Automatic transmission analyzing and fault indicating system

• US 5,129,259 A
• Filed: 11/16/1990
• Issued: 07/14/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rostra Precision Controls Incorporated (Aftermarket Controls Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Donald J. View, Jay M. View
• Inventors: View, Jay M., View, Donald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): MYRACLE, JERRY
• Application Number:
  US07/615,023
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 73/118.1, 340/453, 340/455, 340/461, 340/462, 248/363
• US Class Current: 73/115.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 13/02 Gearings; Transmission mechanisms

Abstract

An analyzing and fault indicating system for automatic transmissions and their related electro-mechanical operating functions, including vacuum pressure and/or fluid pressure and/or governor and/or computer controlled electrical circuits on automotive vehicles so equipped. This system inserts a passive electron flow measuring ampere meter in series with, and continuously monitors the transmission'"'"'s principal solenoid winding, called a torque converter clutch (T.C.C.) solenoid, for manufacturers specified quantity of electron flow for satisfactory solenoid operation. Contained in an apparatus case are the system'"'"'s lamps, light emitting diodes and an ammeter which functions to indicate faults or satisfactory operation of the automatic transmission and/or related function controls. The apparatus case is mechanically suspended from the in-vehicle rear view mirror or its immediate vicinity and connected by two cables to the automatic transmission.

Claims

1. An electrical signal monitoring and signal simulation control analyzing and fault indicating system for use with various automotive automatic transmissions through their preexisting electrical cable conductors that carry electric control signals between the automatic transmission and vehicle automatic transmission electrical controller;

said system consisting of;

(a) means for receiving, monitoring and measuring said electric control signals provided to and from said automatic transmission by said automotive automatic transmission electrical controller;

(b) means for connecting said receiving, monitoring and measuring means in electrical series with said preexisting electrical cable conductors through which the electric control signals are carried to and from the automatic transmission so as to enable said receiving monitoring and measuring means to monitor said control signals passing there through; and

(c) said means for receiving, monitoring and measuring being less than seven inches high, four inches wide and three inches deep for detachable mount inside autombile rear view mirror or windshield for minimum visual impairment to vehicle driver visibility providing maximum saftey during road tests.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting means include means for mating with preexisting cable conductors connectors in said preexisting cable conductors at their connectors.

3. A portable automatic transmission analyzing and fault indicating system for a vehicle having A) an automatic transmission having a multiple lead electrical connection socket M with a lead A that passes through its torque converter clutch solenoid, B) a conventional driver control unit having a lead A that connects in series a battery, a brake switch, a fuse and the ignition switch;

the driver control unit having an electrical connection socket T including lead A;

the system comprising;

a transmission Y-connector cable having electrical connection sockets N, O, and S;

said connector cable having lead lines A, B, C, D and E;

connection socket N is a terminal for lead lines A, B, C, D, and E;

connection socket S is a terminal for lead lines A, B, C, D and E;

connection socket O is a terminal for eight lead lines, two of these lines are for lead A and two of these lines are for lead D;

an elongated connection cable having lead lines A (input), I, D, (input), D (output), H, G, F, and A (output);

a connection socket P is on one end and it is detachably connected to socket O, a connection socket Q is on the other end of the cable;

a testing and analyzing unit in a casing having a connection socket R that is detachably connected to socket Q, a lead A (input) is in series with an ammeter that is also connected to lead A (output);

said socket R having lead lines A (input), F, G, H, D (input), D (output), I and A (output);

a first electrical circuit in the testing and analyzing unit that is in series with lead A having means for visually indicating if the vehicle'"'"'s battery has A) deficient voltage, B) a workable amount of voltage, or C) and an excess amount of voltage.

4. A portable automatic transmission analyzing and fault indicating system as recited in claim 3 further comprising:

a second electrical circuit in the testing and analyzing unit that is in series with lead A having means for connecting an outside source of power other than the vehicle'"'"'s battery to said unit.

5. A portable automatic transmission analyzing and fault indicating system as recited in claim 3 further comprising:

means in the testing and analyzing unit having visual indicators that can monitor lead lines B, C, and E of said transmission Y-connector when the vehicle'"'"'s transmission has second, third or fourth clutch switches.