GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: DTC P1870 Range Reference Thumbnail
Table 2: DTC P1870 Transmission Component Slipping

DTC P1870 Range Reference Thumbnail

Range

Gear

Shift Solenoid

4th Clutch

2nd Clutch

3rd Clutch

3rd Sprag Clutch

½ Support Roller Clutch

Forward Band

1-2

2-3

Overdrive

2nd

OFF

ON

--

Applied

--

--

Holding

Applied

3rd

OFF

OFF

--

Applied

Applied

Holding

Overrun

Applied

4th

ON

OFF

Applied

Applied

Applied, but not effective

Overrun

Overrun

Applied

ON = Solenoid Energized

OFF = Solenoid De-energized

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) calculates the torque converter clutch (TCC) slip by comparing the engine speed and the transmission output shaft speed. In fourth gear, with the TCC engaged, TCC slip speed should be -20 to +50 RPM. The table above indicates the solenoid and clutch states for various gear ranges.

If the PCM detects an excessive amount of slip when the TCC should be engaged, then DTC P1870 sets. DTC P1870 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No TP DTCs P0122 or P0123.
    • No VSS DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No TCC enable solenoid electrical DTC P0740.
    • No 1-2 solenoid performance DTC P0751.
    • No 1-2 solenoid electrical DTC P0753.
    • No 2-3 solenoid performance DTC P0756.
    • No 2-3 solenoid electrical DTC P0758.
    • No TCC PWM solenoid electrical DTC P1860.
    • All shift solenoid performance diagnostic counters are zero.
    • Not in fuel shut off.
    • The throttle angle is 14-35%.
    • The transmission is not in first gear.
    • The transmission range selector position is D4.
    • The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 20°C (68°F).
    • The engine torque is 70-230 N·m (50-170 lb ft).
    • The engine speed is 800-5,000 RPM.
    • The vehicle speed is 56-132 km/h (35-82 mph).
    • The speed ratio is 0.7-0.995.
    • The TCC is commanded ON and at maximum apply for more than 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P1870 sets if the TCC slip is 200-1,500 RPM for 8 seconds. This must occur 3 times with the TCC commanded OFF between each occurrence.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the conditions exist for setting the DTC.
    • The PCM inhibits TCC operation.
    • The PCM inhibits 4th gear if the transmission is in the hot mode.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test runs and passes.
    • A scan tool clears the DTC from PCM history.
    • The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Ensure that the vehicle's final drive ratio matches the PCM calibration.
    • Ensure that the transmission will shift through all four gears with the gear select lever in the D4 range.

Test Description

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

  1. This step inspects the modulator assembly, which could cause P1870 to set.

DTC P1870 Transmission Component Slipping

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

Have you performed the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.

  3. Record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.
  5. Select TCC Slip Speed.
  6. Drive the vehicle with the range selector in D4 range. Ensure the TCC engages.

Is the TCC slip speed greater than the specified value?

200 RPM

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Inspect the modulator assembly.

Refer to Vacuum Modulator Diagnosis .

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

Perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure.

Refer to Line Pressure Check .

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the following components for the indicated condition:

    • The TCC solenoid ball check valve stuck?
    • The TCC apply valve fits poorly?
        Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch Apply .
    • The converter clutch valve stuck?
        Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch Apply .
    • The regulator valve stuck?
        Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch Apply .
    • The turbine shaft O-ring seal cut or missing?
        Refer to No Torque Converter Clutch Apply .
    • The torque converter fiber material worn or glazed?

If repairs are needed, refer to Unit Repair.

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the following components for the indicated condition:

    • The 3-4 shift valve stuck?
        Refer to No 3-4 Shift .
    • The 4th clutch fiber plates burned or damaged?
        Refer to No 3-4 Shift .
    • The 4th clutch piston seals cut or rolled?
        Refer to No 3-4 Shift .
    • The driven sprocket support ring rolled or twisted, or a sleeve worn in the 2nd clutch housing?
        Refer to First Gear Only .
        Refer to Harsh or Soft 1-2 Shift Feel .
        Refer to Shudder 1-2 Shift .
        Refer to No 2-3 Shift .
    • The 2nd clutch fiber plates burned or damaged?
        Refer to First Gear Only .
        Refer to Shudder 1-2 Shift .
    • The 2nd clutch piston seals cut or rolled?
        Refer to First Gear Only .
        Refer to Shudder 1-2 Shift .

If repairs are needed, refer to Unit Repair.

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the following components for the indicated condition:

    • The input shaft seals cut or rolled
        Refer to No Drive in Drive Range .
        Refer to No 2-3 Shift .
    • The 3rd clutch fiber plates burned or damaged?
        Refer to No 2-3 Shift .
    • The 3rd clutch piston seals cut or rolled?
        Refer to No 2-3 Shift .
    • The forward band burned or damaged?
        Refer to No Drive in Drive Range .
    • The forward band apply piston oil seal cut or rolled?
        Refer to Delayed Engagement .
        Refer to Slips in Drive .
        Refer to No Drive in Drive Range .

If repairs are needed, refer to Unit Repair.

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the vacuum modulator.

Refer to Vacuum Modulator Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

Perform the following in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info .
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. • The vehicle is not in fuel shut off.
    • The gear range is D4.
    • The gear is not 1st.
    • The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 20°C (68°F).
    • The throttle position is 8-35%.
    • The engine speed is 800-5,000 RPM.
    • The vehicle speed is 56-132 km/h (35-82 mph).
    • The speed ratio is 0.70-0.995.
    • The engine torque is 70-230 N·m (50-170 lb ft).
    • The PCM commands the TCC ON for more than 5 seconds.
    • The TCC slip speed is -20 to +50 RPM for more than 5 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P1870.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1