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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0842 3.6L


Object Number: 1550031  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The TCC release switch is part of the transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The TFP manual valve position switch is mounted to the transmission valve body. The TCC release switch is normally-closed.

The switch signals the TCM that the TCC is released. This is accomplished by torque converter release fluid pressure acting on the switch contact which opens the circuit. When the circuit voltage is high, the TCM recognizes that the TCC is no longer engaged.

If the TCM determines that the TCC release switch is closed indicating that the TCC is applied and the TCC slip speed indicates that the TCC is not applied, then DTC P0842 sets. DTC P0842 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0842 Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No ISS DTC P0716 or P0717.
    • No TCC performance DTCs P0741 or P0742.
    • No TCC PWM solenoid valve electrical DTC P2763 or P2764.
    • The engine speed is greater than 500 RPM for 5 seconds.
    • The TCC is commanded OFF.
    • The transmission fluid temperature is between 20°C (68°F) and 130°C (266°F).
    • The TCC slip speed is greater than 80 RPM.
    • The engine torque is 50 N·m (37 lb ft) or more.
    • The vehicle speed is 16 km/h (10 mph) or more.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TCC release pressure switch is closed indicating release pressure not present for 10 seconds twice during the same ignition cycle.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM commands the TCC ON at maximum capacity.
    • The TCM commands an alternate coast shift pattern where downshifts occur at higher vehicle speeds while coasting.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM inhibits 4th gear when in Hot Mode.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0842 in TCM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the third consecutive trip in which the TCM does not send an MIL illumination request.
    • A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The default actions from DTC P0842 can cause DTC P0742 to falsely set. If DTC P0742 is also set, diagnose DTC P0842 first.
    • Do not replace the torque converter for this condition, refer to the Torque Converter Replacement Guide for other concerns.
    • Ensure the wiring harness is not stretched too tightly or other components are pressing on the A/T inline 20-way connector body. Also inspect for proper clearance to any other components and wiring. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the TCMs ability to recognize a grounded circuit.

  2. A short to ground in this circuit would set DTC P0742.

  3. A short to ground in this circuit would set DTC P0742.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the TCM.

  4. Record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. With the scan tool, observe the TCC Release Pressure parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate Yes for TCC Release Pressure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Connect the J 44152 jumper harness on the engine side of the 20-way connector.
  4. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, connect a fused jumper wire from the TFP manual valve position switch to a good ground.
  5. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

  6. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  7. Observe the TCC Release Pressure parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate Yes for TCC Release Pressure?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Test the signal circuit of the TCC release switch for an open between the TCM connector and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

5

Test the signal circuit of the TCC release switch for an open between the AT inline 20-way connector and the TFP manual valve position switch.

Refer to:

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Using the scan tool, observe TCC Slip Speed and TCC Release Pressure.
  2. Drive the vehicle with the range selector in D4 until the TCC is applied and slip speed is below 50 RPM.

Does the scan tool indicate Yes for TCC Release Pressure?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

7

Inspect for the following conditions of mechanical components and hydraulic circuits that could cause TCC release pressure at the TCC release switch when the TCC is applied:

    • The turbine shaft O-ring seal leaking
    • The turbine shaft oil seal rings missing or damaged
        Refer to Torque Converter Assembly Removal in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.
    • The TCC control valve damaged
        Refer to Control Valve Body Disassemble in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.
    • The #1 checkball damaged
    • The spacer plate release exhaust blocked with debris
        Refer to Control Valve Body and Spacer Plate Assemble in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.
    • The case cover or spacer plate gaskets improperly installed
        Refer to Case Cover Removal in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

8

Replace the AT wiring harness assembly.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the TFP manual valve position switch.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the TCM.

Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. • Drive the vehicle in D4 until the transmission shifts into 4th gear and the TCC is commanded ON.
    • Observe TCC release pressure on the scan tool.
    • Ensure that the TCC release pressure status is YES for at least 5 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0842.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK