GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0969:  Clutch Pressure Control (PC) Solenoid 3 System Performance

DTC P0970:  Clutch Pressure Control (PC) Solenoid 3 Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0971:  Clutch Pressure Control (PC) Solenoid 3 Control Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Clutch PC Solenoid 3 Control

P0970

P0971

P0971

P0969

Clutch PC Solenoid 3 High Side Driver 2

P1833

P1833

P1834

P0969

Typical Scan Tool Data

Clutch PC Solenoid 3

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Clutch PC 3 Sol. CKT Status

Operational

Open/Short to Voltage

Short to Ground

Open/Short to Voltage

High Side Driver 2 CKT Status

Operational

Open/Short to GND

Open/Short to GND

Short to Voltage

Circuit/System Description

The clutch pressure control (PC) solenoid 3 is part of the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly and is not serviced separately. The TCM supplies 12 volts to the clutch PC solenoid 3 on the high side driver 2 circuit. The TCM control the clutch PC solenoid 3 through the clutch PC solenoid 3 control circuit. The normally high clutch PC solenoid 3 flows fluid to the low and reverse clutch and the 4-5-6 clutch. The clutch PC solenoid 3 regulates the transmission fluid pressure to the low and reverse clutch and 4-5-6 clutch assemblies.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0969

Start the ignition switch, run the engine.

P0970

    • DTC P0970 is not set.
    • Start the ignition switch, run the engine.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0969

The TCM detects an internal electrical performance malfunction of the clutch PC solenoid control circuit and the actual low and reverse/4-5-6 clutch pressure does not equal the commanded low and reverse/4-5-6 clutch pressure for 4.4 seconds in the 5 seconds sample time.

P0970

The TCM detects an internal low voltage electrical malfunction of the clutch PC solenoid control circuit for 300 milliseconds in the 375 milliseconds sample time.

P0971

The TCM detects an internal high voltage electrical malfunction of the clutch PC solenoid control circuit for 300 milliseconds in the 375 milliseconds sample time.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0969 is a type C DTC.
    • DTCs P0970 and P0971 are a type A DTC.
    • The TCM defaults the transmission to a limited shift pattern, 2 forward gears and reverse, based on the fault detected.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • DTC P0969 is a type C DTC.
    • DTC P0970 and P0971 is a type A DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

When attempting to set DTCs, ensure the TCM is warmed up and the transmission is operated in second gear long enough to ensure a 3°C (5°F) increase in TCM substrate temperature. This will place the TCM under the optimal conditions to test DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Automatic Transmission Inline 16-Way Connector End View
    •  Automatic Transmission Internal Connector End Views
    •  Automatic Transmission Related Connector End Views

DTC Type Reference

    •  Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
    •  Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit Verification

Perform the following procedure to place the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly under the optimal conditions to test solenoid electrical DTCs.

    • Ensure the transmission fluid temperature is between 50-80°C (122-176°F).
    • Operate the vehicle in second gear long enough to ensure at least a 3°C (5°F) rise in TCM substrate temperature and then operate the vehicle in fourth gear for 5 seconds.

Component Testing

The scan tool data parameter Clutch PC 3 Sol. CKT Status normally displays OK.

If the parameter displays Open/Short to Volts or Short to GND or if the DTC resets, perform the Control Solenoid Valve and Transmission Control Module Assembly Inspection and if no concerns are found, replace the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Service Fast Learn Adapts
    •  Control Module References for TCM replacement, setup, and programming