Automatic

Transmission Stall Test

Tom Birch 1
 Purpose

A Stall test is used to confirm transmission

and torque converter problems by placing
the maximum load on the transmission and
torque converter.

Tom Birch 2
 Torque Converter Stall

Torque converter stall should not be confused with a

transmission stall test. Torque converter stall occurs when a
locked torque converter causes the engine to stall.
TC Stall can be caused by low fluid level, faulty torque
converter controls or internal seals.

Tom Birch 3
 Preliminary Check, Fluid

Minimum Maximum

Before stall testing, always make sure the fluid is in good

condition and at the correct level. The fluid level should
be between the minimum and maximum points on the
dipstick, and the fluid should appear relatively clean and
have a reddish brown color.

Tom Birch 4
 Preliminary Check,
Shift Linkage

With your foot firmly on the brakes, move the shift lever
through the gear positions. You should feel the transmission
internal detents as the gear position indicator (arrow) or see
the instrument panel display the gear range.
Tom Birch 5
 Stall Test
•Always use extreme
caution when stall testing a
Pressure Tachometer vehicle.
Gauge
•Firmly set the parking
brake
•Firmly apply the brake
pedal.
•Use wheel blocks on at
least 2 wheels.

Tom Birch 6
 Stall Test Cautions
•A stall test can:
injure bystanders if the vehicle operator loses control.
damage the vehicle if the vehicle operator loses control.
overheat the transmission fluid if tested too long.
burn out a clutch or band if it starts slipping.
To prevent this,
keep others away from the front or back of the vehicle.
securely block the wheels and apply the brakes.
limit tests to five seconds for each gear range.
limit engine speed to a little above maximum stall speed.
Tom Birch 7
 Stall Test 2
A stall test is performed by:
1. Firmly applying the brakes
2. Shifting the transmission into gear.
3. Depressing the throttle completely
(5 seconds maximum).
4. Watching the tachometer to
determine the stall speed.
5. Releasing the throttle for idle.
rpm increase to 6. Recording the stall speed.
stall speed
7. Repeat the test for each of the
gear ranges.
Tom Birch 8
 Stall Test 3

Note that the transmission is in Drive, the vehicle is going 0

mph, the throttle is fully depresses and the engine speed is
stalled at 2,300 rpm. This tells us that the driving and
reaction devices for D1 are working properly.
Tom Birch 9
 STC 2

When stall testing an electronic transmission, use caution if

testing while the EPC solenoid is disconnected. The engine
can possibly send enough torque to the transmission to
cause damage.

Tom Birch 10
 Cool the fluid in the TC

Many technicians will shift the transmission into neutral and

increase the engine speed to about 1,500 rpm after each
test period. This allows a fluid exchange in the torque
converter and moves the hot fluid to the transmission
cooler.

Tom Birch 11
Interpreting the results

 Excessive engine speed during a stall

test indicates slipping clutches in the
transmission.
 A engine that is unable to reach stall
speed lacks power or the torque
converter one way clutch is slipping.

Tom Birch 12
 Interpreting the results

The stall speed was high only in D1. This transmission has a
slipping one-way clutch. The same driving member is used
in M1 along with a second reaction member.

Tom Birch 13
 Interpreting the Results:
High Stall Speed

If all the stall speeds are higher than specifications, the

problem is caused by a slipping apply device. Consult a
clutch and band apply chart to determine which apply
device(s) is effective in the gear range.

Tom Birch 14
 Interpreting the Results:
Low Stall Speed

If all the stall speeds are lower than specifications, the

problem is caused by either:
• a faulty torque converter with a slipping one-way stator
clutch.
• a weak engine.

Tom Birch 15
Fluid Pressure Test

Many technicians will attach a

pressure gauge while making a
stall test. It helps determine the
cause of high stall speeds.

Tom Birch 16
 Air Test

Shop air can be applied to

these ports to operate the
various hydraulic
components.
Excessive leakage or no
operation indicate a
transmission that needs
repair.

Tom Birch 17
 AT 2

Some air nozzles use different tips that can seal openings or
reach into ports that are hard to get to.

Tom Birch 18