GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P1870 Transmission Component Slipping 5.7L and 7.4L Gas

Table 1: 4L80-E Range Reference, modified for DTCs P1870 & P1871
Table 2: P1870

4L80-E Range Reference, modified for DTCs P1870 & P1871

Range

Gear

1-2 Sol

2-3 Sol

Fourth Clutch

Overrun Clutch

O/D Roller Clutch

FWD Clutch

Direct Clutch

Front Band

Interm. Sprag Clutch

Interm Clutch

Lo Roller Clutch

Rear Band

Overdrive

1st

On

Off

--

--

H

A

--

--

*

--

H

--

2nd

Off

Off

--

--

H

A

--

--

H

A

O

--

3rd

Off

On

--

--

H

A

A

--

O

A

O

--

4th

On

On

A

--

O

A

A

--

O

A

O

--

  • A = Applied
  • H = Holding
  • * = Holding but not effective
  • O = Overrunning

Circuit Description

The VCM monitors the difference in the engine speed, the turbine speed, and the transmission input speed. In D3 drive range, the engine speed should closely match the turbine speed. IN D4 drive range with the TCC engaged, the TCC slip speed should be -20-+20 RPM.

If the VCM detects an excessive transmission slip between the turbine shaft and the fourth gear planetary gear set when the TCC is engaged, then DTC P1870 sets. DTC P1870 is a type D DTC. For California emissions vehicles, DTC P1870 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The following conditions are met for 10 seconds with 4th gear commanded and the TCC ON.

    • No engine speed DTC P0335.
    • No TP Sensor DTCs P0121, P0122, or P0123.
    • No VSS DTC P502.
    • No ISS sensor DTCs P0716 or P0717.
    • No TCC PWM Sol. Valve DTCs P0741 or P0742.
    • No 1-2 SS Valve DTCs P0751 or P0753.
    • No 2-3 SS Valve DTCs P0756 or P0758.
    • No TFP Val. Position Sw. DTCs P1810.
    • TFP Val. Position Sw. indicates D4.
    • The TP Sensor is 12%-40%.
    • The engine torque is 80 lb ft to the following:
       - 265 lb ft (470 N·m) (5.7L)
       - 355  lb ft (627 N·m) (7.4L).
    • The TCC is commanded ON for greater than 1 second.
    • The TFT is -10°C to 130°C (14°F-266°F).
    • The Shift Solenoid performance counters are clear.
    • The TCC is fully locked for greater than 1 second.
    • The VCM detects a slip speed of greater than 170 RPM.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCC inhibits the TCC engagement.
    • The VCM inhibits 4th gear if in hot mode.
    • The VCM freezes shift adapts.
    • The VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) for California emissions vehicles.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

  1. For California emissions vehicles, the VCM turns OFF the MIL after three consecutive ignition cycles without a failure reported.
  2. A scan tool can clear the DTC from the VCM history. The VCM clears the DTC from the VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.
  3. The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the VCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A TFP Val. Position Sw. malfunction can set DTC P1870.
    • A mechanical failure of the shift solenoids or TCC PWM Sol. Valve can set DTC P1870.
    • Internal transmission failures can result in a DTC P1870.
    • First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP Sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the indicated range signal to the actual selected range. A faulty switch can set a DTC P1870.

  2. This step tests the torque converter for slippage while in a commanded lock-up state and in fourth gear.

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 scan tool (tech 1) ®.
  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 Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The Clear Info function will erase the data.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. With the engine idling and at normal operating temperature, apply the brake pedal.
  6. Select each transmission range: D1, D2, D3, D4, N, R, and P.

Does each selected transmission range match the scan tool TFP Switch display? (Refer to the TFP Val. Position Sw. Range Signal table.)

--

Go to Step 3

Go to DTC P1810 Pressure Switch Assembly Malfunction

3

Drive the vehicle in 4th gear while the TCC is engaged.

At any time is the TCC Slip Speed greater than the specified value for 10 seconds, while the TCC is engaged above 12% TP?

170 RPM

Go to System Diagnosis tables

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

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 4th gear, with the TCC commanded ON.
    • The VCM must see a slip of -25 to +30 RPM for greater than 10 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P1870.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1