GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) provides voltage to the pressure control solenoid, the shift solenoids and the torque converter clutch pulse width modulated solenoid through two separate solid state devices called High Side Drivers, called HSD1 and HSD2. HSD1 provides electrical power to the pressure control solenoid. HSD2 provides power to the shift solenoids and the torque converter clutch solenoid. A normal function of the TCM is to run tests on each driver to ensure that it is functioning properly.

When the TCM detects a short to ground on HSD2 driver circuit, then DTC P1833 sets, which is a type 'B' DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Ignition voltage is between 8.0 and 18.0 volts.
    • Engine is running between 450 and 6,800 RPM for at least 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TCM detects a short to ground on the HSD2 circuit when the HSD2 is commanded ON.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM does not request the Powertrain Interface Module (PIM) to illuminate the Check Powertrain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) in the instrument cluster during the second consecutive drive trip in which the 'Conditions for Setting the DTC' are met.
    • The TCM turns off power to all solenoids.
    • The transmission will operate in fifth gear if the vehicle has successfully completed a 1-2 upshift in the current ignition cycle. If the vehicle has not completed a 1-2 upshift in the current ignition cycle, the transmission will operate in fourth gear.
    • 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 TCM records the operating conditions when the 'Conditions for Setting the DTC' are met. The ECM stores this information as a freeze frame.
    • The TCM freezes the transmission adaptive learning function.
    • The TCM stores DTC P1833 into TCM history.
    • The TCM also turns off the pressure control solenoid (causing maximum line pressure).
    • The torque converter clutch is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PIM turns off the Check Powertrain MIL after the sixth consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a Check Powertrain MIL illumination request.
    • Tech 2 can clear the DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from its memory (history DTC) if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related DTC occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition is off long enough to power down the TCM.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

For information on testing wiring faults, refer to Wiring Systems.

1

Has the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission been completed?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission

2

  1. Connect Tech 2 to the DLC.
  2. Ignition ON, engine OFF.
  3. Clear the DTCs.
  4. Turn ignition OFF for at least 30 seconds.
  5. Start the engine.

Did DTC P1833 reset?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

3

  1. Turn ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1 from the transmission 20-way connector.
  3. Ignition ON, engine OFF.
  4. Clear the DTCs.
  5. Turn ignition off for at least 30 seconds.
  6. Start the engine (additional DTCs may set)

Did DTC P1833 reset?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Disconnect the TCM.
  2. Using a digital ohmmeter, test the HSD2 circuit for a short to ground condition between the transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-8 and transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1, terminal X1-17.

Did you find a short to ground condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Ignition OFF.
  2. Remove transmission fluid pan. Refer to Transmission Fluid Pan and Filter Assembly Removal.
  3. Inspect transmission internal wiring harness for any sign of damage.
  4. Using a digital ohmmeter, check the solenoid voltage supply circuit for a short to ground condition between the transmission 20-way connector X121-X1, terminal X1-17 and the torque converter clutch solenoid and each shift solenoid.

Did you find a short circuit condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the respective faulty solenoid as applicable.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

7

Replace TCM. Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

Remove and replace transmission internal wiring harness. Refer to Transmission Internal Electrical Harness Replacement.

Is replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Perform the following operation to verify the repair.
  2. 1.1. Select DTC on Tech 2.
    1.2. Select 'Clear info'.
    1.3. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the vehicle in the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2

When all diagnosis and repairs are completed, clear all DTCs and verify correct operation.