I had the same thoughts with troubleshooting the transmission in the '03 I bought last month. I was disappointed to find a lack of tried and true methodology in testing for faults in these transmissions. I was told a lack of pressure testing ports was the reason for this.. So a lot of work done on these seems to be by using the Force or something. In my case I just gave my X to an experienced shop for a rebuild. I will pick it up tomorrow. I hope I like the way it drives and all...my experience with these vehicles so far has been limited to driving up behind several tow trucks, which has been the only way it's been able to get from one place to another:P