Circuit Description
The reverse inhibit solenoid is a safety feature which prevents an inadvertent shift into reverse at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph). With the ignition ON battery voltage is supplied directly to the reverse inhibit solenoid, which is also known as the reverse lockout solenoid. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the solenoid by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The driver supplies the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near 0 volts. When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high, near battery voltage. If the internal fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status changes, causing DTC P0801 to set. DTC P0801 is a type C DTC.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0801 Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running. |
| • | The vehicle speed is less than 3 km/h (2 mph). |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The PCM detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match. |
| • | Condition must exist for a minimum of 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The PCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records. |
| • | The PCM stores DTC P0801 in PCM history. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | A scan tool can clear the DTC. |
| • | The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion into the PCM. |
| • | For any test that requires probing the PCM or a component harness connector, use the J 35616 connector test adapter kit. Using this kit prevents damage to the harness/component terminals. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Wiring Systems. |
| • | Low system voltage can cause this DTC to set. When reviewing captured data, verify if a low system voltage condition was present at the time the DTC was stored in memory. |
| • | For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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Listen for an audible click when the reverse inhibit solenoid operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.
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Tests for voltage at the coil side of the reverse inhibit solenoid. The ENG IGN 1 fuse supplies power to the coil side of the reverse inhibit solenoid.
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Verifies that the PCM is providing ground to the reverse inhibit solenoid.
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Tests if ground is constantly being applied to the reverse inhibit solenoid.
Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information |
Does the reverse inhibit solenoid turn ON and OFF? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 4 | |
Does the DTC reset? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems | |
4 |
Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 11 |
Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 | |
Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each command? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 | |
7 | Test the control circuit of the reverse inhibit solenoid for a short to voltage or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 10 |
8 | Test the control circuit of the reverse inhibit solenoid for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 10 |
9 | Inspect for poor connections at the reverse inhibit solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 12 |
10 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 13 |
11 | Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the reverse inhibit solenoid for an open or short to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | -- |
12 | Replace the reverse inhibit solenoid. Refer to Reverse Lockout Solenoid Replacement . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | -- |
13 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 14 | -- |
14 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Has the test run and passed? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 2 |
15 | With the 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 in Vehicle DTC Information | System OK |
