Undesirable Shift Characteristics For Equinox Automatic Transaxle AF33-5 (Reprogram Transaxle Control Module (TCM)) (05-07-30-014)

Publication date: 2005-05-09
Reference number: 05-07-30-014

Undesirable Shift Characteristics For Equinox Automatic Transaxle AF33-5 (Reprogram Transaxle Control Module (TCM))

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 05-07-30-014, Date of Issue: May 09, 2005

Affected Model(s):

2005 Chevrolet Equinox; Built Prior to June 1, 2005; with Automatic Transaxle AF33-5

Condition

Some customers may comment that there are certain shift characteristics from the transaxle that are "undesirable".

Correction

IMPORTANT: If the customer DOES NOT have a shift characteristic concern, DO NOT install this new calibration as a "maintenance item". The new calibration will have different shift characteristics and will eliminate the down hill mode. These changes may be perceived by the customer as a concern.

An updated calibration has been introduced as a "production running change" from the plant on approximately June 1, 2005. This updated calibration is now available as a service replacement calibration for vehicles built from start of production to approximately June 1, 2005. Changes in these calibrations are designed to improve customer satisfaction and include the following updates:

The ELIMINATION of Down Hill Mode
Improved R-D rolling engagement at light throttle (not at cold operation)
Improvements on the 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 upshifts to prevent slight engine RPM flare and/or delayed upshifts
Improvements to the 5-4 forced downshift feel
Improvement to the TCC engagement feel on minimum to light throttle
Improvements to some concerns for harsh 1-2 upshifts with cold ATF sump temps

Technicians are to reprogram the TCM with an updated software calibration. This new service calibration was released with TIS satellite data update version 4.0 or later available April 5, 2005. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) (SI Document ID #1265170).

IMPORTANT: Failure to clear and relearn the transmission adapts may cause intermittent erratic shifts, customer dissatisfaction, and a return visit to the dealership.

After successful reprogramming of the TCM, reset the transmission adapts and perform the Transmission Adaptive Learn Procedure. Refer to Transmission Adaptive Learn procedure (SI Document ID #1471191).
Road test the vehicle under normal driving conditions to confirm the overall shift quality of the transmission.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Warranty Information

Labor Operation	Description	Labor Time
K5364	Module, Transmission Control - Transmission Reprogramming	Use Current Published Labor Time