DTC P0973 5.3L and 6.0L
Circuit Description
The 1-2 shift solenoid (SS) valve controls the fluid flow acting on the 1-2 and 3-4 shift valves. The solenoid is a normally-open exhaust valve. With the 2-3 SS valve, the 1-2 SS valve allows 4 different shifting combinations. The solenoid attaches to the control valve body within the transmission. The 1-2 SS valve receives ignition voltage through the ignition voltage circuit. The transmission control module (TCM) controls the solenoid by providing the ground path on the 1-2 SS valve control circuit.
When the TCM detects a continuous open, short to ground in the 1-2 SS valve circuit, then DTC P0973 sets. DTC P0973 is a type B DTC.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0973 1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Control Circuit Low Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine run time is greater than 5 seconds. |
| • | The 1-2 SS is commanded ON. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
DTC P0973 sets when either of the following conditions occurs for 4.3 seconds:
| • | The TCM detects an open in the 1-2 shift solenoid valve circuit when the 1-2 SS is commanded ON. |
| • | The TCM detects a short to ground in the 1-2 shift solenoid valve circuit when the 1-2 SS is commanded ON. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive drive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. |
| • | The TCC commands maximum line pressure. |
| • | The TCM inhibits 3-2 shift if vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h (25 mph). |
| • | The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions. |
| • | At the time of the first failure, the TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record. |
| • | At the time of the second failure, the ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame. |
| • | The TCM stores DTC P0973 in TCM history. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The ECM 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 default actions when the ignition 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 function of the 1-2 SS valve and the automatic transmission (AT) wiring harness.
-
This step tests for voltage to the 1-2 SS valve from the ignition through the fuse.
-
This step tests the ability of the TCM and the wiring to control the ground circuit.
-
This step measures the resistance of the AT wiring harness and the 1-2 SS valve.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||||
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTC, 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 transmission control module (TCM). Are any of the following DTCs also set?
| -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 4 | ||||||||
3 | Inspect the ignition voltage circuit fuse for an open. Refer to Circuit Protection - Fuses . Is the fuse open? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||||
Use the scan tool in order to command the 1-2 SS valve ON and OFF 3 times while listening to the bottom of the transmission pan, a stethoscope may be necessary. Does the 1-2 solenoid click when commanded ON and OFF? | -- | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 5 | |||||||||
Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View . Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 15 | |||||||||
Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View . Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 | |||||||||
7 | Is the test lamp always ON? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17 | ||||||||
Refer to Testing for Continuity . Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View . Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 19-31 ohms | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 | |||||||||
9 | Measure the resistance from the 1-2 SS valve ignition voltage and control circuits to ground. Refer to Testing for Continuity . Do both readings measure greater than the specified value? | 250 K ohms | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||
10 |
Refer to Testing for Continuity . Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 19-31 ohms | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19 | ||||||||
11 |
Refer to Testing for Continuity . Do both readings measure greater than the specified value? | 250 K ohms | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19 | ||||||||
12 |
Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution. Test the ignition circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the fuse block-underhood and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 21 | Go to Step 13 | ||||||||
13 |
Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution. Test the ignition voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the 1-2 SS valve. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground . Did you find a short to ground condition? | -- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 14 | ||||||||
14 |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 21 | -- | ||||||||
15 |
Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution. Test the ignition circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 21 | -- | ||||||||
16 | Test the control circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 21 | Go to Step 20 | ||||||||
17 | Test the control circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open or short to voltage between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 21 | Go to Step 20 | ||||||||
18 | Replace the AT wiring harness. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 21 | -- | ||||||||
19 | Replace the 1-2 SS valve. Refer to Control and Shift Solenoids Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 21 | -- | ||||||||
20 | Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 21 | -- | ||||||||
21 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | Go to Step 22 | Go to Step 2 | ||||||||
22 | 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? | -- | System OK |
DTC P0973 4.2L
Circuit Description
The 1-2 shift solenoid (SS) valve controls transmission fluid pressure acting on the 1-2 and 3-4 shift valves to position the valves for the appropriate gear. The 1-2 SS valve is a normally open exhaust valve located on the lower control valve body. Ignition voltage is supplied to the solenoid. The powertrain control module (PCM) commands the solenoid ON or OFF by providing a ground path. When the 1-2 SS valve is commanded ON, the PCM senses low voltage. When the 1-2 SS valve is commanded OFF, the PCM senses high voltage.
If the PCM detects a continuous open or short to ground in the 1-2 SS valve circuit, then DTC P0973 sets. DTC P0973 is a type B DTC.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0973 1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Control Circuit Low Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine run time is greater than 5 seconds.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The 1-2 SS valve feedback circuit indicates a continuous open or short to ground for 4.3 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. |
| • | The PCM commands maximum line pressure. |
| • | The PCM inhibits 4th gear when in hot mode. |
| • | The PCM freezes 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 PCM stores DTC P0973 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. |
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 can clear the MIL/DTC. |
| • | The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM. |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
-
This step tests the electrical operation of the solenoid.
-
This step tests the PCM 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? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTC, 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 powertrain control module (PCM). Is DTC P0976, P2764 or P2769 also set? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 8 | ||||
3 |
Refer to Circuit Protection - Fuses . Did you find the condition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 6 | ||||
4 |
Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution. Test the ignition voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the fuse block underhood and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 23 | Go to Step 5 | ||||
5 |
Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution. Test the ignition voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the 1-2 SS valve. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground . Did you find the condition? | -- | Go to Step 20 | -- | ||||
6 | Test the ignition voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open between the fuse block underhood and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 23 | Go to Step 7 | ||||
7 | Test the ignition voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open between the AT inline 20-way connector and the 1-2 SS valve. Refer to Testing for Continuity . Did you find the condition? | -- | Go to Step 20 | -- | ||||
Does the solenoid click when commanded ON and OFF? | -- | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 9 | |||||
Is the test lamp ON when you command the solenoid ON, and OFF when you command the solenoid OFF? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 10 | |||||
10 | Is the test lamp always ON? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 13 | ||||
11 |
Is the test lamp ON? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 22 | ||||
12 | Test the control circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the PCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 23 | -- | ||||
13 | Test the control circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open between the PCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 23 | Go to Step 22 | ||||
Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View . Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 20-40 ohms | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 15 | |||||
15 | Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value? | 40 ohms | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17 | ||||
16 |
Refer to Testing for Continuity . Did you find a condition? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 21 | ||||
17 | Measure the resistance from the 1-2 SS valve control circuit of the J 44152 to ground. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View . Does the resistance measure less than the specified value? | 100 ohms | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19 | ||||
18 | Test the control circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the 1-2 SS valve. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground . Did you find the condition? | -- | Go to Step 20 | -- | ||||
19 | Measure the resistance between the 1-2 SS valve control circuit and all other circuits, except the 1-2 SS valve ignition voltage circuit of the J 44152 . Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View . Does the resistance measure less than the specified value? | 100 ohms | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 21 | ||||
20 | Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness. Refer to Valve Body and Pressure Switch Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 23 | -- | ||||
21 | Replace the 1-2 SS valve. Refer to Valve Body and Pressure Switch Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 23 | -- | ||||
22 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 23 | -- | ||||
23 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | Go to Step 24 | Go to Step 2 | ||||
24 | 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? | -- | System OK |
