GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0701: Transmission Control System Performance

Typical Scan Tool Data

TFP Switch

Display Parameters

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF

TFP Switch 1

High

Low

High

--

TFP Switch 2

High

Low

High

--

TFP Switch 3

High

Low

High

--

TFP Switch 4

Low

Low

High

--

Operating Conditions: Engine running, transmission in park or neutral position

TFP Switch 1

Low

Low

High

--

TFP Switch 2

Low

Low

High

--

TFP Switch 3

Low

Low

High

--

TFP Switch 4

High

Low

High

--

Circuit/System Description

The pressure switch manifold (PSM) is a multiple switch assembly made up of 3 normally open (N/O) pressure switches and 1 normally closed (N/C) pressure switch.

    • Pressure switch 1 (PS1) monitors shift valve 1 positioning
    • Pressure switch 2 (PS2) monitors shift valve 2 positioning
    • Pressure switch 3 (PS3) monitors shift valve 3 positioning
    • Pressure switch 4 (PS4) monitors the manual selector valve positioning

The pressure switches communicate the positioning to the transmission control module (TCM).

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The test is enabled after engine start-up and runs as part of the transmission hydraulic initialization.
    • Test runs for 300 seconds following engine start-up.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Condition 1:

    • At start-up, all pressure switches do not indicate pressure.
    • Engine speed is greater than 500 RPM for 6 seconds or 400 RPM for 15 seconds.
    • Forward or REVERSE range is selected.

Condition 2:

    • During low speed normal operation, pressure switches indicate loss of pressure.
    • Engine running with engine speed less than 1000 RPM.
    • Transmission turbine speed is less than 1000 RPM.
    • Transmission output speed is less than 200 RPM.
    • Forward or REVERSE range is selected.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Range is inhibited, and the driver is required to use the gear selector to reselect the range.
    • DTC P0701 is stored in TCM history.
    • The TCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM inhibits Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0701 is a Type C DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A plugged control main filter may cause the DTC to set.
    • A cracked internal suction filter tube or damaged tube seal may cause the DTC to set.
    • A stuck lube regulator valve may cause the DTC to set.
    • Must attempt to select range in order to experience a condition.
    • May have to wait several hours prior to restarting vehicle to experience the condition.
    • This DTC is most likely the result of no pressure and not wiring or the pressure switch module.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Transmission General Description
    •  Transmission Component and System Description
    •  Electronic Component Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, command the transmission through the forward ranges with a scan tool. Compare the TFP Switch 1, TFP Switch 2, TFP Switch 3, and TFP Switch 4 parameters in each forward range with the Pressure Switch Manifold Logic table. Refer to Pressure Switch Manifold (PSM) Logic.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

    Note: You must perform the Circuit/System Verification first.

  1. Inspect the transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check.
  2. Perform a line pressure test. Refer to Line Pressure Check.
  3. If line pressure is low in all ranges, refer to Low Main Line Pressure in All Ranges.
    If line pressure is low in a specific range or ranges, refer to Low Main Line Pressure in Specific Ranges, Normal Pressure in Other Ranges.
  4. Remove and Replace the control main filter, refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement.
  5. Engine running, command the transmission through the forward ranges with a scan tool. Compare the TFP Switch 1, TFP Switch 2, TFP Switch 3, and TFP Switch 4 parameters in each forward range with the Pressure Switch Manifold Logic table. Refer to Pressure Switch Manifold (PSM) Logic.
  6. Ignition OFF, remove the X175 harness connector at the transmission.
  7. 5.1. Ignition ON, engine OFF, connect a 3A fused jumper wire to the PS1 signal circuit terminal D to ground
    5.2. PS2 signal circuit terminal F to ground
    5.3. PS3 signal circuit terminal E to ground
    5.4. PS4 signal circuit terminal K to ground
    5.5. Verify with a scan tool the TFP Switch 1, TFP Switch 2, TFP Switch 3, and TFP Switch 4 parameters changed from High to Low when the signal circuit is grounded
    If not the specified value, test affected pressure switch signal for an open/high resistance and short to ground. If circuits test normal, replace the TCM.
  8. Ignition OFF, connect the X175 harness connector to the transmission.
  9. Remove the transmission oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.
  10. Remove the pressure switch module from the valve body. Leave the internal wire harness connected to the pressure switch manifold. Refer to Pressure Switch Manifold Replacement.
  11. Connect a jumper wire to the base of the pressure switch module and ground.
  12. Ignition ON, engine OFF, gently push on PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 switches. Verify with a scan tool that the TFP Switch 1, TFP Switch 2, and TFP Switch 3 parameters changed from High to Low and TFP Switch 4 parameter changed from Low to High.
  13. If not the specified value, test the internal wire harness circuits for an open/high resistance or short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the pressure switch module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Wiring Harness Replacement
    •  Pressure Switch Manifold Replacement
    •  Control Module References for TCM replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

If another DTC is present, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.