GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 525796  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) energizes the torque converter clutch pulse width modulated (TCC PWM) solenoid valve by grounding the control circuit. This blocks the exhaust for TCC signal fluid and allows filtered 2-3 drive fluid to feed the TCC signal circuit. When the vehicle operating conditions are appropriate for TCC application, the PCM increases the TCC duty cycle to approximately 30 percent. This allows TCC signal fluid pressure to move the converter clutch shift valve into the apply position and direct regulated apply fluid to the torque converter. The PCM then increases the duty cycle to approximately 60 percent, where regulated apply fluid pressure, applies the converter clutch. The vehicle application determines the TCC apply rate. Once the TCC applies, the duty cycle immediately increases to approximately 70 percent to achieve full apply pressure, in the regulated apply fluid circuit.

The TCC PWM solenoid valve is de-energized by the PCM opening the control circuit. This action allows the TCC signal fluid to exhaust through the solenoid and blocks filtered 2-3 drive fluid from entering the TCC signal circuit. The loss of fluid pressure in the TCC signal circuit releases the TCC.

If the PCM detects low TCC slip when the TCC is commanded OFF, then DTC P0742 sets. DTC P0742 is a type C DTC. For California emissions, DTC P0742 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0742 Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) System - Stuck On

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No MAP sensor DTCs P0106, P0107, or P0108.
    • No Transmission Component Slipping DTC P0894.
    • No TP sensor DTCs P0121, P0122 or P0123.
    • No VSS DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No AT ISS DTCs P0716 or P0717.
    • No TCC DTCs P0741 or P2761.
    • No TFP manual valve position switch DTC P1810.
    • The system voltage is 8-18 volts.
    • The speed ratio is 0.95-2.18.
    • The engine torque must be between 169 N·m (125 lb ft) and:
       - 4.8L: 542 N·m (400 lb ft)
       - 6.0L: 576 N·m (425 lb ft)
    • No TFP manual valve position switch change within 6 seconds.
    • The TFP manual valve position switch indicates D4.
    • The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is 20-130°C (68-266°F).
    • The commanded gear is not 1st.
    • Engine speed is 800-4,400 RPM.
    • The throttle position (TP) is 12-100 percent.
    • Vehicle speed is 11-121 km/h (7-75 mph).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The TCC slip speed must be -15 to +15 RPM for at least 3 seconds.
    • All conditions met for 4 occurrences.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • For California emission equipped vehicles, the PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. For Federal emission equipped vehicles, MIL is not illuminated.
    • The PCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • 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, California only, and Failure Records, California and Federal.
    • The PCM stores the DTC P0742 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip, California, or the first trip, Federal, in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • For California emissions, 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.
    • For California emissions, the PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • For Federal emissions, the PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the TCC is mechanically stuck ON with the parking brake applied and any gear range selected, the TCC fluid mechanically applies the TCC. TCC fluid mechanically applying the TCC can cause an engine stall.
    • A stuck TP sensor may set a DTC P0742.
    • DTC P0742 defaults to an elevated line pressure condition which may result in partial TCC apply. This may produce an idle surge that could stall the engine.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the mechanical state of the TCC. When the PCM commands the TCC solenoid OFF, the slip speed should increase.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. 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.

  4. Record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTCs.
  6. Select scan tool TP angle and TP sensor.
  7. Apply the accelerator pedal.

Are the TP sensor values within the specified range?

0.2-0.9 V at 0% to 4.5 V at 100%

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

Drive the vehicle in the D4 drive range in FOURTH gear under steady acceleration with a TP sensor angle greater than 12 percent.

Does the scan tool display a TCC slip speed of -10 to +10 RPM while the displayed TCC duty cycle is 0 percent?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Inspect the transmission for the following conditions:
  2. • Exhaust orifice in the TCC PWM solenoid valve clogged or damaged - Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Valve and Spring Replacement .
    • Converter clutch apply valve stuck in the apply position
    • Restricted apply or release passage - Refer to Transmission Fluid Pump Disassemble in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.
    • Valve body gasket for misalignment or damage - Refer to Control Valve Body Assembly Removal in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.
    • Restricted transmission cooler line - Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
    • Torque converter mechanically stuck ON - Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .
  3. Repair any of the above conditions as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 5

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5

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. • Operate the vehicle in D4 with the TCC duty cycle 0 percent and throttle above 12 percent.
    • Ensure that the TCC slip speed is greater than 100 RPM for 2 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0742.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 2

6

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