The THM 700-R4 transmission has four oil pressure switch locations in the control valve assembly. (See Figure No. 1.)
Depending on vehicle type, various oil pressure switches will be used in these locations. When no switch is used, 1/8 inch NPT pipe plug, part no. 444612, is installed in place of the switch.
On vehicles built without an electronic control module (ECM) these switches control the torque converter clutch operation and exhaust gas recircu lation, (E.G.R.) bleed system. On ECM equipped vehicles these switches help supply information to the ECM about the transmission operation. The ECM also controls various functions including fuel mixture, engine timing, engine idle, and torque converter clutch (T.C.C.) operation. If switches are wrong, mislocated, or malfunction, various electrical and mechanical problems may result, i.e., blown fuses, instrument panel lights remaining on without apparent reason, or improper engine operation.
Oil pressure switches are activated by hydraulic pressure from the control valve assembly. Depending on design, a switch may function as the ground for an electrical circuit or as a simple connecting switch. All switches we designed to be either normally open (N.O.) or normally closed (N.C.).
N.O. - Means the switch will not allow electric current to flow until the switch is activated by hydraulic pressure.
N.C. - Means the switch will allow electric current to flow until the switch is activated by hydraulic pressure.
Also, the switches may be designed with either one or two terminals. (See Figure No. 2.) Single terminal switches are used to provide an electrical ground while two terminal switches act as connecting switches.
SPECIFIC SWITCH FUNCTION
1. "Torque Converter Signal" Switch (Part No. 8642473). This is a single terminal normally open switch. The function of this switch is to make an electrical ground when the converter clutch is applied and break the ground when the clutch is released. For all 1982 and 1983 non-ECM vehicles with T.C.C. signal, this switch is wired in series with the 3rd clutch switch. (See Figure No. 3.)
2. 3rd Clutch Switch (Part No. 8643710). This is a two-terminal normally open switch. It is currently wired in series with the T.C.C. Signal Switch and allows current to flow to the T.C.C. Signal Switch only when the transmission is in the third gear, although the high altitude option is an exception. The combined function of the 3rd Clutch Switch and the T.C.C. Switch is as follows:
12 Volts D.C. 0.20 AMP electric current is sent across the E.G.R. solenoid (60). With either switch open, the current can not flow. This signals the EGR solenoid that the transmission is not in third gear and that the converter clutch is released. When the transmission is in third gear and the converter clutch is applied, the electrical current from the EGR solenoid flows through the 3rd clutch switch and grounds through the T.C.C. signal switch. This signals the EGR solenoid to release emission control. (See Figure No. 3.)
3. 4-3 Downshift Switch (Part No. 8642346). This is a normally closed two terminal switch. The 4-3 downshift switch is sometimes referred to as a pulse switch and performs the function of releasing the converter clutch when a 4-3 downshift is made. (See Figure No. 4.) The 4-3 downshift switch is activated by exhaust oil from the 4th clutch. After the 4th clutch oil has exhausted, the switch closes and allows the converter clutch to reapply. This momentary release (pulse) of the converter clutch allows the transmission to make a 4-3 downshift without any objectional shift feel.
4. 4th Clutch Switch - One of three different switches may be installed in this location depending on vehicle usage.
A. 4th Clutch Switch (Part No. 8643710).
This switch is a normally open two terminal switch. The function of this switch is to keep the converter clutch applied in 4th gear regardless of engine vacuum. (See Figure No. 5.)
B. 4th Discrete Switch (Part No. 8634475 or 8642569). These are normally closed single terminal switches. They are used in vehicles with ECM'S. The purpose of either switch is to signal the ECM when the vehicle is in 4th gear. (See Figure No. 6.)
C. 4th Clutch Switch (Part No. 8642473). This is a normally open single terminal switch. The function of this switch is to keep the converter clutch applied in fourth gear regardless of any other controls. (See Figure No. 7.)
The following procedure may be used in diagnosing the oil pressure switches:
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CHECKING PROCEDURE
TOOLS REQUIRED: AIR LINE ADJUSTABLE TO 60 PSI BATTERY POWERED TEST LIGHT
Switch Type Part No. Step Action Result ----------- -------- ---- ------ ------ Single Terminal 8642473 1: Connect test light leads to the terminal 1: Light Normally open Silver and switch body; air pressure<10 PSI off Housing 2: Apply air pressure to the switch; air 2: Light pressure> 30 PSI on
Single Terminal 8634475 1: Connect test light leads to the terminal 1: Light Normally closed 8642569 and switch body; air pressure<30 PSI on Black 2: Apply air pressure too the switch; air 2: Light Housing pressure>55 PSI off
Double Terminal 8643710 1: Connect the test light leads to the 1: Light Normally open Silver switch terminals; air pressure<10 PSI off Housing 2: Apply air pressure to the switch; air 2: Light pressure>30 PSI on
Double Terminal 8642346 1: Connect the test light leade to the 1: Light Normally closed Black switch terminals; air pressure<7 PSI on Housing 2: Apply air pressure to the switch; air 2: Light pressure>14 PSI off
Provided below is a chart that shows specific switches required for the various types of transmission usages. Refer to your 1984 service manual, X-8432 for wiring diagrams of each vehicle type if needed.
VEHICLE TYPE AND SWITCHES REQUIRED
Type TCC SIG SW 3RD CL SW 4-3 DS SW 4TH CL SW
1 8642473 8643710 8642346 8643710
2 Plug Plug 8642346 8643710 3 Plug Plug 8642346 Plug
4 Plug Plug 8642346 8634475(8642569)
5 8642473 8643710 8642346 8642473 6 Plug Plug Plug Plug 7 8642473 Plug Plug 8643710 8 Plug Plug Plug 8643710 9 Plug Plug Plug 8634475(8642569) 10 Plug Plug 8642346 8642473
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.