Automatic

Transmission Stall Test

Tom Birch

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

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

Preliminary Check, Fluid

Minimu
m

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

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

Stall Test
Pressur
e
Gauge

Tachometer

Always use extreme

caution when stall
testing a vehicle.
Firmly set the parking
brake
Firmly apply the brake
pedal.
Use wheel blocks on at
least 2 wheels.

Tom Birch

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
Tom Birch
7
above maximum stall speed.

Stall Test 2

rpm increase
to stall speed

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.
6. Recording the stall
speed.
7. Repeat the test
for each of the
gear
Tom Birch

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

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

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