GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P1840 Non Europe or N American Emissions

Circuit Description

The pressure control solenoid (PCS) valves, valves 3, 4, 5, and 6, are precision electronic pressure regulators that control the operation of the clutches, brakes, and lock-up clutch.

The valve reduces the system pressure with which the downstream solenoid valves and electrical pressure regulating valves are supplied. It is possible to use smaller solenoid valves as a result. The PCS require a constant input pressure.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The output voltage of the PCS 3, at ON, is 12 volts.
    • No DTC P1839 or P1841.

Action Taken When The DTC Sets

    • The hold lamp will blink.
    • The transmission control module (TCM) will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Failure Records buffer.
    • Adopt Emergency/Substitute mode and constant 4th gear by hydraulic control.
    • After the ignition is OFF/ON: 3rd gear by hydraulic control. Possible P, R, and N also possible.
    • The power supply is cut-off to the PCS valve.

Conditions for Clearing the Hold Lamp/DTC

    • The hold lamp will turn OFF when the malfunction has not occurred after 3 ignition cycles.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • Using a scan tool can clear history DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

When DTC P1840 sets, the possible cause of the fault could be PCS 3.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission

2

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  3. Select Actuating on the scan tool.
  4. Actuate the pressure control solenoid (PCS) 3 ON/OFF.

Does the PCS 3 change ON/OFF?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Remove the oil pan.
  2. Disconnect the wiring connector of the PCS 3.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage of the PCS 3 wiring connector terminal 1.

Is the voltage within the specified value?

11-14 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Repair the internal line, PCS 3, for a short to power.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

5

Replace the PCS 3.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

Observe if any DTCs are set.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

System OK

DTC P1840 European and N American Emissions

Circuit Description

The pressure control solenoid (PCS) valves, valves 3, 4, 5, and 6, are precision electronic pressure regulators that control the operation of the clutches, brakes, and lock-up clutch.

The valve reduces the system pressure with which the downstream solenoid valves and electrical pressure regulating valves are supplied. It is possible to use smaller solenoid valves as a result. The PCS require a constant input pressure.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The output voltage of the PCS 3, at ON, is 12 volts.
    • No DTC P1839 or P1841.

Action Taken When The DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The transmission control module (TCM) will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Failure Records buffer.
    • Adopt Emergency/Substitute mode and constant 4th gear by hydraulic control.
    • After the ignition is OFF/ON: 3rd gear by hydraulic control. Possible P, R, and N also possible.
    • The power supply is cut-off to the PCS valve.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF when the malfunction has not occurred after 3 ignition cycles.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • Using a scan tool can clear history DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

When DTC P1840 sets, the possible cause of the fault could be PCS 3.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission

2

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  3. Select Actuating on the scan tool.
  4. Actuate the pressure control solenoid (PCS) 3 ON/OFF.

Does the PCS 3 change ON/OFF?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Remove the oil pan.
  2. Disconnect the wiring connector of the PCS 3.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage of the PCS 3 wiring connector terminal 1.

Is the voltage within the specified value?

11-14 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Repair the internal line, PCS 3, for a short to power.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

5

Replace the PCS 3.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

Observe if any DTCs are set.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

System OK