverse.
(12) Repeat stall test described in step (8).
(13) Stall speed in Reverse should also be in 2100-
2400 rpm range.
(14) Release accelerator pedal, shift transmission
into Neutral, and run engine for 20-30 seconds to
cool fluid.
STALL SPEED TEST ANALYSIS
If engine rpm is lower than specified in D and Re-
verse, check for the following:
²engine output/performance insufficient
²stator overrunning clutch in torque converter not
holding if engine speed was 1500 rpm or less.
If stall speed in D range is higher than specified,
check for the following:
²line pressure low
²forward clutch slipping
²No. 2 one-way clutch not holding
²overdrive one-way clutch not holding
If stall speed in Reverse was higher than specified,
check for the following:
²line pressure low
²direct clutch slipping
²first/ reverse brake slipping
²overdrive one-way clutch not holding
If stall speeds were higher than specified in both D
and Reverse, check for the following:
²low fluid level
²line pressure low
²overdrive one-way clutch not holding
TIME LAG TEST
This test checks general condition of the overdrive
clutch, forward clutch, rear clutch and first/reverse
brake. Condition is indicated by the amount of time
required for clutch/brake engagement with the en-
gine at curb idle speed. Engagement time is mea-
sured for D and Reverse positions. A stop watch is
recommended for test accuracy.
TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check and adjust transmission fluid level if
necessary.
(2) Bring transmission to normal operating tem-
perature.
21 - 178 AW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ
Page 1741 of 2158

(3) Apply parking brakes and turn off air condi-
tioning unit.
(4) Shift transfer case into 2H range.
(5) Start engine and check curb idle speed. Adjust
speed if necessary. Curb idle must be correct to en-
sure accurate test results.
(6) Shift transmission into Neutral and set stop
watch.
(7) During following test steps, start stop watch as
soon as shift lever reaches D and Reverse ranges.
(8) Shift transmission into D range and record
time it takes for engagement. Repeat test two more
times.
(9) Reset stop watch and shift transmission back to
Neutral.
(10) Shift transmission into Reverse and record
time it takes for engagement. Repeat test two more
times.(11) Engagement time in D range should be a max-
imum of 1.2 seconds. Engagement time for Reverse
should be a maximum of 1.5 seconds.
TIME LAG TEST ANALYSIS
If engagement time is longer than specified for D
range, check for the following:
²shift cable misadjusted
²line pressure low
²forward clutch worn
²overdrive clutch worn or damaged
If engagement time is longer than specified for Re-
verse, check for the following:
²shift cable misadjusted
²line pressure low
²direct clutch worn
²first/reverse brake worn
²overdrive clutch worn or damaged
JAW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS 21 - 179
Page 1742 of 2158
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS
21 - 180 AW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ
Page 1743 of 2158
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS
JAW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS 21 - 181
Page 1744 of 2158

AW-4 IN-VEHICLE SERVICE
INDEX
page page
Accumulator Pistons and Springs............. 189
Adapter Housing Seal Replacement........... 191
Checking Fluid Level and Condition........... 182
Manual Valve Shaft Seal Replacement......... 187
Park Interlock Cable Adjustment............. 195
Park Rod and Pawl Service................. 190
Park/Neutral Position Switch................ 183
Refilling After Overhaul or Fluid/Filter Change . . . 182
Second Coast Brake Servo................. 190
Shift Cable Adjustment.................... 195
Speed Sensor........................... 192Speed Sensor RotorÐSpeedometer Drive Gear . . 193
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Service........ 193
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Service.... 183
Transmission Cooler Line Fittings............ 197
Transmission Cooler Service................ 196
Transmission Throttle Cable Adjustment........ 194
Transmission Throttle Cable Replacement...... 193
Transmission Valve Body Installation.......... 187
Transmission Valve Body Removal........... 186
Transmission Valve Body Solenoids........... 184
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
Recommended fluid for AW-4 transmissions is Mo-
par Dexron IIE/Mercon.
Mopar Dexron II can also be used but only when
Mercon fluid is not available.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
(1) Be sure transmission fluid is at normal operat-
ing temperature. Normal operating temperature is
reached after approximately 15 miles (25 km) of op-
eration.
(2) Position vehicle on level surface. This is impor-
tant for an accurate fluid level check.
(3) Shift transmission through all gear ranges and
back to Park.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Verify that transmission is in Park.
(6) Wipe off dipstick handle to prevent dirt from
entering fill tube. Then remove dipstick and check
fluid level and condition.
(7) Correct fluid level isto FULL mark on dip-
stick when fluid is at normal operating temper-
ature(Fig. 1).
(8) If fluid level is low, top off level with Mopar
Dexron IIE/Mercon. Mopar Dexron II can be used but
only if Mercon is not available.Do not overfill
transmission. Add only enough fluid to bring
level to Full mark.
(9) If too much fluid was added, excess amount can
be removed with suction gun and appropriate diame-
ter plastic tubing. Tubing only has to be long enough
to extend into oil pan.
CHECKING FLUID CONDITION
Inspect the appearance of the fluid during the fluid
level check. Fluid color should range from dark red to
pink and be free of foreign material, or particles. If
the fluid is dark brown or black in color and smells
burnt, the fluid has been overheated and must be
changed.Transmission operation should also be checked if
the fluid is severely discolored and contains quanti-
ties of foreign material, metal particles, or clutch disc
friction material.
A small quantity of friction material or metal
particles in the oil pan is normal. The particles
are usually generated during the break-in pe-
riod and indicate normal seating of the various
transmission components.
REFILLING AFTER OVERHAUL OR FLUID/FILTER
CHANGE
The best way to refill the transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul is as follows:
(1) If transmission has been overhauled, install
transmission in vehicle.
(2) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(3) Add following initial quantity of Mopar Dexron
IIE/Mercon to transmission:
(a) If fluid/filter change was performed, add4
pints (2 quarts)of fluid to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled
and torque converter was replaced or drained, add
10 pints (5 quarts)of fluid to transmission.
(c) Remove funnel and install dipstick.
(4) Operate vehicle until fluid reaches normal op-
erating temperature.
(5) Apply parking brakes.
Fig. 1 Transmission Fluid Level
21 - 182 AW-4 IN-VEHICLE SERVICEJ