GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

Engine torque information is sent to the transmission control module (TCM) by the engine control module (ECM) through a communication network called the controller area network (CAN). Two circuits are used to communicate CAN data between the ECM and TCM. A fault in the CAN will not cause DTC P1779 to set by itself. If a CAN fault occurs, other DTCs will set before DTC P1779.

When the ECM sends the TCM an engine torque signal that is invalid, DTC P1779 will set. DTC P1779 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition voltage is 8-18 volts.
    • The engine run time is greater than 5 seconds.
    • No other CAN errors are present.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Engine torque signal is below the lower limit, above the upper limit, or is an unreliable value for 2 seconds.

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 turns off the pressure control solenoid. When the pressure control solenoid is off, line pressure is at maximum and updates to the transmission adaptive pressure (TAP) memory cells are discontinued.
    • At the time of the first failure, the TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record.
    • At the time of the second failure, the ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame.
    • The TCM stores DTC P1779 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

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

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 2.6L and 3.2L

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: 

       • Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the ECM Freeze Frame and the TCM Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the ECM and the TCM.
       • Using the Clear Info function erases stored DTCs in both the ECM and TCM.

  4. Record the DTC Failure Records.

Did you record any ECM Failure Records?

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Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 2.6L and 3.2L

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Clear the DTC.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF for at least 30 seconds.
  3. Start, and allow the engine to idle.

Did DTC P1779 reset?

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Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 2.6L and 3.2L

4

Did any other DTCs set?

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Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls- 2.6L and 3.2L

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the TCM. Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

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Go to Step 6

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6

Perform the following operation to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC on the scan tool.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Start, and idle the engine.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P1779.

Has the test run and passed?

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Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

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?

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Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 2.6L and 3.2L

System OK