GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2004 🢒 ION 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transaxle - AF23-5 🢒 DTC P1781

Circuit Description

To improve shift feel, the transmission control module (TCM) may request that the engine control module (ECM) reduce engine torque during shift events. When such a request is received, the ECM responds by retarding the base ignition timing and notifying the TCM that the request has succeeded. If the ECM is unable to comply with the request, the ECM sends the TCM a message that the request has failed.

The torque reduction request is sent to the ECM through a communication network called the controller area network (CAN). Two circuits are used to communicate CAN data between the ECM and TCM. A fault in the CAN will not cause DTC P1781 to set by itself. If a CAN fault occurs, other DTCs will set before DTC P1781.

When the TCM receives a torque reduction failure message from the ECM, then DTC P1781 will set. DTC P1781 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition voltage is 8-18 volts.
    • The engine run time is 5 seconds or greater.
    • No CAN DTC U2105.
    • Trans. Protection Mode is OFF.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM notifies the TCM that a torque reduction request has failed for 4 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • Maintain current gear.
    • The TCM turns off the line pressure control solenoid valve (SLT). When the line pressure control solenoid valve is off, line pressure is at maximum and updates to the transmission adaptive pressure (TAP) memory cells are discontinued.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P1781 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The ECM turns off the MIL after the third consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request.
    • A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

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

    3. Important: 

       • Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the ECM Freeze Frame and the TCM Failure Records. Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the ECM and the TCM.
       • Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases stored DTCs in both the ECM and TCM.

  3. Record the DTC Failure Records.

Did you record any ECM Failure Records?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Clear the DTC.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF for at least 30 seconds.
  3. Start, and allow the engine to idle.

Does DTC P1781 reset?

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

4

Did any other DTCs set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls 2.2L (L61).

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 6

--

6

Perform the following operation to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC on the scan tool.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Start, and allow the engine to idle.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P1781.

Has the test run and passed?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

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 in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

System OK