Service slants

Motor,  Aug 2002  by Marcy, Thomas

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Ford

Hard shifting. The technical experts at ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) pass along information about Ford vehicles equipped with a 4R44E, 4R55E or 5R55E transmission that may exhibit hard upshifts. According to ATRA, the problem may be caused by a forward modulator valve that's incorrectly assembled or stuck.

To fix the shifting problem, first road-test the vehicle to verify the condition, then get the vehicle up on a lift to access and inspect the valve assembly and make sure the horseshoe retainer locates properly in the end plug groove (see illustration of the 5R55E).

Chrysler

Front suspension squeak. Some 1998-2000 Concorde, Intrepid, LHS and 300M models may produce a squeaking noise from the front struts during suspension jounce. To check things out, bounce the suspension until the struts reach full jounce, or drive the vehicle over parking lot speed bumps at about 10 mph. If the squeaking noise is evident, replace the front strut striker cap with a revised unit (Part No. 05018266AA).

Begin by removing and disassembling the affected strut. Next, remove the striker cap by prying upward-first on one side, then the other. Work slowly until the cap is free of the strut housing and slides off the shaft. Next, install a new striker cap, sliding it on over the shaft until it contacts the housing. Gently tap the cap into place until it seats, reassemble the strut, then reinstall it in the vehicle. Repeat the procedure for the opposite side. Then take the vehicle on a road test to make sure the noise is gone.

GM

PCM/BCM replacement, with DTCs B1001, B1271, B1780 set. Some 1999-2002 Oldsmobile passenger cars and trucks with Class 2 Serial Data Communication between modules may have DTCs B1001, B1271 or B1780 set when you replace or reprogram other modules.

Be aware that Class 2 Serial Data Communication allows control modules (i.e., the PCM, BCM, DIM, IPC, radio, HVAC Controller and SDM) to exchange and compare relay operational or identification information. Among this data is the VIN. Typically, the PCM broadcasts one portion of the VIN, while another module broadcasts another portion. This data is compared by the SDM to ensure that the correct modules are installed in the vehicle. When the broadcast VIN doesn't match the VIN stored within the SDM, DTC 131001 sets and deployment of the air bags is inhibited. The VIN information is also used by the radio in order to prevent theft. When the broadcast VIN does not match the VIN stored within the radio, DTCs B1271 and/or B1780 set and the radio won't work.

The following situation may occur when you repair a vehicle. When a PCM or BCM is replaced, the VIN information must be programmed into the new control module. Note that a module that's had VIN information already entered into it cannot be reprogrammed. VIN information can be entered only into new modules. The ignition must be turned on in order to program the module. Since the VIN information is broadcast when the ignition is switched to On, from any other ignition switch position, DTCs may be inadvertently set in the SDM and/or the radio. Therefore, always follow the exact module replacement procedures.

After completing the repair, turn off the ignition for at least 30 seconds, then turn it on and check for DTCs using a scan tool. If DTCs B1001, B1271 and/or B1780 are present with a history status, do not replace the SDM or the radio. Simply clear the DTCs from all modules using the scan tool. The SDM and the radio should then operate properly..

Double-check proper SDM operation by turning off the ignition and then turning it back on. The air bag warning indicator should flash seven times, then go off.

Note that clearing the codes from the other modules is part of the replacement and reprogramming procedure for the replaced module. The repair is not complete unless all codes are purged.

Honda

Harsh-shifting automatics. Owners of 1996-2000 Civics and 1997-99 CR-Vs may experience harsh transmission shifts and a MIL illumination. The MIL illumination reveals DTCs P0730 and P0715 when queried. Honda informs us that the problem may be due to contamination of die linear solenoid and its passages inside the transmission. The models included in this fix are:

1996-99 Civics-All with A/T (except HX with CVT)

1997-99 CR-Vs-All

2000 Civics:

4-door DX; LX (VINs 1HGEJ6... YL000001 through 1HGEJ6... YI-019847)

4-door EX (VINs 1HGEJ8..YL000001 through 1HGEJ8...YLO20169)

4-door EX (VINs 2HGEJ8..YH500001 through 2HGEJ8...YH522686)

2-door DX (VINs 1HGEJ6..YL000001 through 1HGEJ6...YL025993)

2-door EX (VINs 1HGEJ8...YL000001 through 1HGEJ8..YL026389)

3-door CX; DX (VINs 2HGEJ6... YH100001 through 2HGEJ6... YI-102557)

To begin the fix, get the vehicle on a lift and drain the transmission, then refill it with fresh ATF. Now start the engine. With your foot on the brake pedal, shift the transmission to D4, then release the brake pedal. Lightly depress the accelerator and bring the speedometer slowly up to 50 mph. Make sure the transmission shifts through the first three lower gears and into 4th. Also make sure the torque converter locks up.