QuestionOkay, please describe how to do the "Stall" test.
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 2002 Windstar LX with 75,000 miles.
While driving thru the mountains between SC & NC, with the van fully loaded (returning from 2 week family vacation - 5 people, dog, soft-top, kayak, 3 bicycles, etc) the O/D light started blinking. Pulled over, turn engine off, then back on, no blinking. Continued driving, started blinking again. Next morning checked fluid levels and added 1/2 qt ATF and a qt 50/50 antifreeze. No problem driving thru mountains between NC & TN.
Took to Ford Dealer. They say Error Codes indicate bad torque converter: $2k to rebuild trans, $3k for new trans with warranty. I say I need a second opinion, please flush trans (I had not changed tran fluid in 75,000 miles). I will flush cooling system myself.
What test besides Error Codes would confirm if torque converter is bad or if just needed flushed?
Will I get stranded somewhere without warning if I don't rebuild/replace the trans?
Answer -
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
There is a test and it's called a "Stall" test. ,,,,the ONLY problem with this is that wneh the test is done one of three things will happen:
1. Torque converter will fail completely
2. Transmission might fail
3. Everything works fine, only slight wear on the parts.
Other than that......I would try the flush and fill, inspecting the pan for debris, and go from there.
Also, in the future, I tell my customers to change the transmission EVERY 30,000 miles.
Erik
AnswerThis isn't some thing I reccomend that a back yard mechanic do......it usually leads to a complete rebuild:
The Stall Speed Test checks:
torque converter clutch operation and installation.
holding ability of the forward clutch.
reverse clutch (the low-reverse bands).
planetary one-way clutch.
engine driveability concerns. Conduct this test with the engine coolant and transmission fluid at correct levels and at normal operating temperature. Apply the parking brake firmly for each Stall Speed Test.
Find the specified stall rpm for the vehicle see the stall speed chart. Use a grease pencil to mark the rpm on the dial of a tachometer.
Stall Speed Chart
2316-2714RPM
Connect a tachometer to the engine.
NOTE: If the rpm recorded by the tachometer exceeds the maximum limits, release the accelerator pedal immediately because clutch or band slippage is indicated. In each of the following ranges D, 2, 1, R, press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it just long enough to let the engine get to Wide Open Throttle (WOT) . While making this test, do not hold the throttle open for more than 5 seconds at a time.
Note the results in each range.
After each range, move the selector lever to NEUTRAL and run the engine at 1,000 rpm for about 15 seconds to cool the torque converter before making the next test.
Use the stall speed diagnosis chart for corrective actions.
NOTE: The stall speed in REVERSE will be lower. If stall speeds were too high, see the stall speed diagnosis chart. If stall speeds were too low, first check engine idle speed and tune up. If engine is OK, remove torque converter and check torque converter clutch for slippage.
Range Possible problem source
D,2,1 Forward clutch
Low/Intermediate/one way clutch
Low/Intermediate band or servo
R Forward clutch
Low/Intermediate/one way clutch
Reverse clutch
Be careful and I hope this helps,
Erik
