0B-12 GENERAL INFORMATIONOWNER INSPECTIONS AND SERVICES
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE Horn Operation Blow the horn occasionally to make sure it works. Check all the button locations. Brake System Operation Be alert for abnormal sounds, increased brake pedal travel or repeated puling to one side when braking. Also, if the brake warning light goes on, or flashes, something may be wrong with part of the brake system. Exhaust System Operation Be alert to any changes in the sound of the system or the smell of the fumes. These are signs that the system may be leaking or overheating. Have the system
inspected and repaired immediately. Tires, Wheels and Alignment Operation Be alert to any vibration of the steering wheel or the seats at normal highway speeds. This may mean a wheelneeds to be balanced. Also, a pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the need for a tire pressure adjustment or a wheel alignment. Steering System Operation Be alert to changes in the steering action. An inspection is needed when the steering wheel is hard to turn or
has too much free play, or is unusual sounds are noticedwhen turning or parking. Headlight Aim
Take note of the light pattern occasionally. Adjust the headlights if the beams seem improperly aimed.
AT EACH FUEL FILL A fluid loss in any (except windshield washer) system may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired immediately. Engine Oil Level
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm.
1. After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan.
2. Pull out the oil level indicator (dip stick).
3. Wipe it clean, and push the oil level indicator back down all the way.
4. Pull out the oil level indicator and look at the oil level on it. 5. Add oil, if needed, to keep the oil level above the
lower mark. Avoid overfilling the engine, since this may cause engine damage.
6. Push the indicator all the way back down into the engine after taking the reading.
If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not runthe engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil level reading. Engine Coolant Level and Condition Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank
and add coolant if necessary. Inspect the coolant. Replace dirty or rusty coolant.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check the washer fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid if
necessary.
AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH Tire And Wheel Inspection and Pressure Check Check the tire for abnormal wear or damage. Also check for damaged wheels. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold ( check the spare also, unless it is astowaway). Maintain the recommended pressures. Refer
to “Tire and Wheel” is in section 0B.
AT LEAST MONTHLY Light Operation Check the operation of the license plate light, the headlights (including the high beams), the parking lights,the fog lights, the taillight, the brake lights, the turn
signals, the backup lights and the hazard warning flasher. Fluid Leak Check Periodically inspect the surface beneath the vehicle for
water, oil, fuel or other fluids, after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, find the cause and correct it at once.
AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR Power Steering System Reservoir Level Check the power steering fluid level. Keep the power steering fluid at the proper level. Refer to Section 6A,
Power Steering System. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Level Check the fluid and keep it at the proper level. A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which mayneed to be serviced. Check the breather hole in the reservoir cover to be free from dirt and check for an open passage.
5A-30 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Solenoid Valve Symbols (On/off Solenoids)
The solenoid symbol shown adjacent to each solenoid on the
hydraulic system schematics indicates the state of the oil flow
through the solenoid valve with the power On or 0ff. Refer to
figure 3.6 for the On/off operational details of NO solenoidvalves. Normally Open (NO) Solenoid POWER ON
Line 500 port is closed. The output port is open to exhaust at the solenoid valve. POWER OFF
The exhaust port is closed. The output port is open to line 500,Figure 3.6- Normally Open (NO) Symbols
Variable Pressure Solenoid Multiplexing System
Friction element shifting pressures are controlled by the variable pressure solenoid (VPS).
Line pressure is completely independent of shift pressure and is a function of throttle position, gear state and enginespeed.
S5 is a proportional or variable pressure solenoid that provides the signal pressure to the clutch and band regulator
valves thereby controlling shift pressures.
VPS pressure is multiplexed to the clutch regulator valve, the band regulator valve and the converter clutch regulator
valve during automatic gearshifts.
A variable pressure solenoid produces a hydraulic pressure inversely proportional to the current applied. During a
gearshift the TCU applies a progressively increasing or decreasing (ramped) current to the solenoid. Current applied will vary between a minimum of 200 mA and a maximum of 1000 mA, Increasing current decreases output (55)
pressure. Decreasing current increases output (55) pressure.
Line 500 pressure, (approximately 440 to 560 kPa), is the reference pressure for the VPS, and the VPS outputpressure is always below line 500 pressure.
When the VPS is at standby, that is no gearshift is taking place, the VPS current is set to 200 mA giving maximum output pressure.
Under steady state conditions the band and clutch regulator valve solenoids are switched off. This applies full Line
500 pressure to the plunger and because Line 500 pressure is always greater than S5 pressure it squeezes the S5
oil out between the regulator valve and the plunger. The friction elements are then fed oil pressure equal to Line 500multiplied by the amplification ratio.
When a shift is initiated the required On/off solenoid is switched on cutting the supply of Line 500 to the plunger.
At the same time the VPS pressure is reduced to the ramp start value and assumes control of the regulator valve by
pushing the plunger away from the valve. The VPS then carries out the required pressure ramp and the timed shift is
completed by switching Off the On/off solenoid and returning the VPS to the standby pressure.
This system enables either the band or clutch or both to be electrically controlled for each gearshift. Mode Indicator Light
Depending on the application, the mode indicator light may be used to indicate the mode that has been selected or
if an overheat condition exists. The mode indicator light is usually located on the instrument cluster. Communication Systems CAN
The controller area network (CAN) connects various control modules by using a twisted pair of wires, to share
common information. This results in a reduction of sensors and wiring. Typical applications include using the engine
controller to obtain the actual engine speed and throttle position, and adding these to the network. The ABS controller
(if fitted) can be used to obtain the road speed signal. This information is then available to the TCU without anyadditional sensors.