GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P1871 Undefined Gear Ratio 6.5L Diesel Only

Table 1: 4L80-E Range Reference, modified for DTCs P1870 & P1871
Table 2: P1871 (97 C/K & G600 PCM)

4L80-E Range Reference, modified for DTCs P1870 & P1871

Range

Gear

1-2 Sol

2-3 Sol

Fourth Clutch

Overrun Clutch

O/D Roller Clutch

FWD Clutch

Direct Clutch

Front Band

Interm. Sprag Clutch

Interm Clutch

Lo Roller Clutch

Rear Band

Overdrive

1st

On

Off

--

--

H

A

--

--

*

--

H

--

2nd

Off

Off

--

--

H

A

--

--

H

A

O

--

3rd

Off

On

--

--

H

A

A

--

O

A

O

--

4th

On

On

A

--

O

A

A

--

O

A

O

--

  • A = Applied
  • H = Holding
  • * = Holding but not effective
  • O = Overrunning

Circuit Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calculates a ratio based on the Automatic Transmission Input Shaft Speed (A/T ISS) Sensor and Output Shaft Speed (OSS) Sensor readings. The PCM compares the known transmission ratio to the calculated ratio, for the selected gear range.

If the PCM detects an unknown ratio, then DTC P1871 sets. DTC P1871 is a type D DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The following conditions are met for 10 seconds.

    • No A/T ISS Sensor DTCs P0716 or P0717.
    • No OSS Sensor DTCs P0722 or P0723.
    • No TFP Val. Position Sw. DTC P1810.
    • No Four Wheel Drive Low DTC 1875.
    • The Four Wheel Drive Low fail counters are clear.
    • The Vehicle Speed is greater than 11 km/h (7 mph)
    • The APP Angle is greater than 25%.
    • The TFT is greater than 20°C (68°F)
    • 10 seconds must have elapsed since the last gear range change.
    • The engine speed is greater than 475 RPM for at least 7 seconds.
    • The engine speed is less than 3750 RPM.
    • The engine torque is 100-565 N·m (80-450 lb ft).
    • The Gear Ratio is one of the following:
       - Greater than 2.63 or less than 2.38
       - Greater than 1.58 or less than 1.43
       - Greater than 1.05 or less than 0.95
       - Greater than 0.80 or less than 0.70
       - Greater than 2.17 or less than 1.97
    • All conditions occur for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The PCM freezes shift adapts.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

  1. A scan tool can clear the DTC from the PCM history. The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.
  2. 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

    • Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the PCM. Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the transmission 20-way connector. Look for the following problems:
       - A bent terminal
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Poor terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
    • Sticking or contaminated shift valves may cause an undefined gear ratio.
    • Refer to the Shift Solenoid Valve State and Gear Ratio table.
    • First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset. If a DTC P0717 Input Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal and a DTC P1871 are both present, diagnose DTC P0717 first.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the indicated range signal to the actual selected range. A faulty TFP Val. Position Sw. could set DTC P1871.

  2. This step tests for proper ratios in each commanded gear state.

P1871 (97 C/K & G600 PCM)

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

Perform the transmission fluid checking procedure.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Is the procedure complete?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The Clear Info function will erase the data.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Record the DTCs.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Apply the parking brake, and select each transmission range: D1, D2, D3, D4, N, R, and P.

Does the scan tool TFP Switch A/B/C display match each selected gear range? (Refer to the Range Signal table).

--

Go to Step 4

Refer to DTC P1810 Pressure Switch Assembly Malfunction , in this section

4

  1. Drive the vehicle in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear with greater than 25% APP.
  2. Hold the vehicle speed above 11 km/h (7 mph) for greater than 2 seconds in each specified gear range.
  3. Use the snapshot mode in order to record the transmission gear ratio for each commanded gear range: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Are the gear ratios within the parameters for each specified range?

--

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Connect the J 21867 Pressure Gauge to the transmission line pressure tap.
  2. Perform the Line Pressure Checking Procedure.
  3. Refer to Line Pressure Check .

Is the line pressure within specifications for each selected gear range?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Remove the transmission oil pan.
  2. Refer to Changing the Fluid and Filter, in On-Vehicle Service.

  3. Inspect the oil pan and the fluid for contamination.

Did you find excessive contamination?

--

Go to Transmission Overhaul , in Unit Repair.

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the transmission for the following problems:

    • Sticking shift valves
    • Stuck apply pistons

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Transmission Overhaul , in Unit Repair.

8

Is the system line pressure low only in the specific gear which indicated an incorrect gear ratio?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to System Diagnosis Table; Low Line Pressure

9

Inspect for fluid pressure loss in the following areas:

    • 1-2 SS Valve seal
    • 2-3 SS Valve seal
    • Valve body passages
    • Valve body gaskets
    • Band apply pistons and seals
    • Clutch apply pistons and seals.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Transmission Overhaul , in Unit Repair.

10

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. • Key ON, the engine is running.
    • Drive the vehicle in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear.
    • The PCM must see a valid gear range versus the commanded gear for 10 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P1871.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1