Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 2767

4.3 WARNINGS
4.3.1 VEHICLE DAMAGE WARNINGS
Before disconnecting any control module, make
sure the ignition is ''off ''. Failures to do so could
damage the module.
When testing voltage or continuity at any control
module, use the terminal side (not the wire end) of
the connector. Do not probe a wire through the
insulation; this will damage it and eventually cause
it to fail because of corrosion.
Be careful when performing electrical tests so as
to prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such
mistakes can damage fuses or components. Also, a
second code could be set, making diagnosis of the
original problem more difficult.
4.3.2 ROAD TEST COMPLAINT VEHICLE
Some complaints will require a test drive as part
of the repair verification procedure. The purpose of
the test drive is to try to duplicate the diagnostic
code or symptom condition.
CAUTION: BEFORE
VEHICLE, BE SURE THAT ALL COMPO-
NENTS ARE REASSEMBLED. DURING THE
TEST DRIVE, DO NOT TRY TO READ THE
DRBIII SCREEN WHILE IN MOTION. DO NOT
HANG THE DRBIII FROM THE REAR VIEW
MIRROR OR OPERATE IT YOURSELF. HAVE
AN ASSISTANT AVAILABLE TO OPERATE
THE DRBIII .
Road testing is an essential step in the diagnostic
process that must not be overlooked. Along with
diagnostic information obtained from the DRB
Scan Tool and the original customer concern, the
road test helps to verify the problem and observe
operation under actual vehicle driving conditions.
Just as important as road test is, there are
preliminary inspections that should be carried out
prior to the road test. Always check the fluid level
and condition before going on a road test or per-
forming other tests. Also try to determine the type
of fluid being used. Improper fluid can result in
problems. Additionally, a variety of complaints can
be caused by incorrect fluid level. Some of the
conditions caused by incorrect fluid level are as
follows:
• Delayed engagement
•
Poor shifting or erratic shifts
• Excessive noise
• Overheating
The next step is to verify that the shift linkage is
correctly adjusted. If the gearshift linkage is incor-
ROAD TESTING A
GENERAL INFORMATION
rectly adjusted because of wear or incorrect adjust-
ment, a number of complaints can result.
The TCM monitors the Shift Lever Position (SLP)
Sensor at all times. If the linkage is incorrectly
adjusted, the TCM may sense a shift lever position
that is not correct for the gear range chosen by the
driver. This may cause diagnostic trouble codes to
be set and a possible limp-in situation.
The following complaints may also be the result
of an incorrectly adjusted or worn linkage.
• Delayed engagement or erratic shifts
•
Vehicle able to drive in Neutral
•
Engine not able to crank in Park or Neutral
• Gearshift linkage able to be shifted without the
key in the ignition
•
Not able to remove the ignition key in Reverse
• Park pawl not engaging
The shift linkage should also be adjusted when
replacing the transaxle, repairing the valve body or
repairing any component between the shift lever
and the transaxle.
Some questions to ask yourself when considering
the road test are listed below:
•
Is the complaint or concern what you think it is,
based on the driver's description of the problem?
• Is the transaxle operating normally, or is there a
real problem?
•
When does the malfunction occur?
•
Is the problem in only one gear range?
• What temperature does the complaint occur?
• Is the transaxle in limp-in mode?
4.3.4 BULLETINS AND RECALLS
The service procedures contained in this manual
are correct, provided that all applicable Safety
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins have been
performed.
5.0 REQUIRED TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT
> DRBIII (diagnostic read-out box) — DRBIII
must use most current program cartridge
> Transmission Simulator (Miller #8333) and FWD
adapter kit (Miller #8333-1)
> Jumper Wires
> Test Light
> Ohmmeter
> Voltmeter
> Pressure gauge (0-300 PSI)
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