Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 720

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE 7A-3
• Soft - a slow, almost unnoticeable clutch apply
with very little shift feel.
m
S u r g e
- a repeating engine related feeling of
acceleration and deceleration that is less intense
than "CHUGGLE."
m
T i e - U p
- a condition where two opposing
clutches are attempting to apply at the same time
causing the engine to labor with a noticeable loss
of engine rpm.
Noise Conditions
• Drive L i n k N o i s e
- a whine or growl that in-
creases and fades with vehicle speed and is most
noticeable under light throttle acceleration. May
also be noticeable in "PARK" or "NEUTRAL"
operating ranges with the vehicle stationary.
• F i n a l D r i v e N o i s e
- a hum related to vehicle
speed and is most noticeable under light throttle
acceleration.
• G e a r N o i s e
- a whine, most noticeable in first
gear and reverse that is related to vehicle speed.
A gear noise condition may become less
noticeable or go away after an upshift.
• P u m p N o i s e
- a high pitch whine that increases
in intensity with engine rpm. This condition may
also be noticeable in "PARK" and "NEUTRAL"
operating ranges with the vehicle stationary.
PRELIMINARY CHECKING PROCEDURE
The condition of an automatic transaxle not
operating properly may be influenced by one, or a
combination of the following items:
• Fluid level high/low
(Refer to Section 7A1)
• Engine performance
(Refer to Sections 6 and 6E)
• T.V. cable adjustment
(Refer to Section 7A1)
• Manual linkage adjustment
(Refer to Section 7A1)
• Internal fluid leaks
(Refer to Transaxle Unit Repair section)
m Electrical system
(Refer to Section 6E and 8A)
• Transaxle or other mechanical component
(Refer to Transaxle Unit Repair section)
• Vacuum modulator
(Refer to appropriate Hydraulic Diagnosis
Section)
NOISE AND VIBRATION ANALYSIS
A noise or vibration that is noticeable when the
vehicle is in motion, MAY NOT be the result of the
transaxle.
If noise or vibration is noticeable in "Park" (P) and
"Neutral" (N) with engine at idle, but is less noticeable
as RPM increases, the cause may be from poor engine
performance.
'nspect
• Tires for
Uneven wear
Imbalance
Mixed sizes
Mixed radial and bias ply
(Refer to Section 3E)
• Suspension components for
Alignment and wear
Loose fasteners
(Refer to Section 3C)
• Engine/Transaxle mounts for
Damage
Loose bolts
(Refer to Sections 6A and 7A1)
• Transaxle case mounting holes for:
Missing bolts, nuts, studs
Stripped threads
Cracks
• Flexplate for:
Missing or loose bolts
Cracks
Imbalance
(Refer to Section 6A)
i Torque converter for:
Missing or loose bolts or lugs
Missing or loose balance weights
Imbalance
TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL INFORMATION
Checking fluid level, color and condition at
regular intervals will provide early diagnosis
information about the transaxle. This information may
then be used to correct a condition that, if not detected
early, could result in major transaxle repairs.
When adding or changing fluid, use only
DEXRON® II, or equivalent. Refer to Section OB of
this Service Manual for maintenance information and
servicing intervals.
• Fluid level should be checked when it reaches
normal operating temperatures of 190-200°F.
(88-93°C). This temperature is reached after
approximately 15 miles (24 km) of highway
driving.
Fluid color
Should be dark red (may be dark green)
N O T I C E :
Do not overfill. Overfilling will cause
foaming, loss of fluid and possible damage to the
transaxle.
i Inaccurate fluid level readings will result if
checked immediately after the vehicle has been
Dperated:
In high abmient temperatures above 90°F
(32°C)
At sustained high speeds
In heavy city traffic during hot weather
As a towing vehicle
In commercial service (taxi or police use)