TEST CONDITION INDICATION
Governor pressure low at
all mph figuresFaulty governor pressure
solenoid, transmission
control module, or
governor pressure
sensor
Lubrication pressure low
at all throttle positionsClogged fluid cooler or
lines, seal rings leaking,
worn pump bushings,
pump, clutch retainer, or
clogged filter.
Line pressure high Output shaft plugged,
sticky regulator valve
Line pressure low Sticky regulator valve,
clogged filter, worn pump
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR CHECKING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH AND BAND
OPERATION
Air-pressure testing can be used to check transmis-
sion front/rear clutch and band operation. The test
can be conducted with the transmission either in the
vehicle or on the work bench, as a final check, after
overhaul.
Air-pressure testing requires that the oil pan and
valve body be removed from the transmission. The
servo and clutch apply passages are shown (Fig. 10).
Front Clutch Air Test
Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and
apply air pressure through front clutch apply pas-
sage. Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump
heard as the clutch applies.
Rear Clutch Air Test
Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and
apply air pressure through rear clutch apply passage.
Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump heard
as the clutch applies.
Front Servo Apply Air Test
Apply air pressure to the front servo apply pas-
sage. The servo rod should extend and cause the
band to tighten around the drum. Spring pressure
should release the servo when air pressure is
removed.
Rear Servo Air Test
Apply air pressure to the rear servo apply passage.
The servo rod should extend and cause the band to
tighten around the drum. Spring pressure should
release the servo when air pressure is removed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
two items must be established before repair.
(1) Verify that a leak condition actually exists.
(2) Determined the true source of the leak.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill or fill after repair.
Converter housing leaks have several potential
sources. Through careful observation, a leak source
can be identified before removing the transmission
for repair. Pump seal leaks tend to move along the
drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump
body leaks follow the same path as a seal leak (Fig.
11). Pump vent or pump attaching bolt leaks are gen-
erally deposited on the inside of the converter hous-
ing and not on the converter itself (Fig. 11). Pump
o-ring or gasket leaks usually travel down the inside
of the converter housing. Front band lever pin plug
Fig. 10 Air Pressure Test Passages
1 - REAR SERVO APPLY
2 - FRONT SERVO APPLY
3 - PUMP SUCTION
4 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLY
5 - FRONT SERVO RELEASE
6 - LINE PRESSURE TO ACCUMULATOR
7 - PUMP PRESSURE
8 - TO CONVERTER
9 - REAR CLUTCH APPLY
10 - FROM CONVERTER
11 - TO COOLER
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 15
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HARSH
ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Mount and Driveline Bolts
Loose.3. Check engine mount, transmission mount,
propeller shaft, rear spring to body bolts, rear
control arms, crossmember and axle bolt torque.
Tighten loose bolts and replace missing bolts.
4. U-Joint Worn/Broken. 4. Remove propeller shaft and replace U-Joint.
5. Axle Backlash Incorrect. 5. Check per Service Manual. Correct as needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 6. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or adjust
valve body as needed.
7. Band Mis-adjusted. 7. Adjust rear band.
8. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 8. Inspect valve body for proper check ball
installation.
9. Axle Pinion Flange Loose. 9. Replace nut and check pinion threads before
installing new nut. Replace pinion gear if threads
are damaged.
10. Clutch, band or planetary
component damaged.10. Remove, disassemble and repair transmission
as necessary.
11. Converter Clutch Faulty. 11. Replace converter and flush cooler and line
before installing new converter.
DELAYED
ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or
damaged.
4. Torque Converter Drain Back
(Oil drains from torque converter
into transmission sump).4. If vehicle moves normally after 5 seconds after
shifting into gear, no repair is necessary. If longer,
inspect pump bushing for wear. Replace pump
house.
5. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust band.
6. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 6. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old fluid
were full of clutch disc material and/or metal
particles, overhaul will be necessary.
7. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 7. Remove transmission and replace oil pump.
8. Governor Circuit and Solenoid
Valve Electrical Fault.8. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
9. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 9. Perform pressure test, remove transmission
and repair as needed.
10. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Broken.10. Remove transmission, remove oil pump and
replace seal rings.
11. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear
Clutch Seal Rings Damaged.11. Remove and disassemble transmission and
repair as necessary.
12. Regulator Valve Stuck. 12. Clean.
13. Cooler Plugged. 13. Transfer case failure can plug cooler.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 17
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO LOW GEAR
(MOVES IN 2ND OR
3RD GEAR ONLY)1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for sticking
1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve, governor plug or
broken springs.
3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in
Bore.3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in linkage.
NO KICKDOWN OR
NORMAL
DOWNSHIFT1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Accelerator Pedal Travel
Restricted.2. Verify floor mat is not under pedal, repair worn
accelerator cable or bent brackets.
3. Valve Body Hydraulic Pressures
Too High or Too Low Due to Valve
Body Malfunction or Incorrect
Hydraulic Control Pressure
Adjustments.3. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine
cause and repair as required. Correct valve body
pressure adjustments as required.
4. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 4. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine
cause and repair as required. Correct valve body
pressure adjustments as required.
6. TPS Malfunction. 6. Replace sensor, check with DRBTscan tool.
7. PCM Malfunction. 7. Check with DRBTscan tool and replace if
required.
8. Valve Body Malfunction. 8. Repair sticking 1-2, 2-3 shift valves, governor
plugs, 3-4 solenoid, 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing
valve.
STUCK IN LOW
GEAR (WILL NOT
UPSHIFT)1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted/
Stuck.1. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or
damaged. Check for binding cable or missing
return spring.
2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or
damaged.
3. Governor Component Electrical
Fault.3. Check operating pressures and test with DRBT
scan tool, repair faulty component.
4. Front Band Out of Adjustment. 4. Adjust Band.
5. Clutch or Servo Malfunction. 5. Air pressure check operation of clutches and
bands. Repair faulty component.
CREEPS IN
NEUTRAL1. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Rear Clutch Dragging/Warped. 2. Disassemble and repair.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Perform hydraulic pressure test to determine
cause and repair as required.
21 - 20 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
BUZZING NOISE 1. Fluid Level Low 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Shift Cable Mis-assembled. 2. Route cable away from engine and bell
housing.
3. Valve Body Mis-assembled. 3. Remove, disassemble, inspect valve body.
Reassemble correctly if necessary. Replace
assembly if valves or springs are damaged.
Check for loose bolts or screws.
4. Pump Passages Leaking. 4. Check pump for porous casting, scores on
mating surfaces and excess rotor clearance.
Repair as required. Loose pump bolts.
5. Cooling System Cooler Plugged. 5. Flow check cooler circuit. Repair as needed.
6. Overrunning Clutch Damaged. 6. Replace clutch.
SLIPS IN REVERSE
ONLY1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage.
3. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust band.
4. Rear Band Worn. 4. Replace as required.
5. Overdrive Direct Clutch Worn. 5. Disassemble overdrive. Repair as needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Too Low. 6. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine
cause.
7. Rear Servo Leaking. 7. Air pressure check clutch-servo operation and
repair as required.
8. Band Linkage Binding. 8. Inspect and repair as required.
SLIPS IN FORWARD
DRIVE RANGES1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Fluid Foaming. 2. Check for high oil level, bad pump gasket or
seals, dirt between pump halves and loose pump
bolts. Replace pump if necessary.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage.
4. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 4. Adjust linkage.
5. Rear Clutch Worn. 5. Inspect and replace as needed.
6. Low Hydraulic Pressure Due to
Worn Pump, Incorrect Control
Pressure Adjustments, Valve Body
Warpage or Malfunction, Sticking,
Leaking Seal Rings, Clutch Seals
Leaking, Servo Leaks, Clogged
Filter or Cooler Lines.6. Perform hydraulic and air pressure tests to
determine cause.
7. Rear Clutch Malfunction,
Leaking Seals or Worn Plates.7. Air pressure check clutch-servo operation and
repair as required.
8. Overrunning Clutch Worn, Not
Holding (Slips in 1 Only).8. Replace Clutch.
SLIPS IN LOW GEAR
9D9ONLY, BUT NOT
IN MANUAL 1
POSITIONOverrunning Clutch Faulty. Replace overrunning clutch.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 21
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
GROWLING,
GRATING OR
SCRAPING NOISES1. Drive Plate Broken. 1. Replace.
2. Torque Converter Bolts Hitting
Dust Shield.2. Dust shield bent. Replace or repair.
3. Planetary Gear Set Broken/
Seized.3. Check for debris in oil pan and repair as
required.
4. Overrunning Clutch Worn/
Broken.4. Inspect and check for debris in oil pan. Repair
as required.
5. Oil Pump Components
Scored/Binding.5. Remove, inspect and repair as required.
6. Output Shaft Bearing or Bushing
Damaged.6. Remove, inspect and repair as required.
7. Clutch Operation Faulty. 7. Perform air pressure check and repair as
required.
8. Front and Rear Bands
Mis-adjusted.8. Adjust bands.
DRAGS OR LOCKS
UP1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Check and adjust level.
2. Clutch Dragging/Failed 2. Air pressure check clutch operation and repair
as required.
3. Front or Rear Band Mis-
adjusted.3. Adjust bands.
4. Case Leaks Internally. 4. Check for leakage between passages in case.
5. Servo Band or Linkage
Malfunction.5. Air pressure check servo operation and repair
as required.
6. Overrunning Clutch Worn. 6. Remove and inspect clutch. Repair as required.
7. Planetary Gears Broken. 7. Remove, inspect and repair as required (look
for debris in oil pan).
8. Converter Clutch Dragging. 8. Check for plugged cooler. Perform flow check.
Inspect pump for excessive side clearance.
Replace pump as required.
NO 4-3 DOWNSHIFT 1. Circuit Wiring and/or Connectors
Shorted.1.
Test wiring and connectors with test lamp and
volt/ohmmeter. Repair wiring as necessary. Replace
connectors and/or harnesses as required.
2. PCM Malfunction. 2. Check PCM operation with DRBTscan tool.
Replace PCM only if faulty.
3. TPS Malfunction 3. Check TPS with DRBTscan tool at PCM.
4. Lockup Solenoid Not Venting. 4. Remove valve body and replace solenoid
assembly if plugged or shorted.
5. Overdrive Solenoid Not Venting. 5. Remove valve body and replace solenoid if
plugged or shorted.
6. Valve Body Valve Sticking. 6. Repair stuck 3-4 shift valve or lockup timing
valve.
NO 4-3 DOWNSHIFT
WHEN CONTROL
SWITCH IS TURNED
OFF1. Control Switch Open/Shorted. 1. Test and replace switch if faulty.
2. Overdrive Solenoid Connector
Shorted.2. Test solenoids and replace if seized or shorted.
3. PCM Malfunction. 3.
Test with DRBTscan tool. Replace PCM if faulty.
4. Valve Body Stuck Valves. 4.Repair stuck 3-4, lockup or lockup timing valve.
21 - 22 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUNK NOISE FROM
DRIVELINE ON
CLOSED THROTTLE
4-3 DOWNSHIFT1. Transmission Fluid Low. 1. Add Fluid.
2. Throttle Cable Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust cable.
3. Overdrive Clutch Select Spacer
Wrong Spacer.3. Replace overdrive piston thrust plate spacer.
3-4 UPSHIFT
OCCURS
IMMEDIATELY AFTER
2-3 SHIFT1. Overdrive Solenoid Connector or
Wiring Shorted.1.
Test connector and wiring for loose connections,
shorts or ground and repair as needed.
2. TPS Malfunction. 2. Test TPS and replace as necessary. Check with
DRBTscan tool.
3. PCM Malfunction. 3. Test PCM with DRBTscan tool and replace
controller if faulty.
4. Overdrive Solenoid Malfunction. 4. Replace solenoid.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect valve
body components. Make sure all valves and plugs
slide freely in bores. Polish valves with crocus
cloth if needed.
WHINE/NOISE
RELATED TO ENGINE
SPEED1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Shift Cable Incorrect Routing. 2. Check shift cable for correct routing. Should not
touch engine or bell housing.
NO 3-4 UPSHIFT 1. O/D Switch In OFF Position. 1. Turn control switch to ON position.
2. Overdrive Circuit Fuse Blown. 2. Replace fuse. Determine why fuse failed and
repair as necessary (i.e., shorts or grounds in
circuit).
3. O/D Switch Wire Shorted/Open
Cut.3. Check wires/connections with 12V test lamp
and voltmeter. Repair damaged or loose
wire/connection as necessary.
4. Distance or Coolant Sensor
Malfunction.4. Check with DRBTscan tool and repair or
replace as necessary.
5. TPS Malfunction. 5. Check with DRBTscan tool and replace if
necessary.
6. Neutral Sense to PCM Wire
Shorted/Cut.6. Test switch/sensor as described in service
section and replace if necessary. Engine no start.
7. PCM Malfunction. 7. Check with DRBTscan tool and replace if
necessary.
8. Overdrive Solenoid Shorted/
Open.8. Replace solenoid if shorted or open and repair
loose or damaged wires (DRBTscan tool).
9. Solenoid Feed Orifice in Valve
Body Blocked.9. Remove, disassemble, and clean valve body
thoroughly. Check feed orifice.
10. Overdrive Clutch Failed. 10. Disassemble overdrive and repair as needed.
11. Hydraulic Pressure Low. 11. Pressure test transmission to determine
cause.
12. Valve Body Valve Stuck. 12. Repair stuck 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing valve.
13. O/D Piston Incorrect Spacer. 13. Remove unit, check end play and install
correct spacer.
14. Overdrive Piston Seal Failure. 14. Replace both seals.
15. O/D Check Valve/Orifice Failed. 15. Check for free movement and secure
assembly (in piston retainer). Check ball bleed
orifice.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 23
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
(10) Install thrust plate on intermediate shaft hub
(Fig. 47). Use petroleum jelly to hold thrust plate in
place.
(11) Check seal ring on rear clutch retainer hub
and seal rings on input shaft (Fig. 48). Also verify
that shaft seal rings are installed in sequence shown.
(12) Install rear clutch thrust washer (Fig. 49).
Use additional petroleum jelly to hold washer in
place if necessary.
(13) Align clutch discs in front clutch and install
front clutch on rear clutch (Fig. 50). Rotate front
clutch retainer back and forth until completely
seated on rear clutch retainer.
(14) Coat intermediate shaft thrust washer with
petroleum jelly. Then install washer in rear clutch
hub (Fig. 51). Use enough petroleum jelly to hold
washer in place. Be sure grooved side of washer faces
rearward (toward output shaft) as shown. Also note
that washer only fits one way in clutch hub. Note
thickness of this washer. It is a select fit part and is
used to control transmission end play.
Fig. 46 Installing Planetary Geartrain
1 - PLANETARY GEARTRAIN AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
ASSEMBLY
Fig. 47 Installing Intermediate Shaft Thrust Plate
1 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HUB
2 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THRUST PLATE
Fig. 48 Input Shaft Seal Ring Location
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - TEFLON SEAL RING
3 - PLASTIC SEAL RING
4 - REAR CLUTCH RETAINER
Fig. 49 Installing Rear Clutch Thrust Washer
1 - REAR CLUTCH RETAINER
2 - REAR CLUTCH THRUST WASHER (FIBER)
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 37
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
(8) Engine starts must be possible with shifter
lever in PARK or NEUTRAL gate positions only.
Engine starts must not be possible in any other gate
positions other than PARK or NEUTRAL.
(9) With shifter lever handle push-button not
depressed and lever detent in:
²PARK position- apply forward force on center of
handle and remove pressure. Engine start must be
possible.
²PARK position- apply rearward force on center
of handle and remove pressure. Engine start must be
possible.
²NEUTRAL position- engine start must be possi-
ble.
²NEUTRAL position, engine running and brakes
applied- Apply forward force on center of shift han-
dle. Transmission should not be able to shift into
REVERSE detent.
ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR
DESCRIPTION
Governor pressure is controlled electronically. Com-
ponents used for governor pressure control include:
²Governor body
²Valve body transfer plate
²Governor pressure solenoid valve
²Governor pressure sensor
²Fluid temperature thermistor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Transmission speed sensor
²Powertrain control module (PCM)
GOVERNOR PRESSURE SOLENOID VALVE
The solenoid valve is a duty-cycle solenoid which
regulates the governor pressure needed for upshifts
and downshifts. It is an electro-hydraulic device
located in the governor body on the valve body trans-
fer plate (Fig. 73).
GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR
The governor pressure sensor measures output
pressure of the governor pressure solenoid valve (Fig.
74).
GOVERNOR BODY AND TRANSFER PLATE
The transfer plate is designed to supply transmis-
sion line pressure to the governor pressure solenoid
valve and to return governor pressure.
The governor pressure solenoid valve is mounted in
the governor body. The body is bolted to the lower
side of the transfer plate (Fig. 74).
GOVERNOR PRESSURE CURVES
There are four governor pressure curves pro-
grammed into the transmission control module. The
different curves allow the control module to adjust
governor pressure for varying conditions. One curve
is used for operation when fluid temperature is at, or
below, ±1ÉC (30ÉF). A second curve is used when fluid
temperature is at, or above, 10ÉC (50ÉF) during nor-
mal city or highway driving. A third curve is used
during wide-open throttle operation. The fourth curve
is used when driving with the transfer case in low
range.
OPERATION
Compensation is required for performance varia-
tions of two of the input devices. Though the slope of
the transfer functions is tightly controlled, offset may
vary due to various environmental factors or manu-
facturing tolerances.
The pressure transducer is affected by barometric
pressure as well as temperature. Calibration of the
zero pressure offset is required to compensate for
shifting output due to these factors.
Fig. 73 Governor Pressure Solenoid Valve
1 - SOLENOID FILTER
2 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SOLENOID
Fig. 74 Governor Pressure Sensor
1 - GOVERNOR BODY
2 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID
TEMPERATURE THERMISTOR
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 65
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM (Continued)