Circuit Description
The 1-2, 2-3, reverse shift solenoid (SS) valve (S3) controls transmission fluid pressure acting on the U2 shift valve to position the valve for the appropriate gear. The 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3) is a normally open exhaust valve located on the front control valve body. The solenoid is case grounded. The output driver module (ODM), within the transmission control module (TCM), commands the solenoid ON or OFF by providing voltage. When the 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3) is commanded ON, the TCM senses high voltage. When the 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3) is commanded OFF, the TCM senses low voltage.
If the TCM detects a continuous short to ground in the 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3) circuit, then DTC P0979 sets. DTC P0979 is a type A DTC.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0979 Shift Solenoid (SS) 3 Control Circuit Low Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The system voltage is 10.2-15.5 volts. |
| • | The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM. |
| • | Trans. Protection Mode is OFF. |
| • | The TCM commands the 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3) ON. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3) feedback circuit indicates a continuous short to ground for 0.5 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The TCM requests the powertrain control module (PCM) to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The TCM turns the Trans. Protection Mode ON. When the Trans. Protection Mode is ON, the following conditions occur: |
| - | The transmission will operate in 5th gear when the transmission is shifted into D or I range and 2nd gear when shifted into L range. |
| - | The line pressure is at maximum. |
| - | The torque converter clutch (TCC) is disabled. |
| - | The TCM freezes the transmission adaptive functions. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records. |
| • | The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Record. |
| • | The TCM stores DTC P0979 in TCM history. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM turns off the MIL after the third consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request. |
| • | A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC. |
| • | The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM. |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
-
This step tests the TCM and the wiring to the transmission.
-
This step verifies that the circuit has the correct resistance.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information |
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the TCM. Does the scan tool display indicate a short to ground? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.4L |
Is the test lamp ON? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | |
4 | Test the control circuit of the 1-2, 2-3, reverse shift solenoid (SS) valve (S3) for a short to ground between the TCM connector C2 and the AT inline 14-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 10 |
Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 8.4-22.6 ohms | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 | |
6 |
Does the resistance measure less than the specified value? | 100 ohms | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9 |
7 | Measure the resistance between the high control circuit of the shift solenoid 3 and all other terminals of the transmission side of the AT inline 14-way connector. Does the resistance measure less than the specified value? | 100 ohms | Go to Step 8 | Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.4L |
8 | Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness. Refer to Wiring Harness Removal in Unit Repair. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
9 | Replace the 1-2, 2-3, reverse SS valve (S3). Refer to Control Valve Body Assembly Disassemble in Unit Repair. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
10 | Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
11 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 12 |
12 | 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 |
