GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Sunfire 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P1870 Transmission Component Slipping

Object Number: 62503 Size: LF

Circuit Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) slip speed. The PCM calculates the difference between the engine speed and the transmission output speed. In D3 drive range with the TCC engaged, the engine speed should closely match the transmission output speed.

When the PCM detects excessive slip of the TCC, the forward clutch, and the direct clutch when the TCC is engaged in 3rd gear, then DTC P1870 sets. DTC P1870 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • No Throttle Position (TP) sensor DTCs P0122 or P0123
    • No Vehicle Speed Sensor Assembly (VSS Assy.) DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • The engine speed is 1500-4000 RPM.
    • MAP is less than 70 kPa.
    • The throttle angle is 9-50%.
    • The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) is On for 3 seconds.
    • The TCC slip speed is greater than 150 RPM.
    • The vehicle speed is 56-104 km/h (35-65 mph).
    • The speed ratio is 0.95-1.40.
    • All of the above conditions are met for 8 seconds and 2 TCC engagement cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The PCM inhibits TCC engagement.
    • The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) after two consecutive trips with a failure reported.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The PCM turns OFF the MIL after three consecutive ignition cycles without a failure reported.
    • A scan tool can clear the DTC from the PCM history. The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Verify that the final drive ratio is correct for the vehicle.
    • Check for overloading or trailer towing in excess of vehicle capacity.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the Step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This Step tests for excessive torque converter slip while the TCC is engaged.

    2.

  2. Low fluid level may be causing the slipping.

    3.

  3. Low line pressure may be causing the slipping.

DTC P1870

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2
  1. Install the Tech 2 Scan Tool Diagnostics .
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

    3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.

  3. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  4. Drive the vehicle in D3 with the TCC engaged.

    5. Important: Record the TCC slip speed when the transmission is in third gear, with the TCC engaged or enabled.

  5. Use the scan tool snapshot mode in order to record the TCC slip speed.

While the TCC is engaged, is the TCC slip speed greater than the specified value?

150 RPM

Go to Step 3

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

3
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the transmission connector.
  3. Connect a test light to a battery power source.
  4. Using the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit, probe the test light to terminal D on the engine side of the transmission connector.
  5. Using the Scan Tool, command the TCC solenoid On several times.

Is the test light On when the TCC solenoid is commanded on?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect circuit 422 from the transmission connector to the PCM for an open.

Refer to Troubleshooting Procedures, Section 8.

Did you find and correct the problem?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the PCM.

Refer to PCM replacement, Section 6.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

6

Perform the Fluid Level Checking Procedure.

Is the procedure complete?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Transmission Fluid Level Checking Procedure

7
  1. Inspect the manual linkage for misadjustment.
  2. Inspect the manual linkage for binding.

Refer to Shift Control Cable.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the Throttle Valve (TV) cable for the following conditions:

    • Misadjustment
    • Binding
    • Breakage

Refer to 3T40 TV Cable Adjustment.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for low transmission line pressure.

Refer to Line Pressure Check Procedure.

Is the line pressure within specifications?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect for the following potential sources of the low line pressure:

    • Restricted oil filter
    • Missing or damaged oil filter seal
    • The pressure relief valve spring may be damaged, or missing the checkball.
    • Damaged pressure regulator valve spring
    • Nicked or scored pressure regulator valve
    • Sticking pressure regulator valve
    • Damaged or worn oil pump seals
    • Stuck oil pump slide
    • Damaged oil pump vane
    • Damaged oil pump drive

Refer to Unit Repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

11

Inspect the TCC circuit for the following conditions:

    • The TCC Sol. Valve checkball is not seating.
    • The converter clutch control valve is stuck in the OFF position.

Refer to Unit Repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

12

Inspect the torque converter for the following conditions:

    • Damaged or worn torque converter turbine shaft seal
    • Damaged torque converter

Refer to Unit Repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Inspect the direct clutch for the following conditions:

    • A missing #5 checkball
    • Rolled driven sprocket support seals
    • Cut driven sprocket support seals
    • Burned clutch plates
    • Sticking direct clutch exhaust checkball
    • Damaged or worn piston seals

Refer to Unit Repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14

Inspect the forward clutch for the following conditions:

    • Restricted spacer plate orifice.
    • Burned clutch plates
    • Damaged or worn piston seals

Refer to Unit Repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
    4. • Drive the vehicle in D3 with the throttle position 9-50%.
    • The vehicle speed is 65-90 km/h (40-55 mph).
    • The PCM commands the TCC ON.
    • The TCC slip speed must be -35 to +50 RPM for 5 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P1870.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1