GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 882354  Size: MF
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The TCC lock up pressure control (PC) solenoid valve regulates solenoid modulator fluid passing through the solenoid into lock up control pressure. The TCM uses a pulse width modulated signal in order to control the signal pressure. The TCM compares various inputs in order to determine the appropriate pressure for a given load. The TCM varies the current to the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve from 0.1 amps, for maximum line pressure to 1.1 amps, for minimum line pressure. An internal current monitor within the TCM provides feedback in order to determine actual TCC lock up PC solenoid valve current draw.

If the TCM detects a continuous open or short to ground in the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve circuit, then DTC P0966 sets. DTC P0966 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition voltage is 8-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TCC lock up PC solenoid valve feedback circuit indicates a continuous open or short to ground for 12.5 seconds or greater.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM turns the Trans. Protection Mode ON. When the Trans. Protection Mode is ON, the following conditions occur:
       - The transmission will operate in 5th gear when the transmission is shifted into D or I range and 2nd gear when shifted into L range.
       - The line pressure is at maximum.
       - The torque converter clutch (TCC) is disabled.
       - The TCM freezes the transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0966 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.

Test Description

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

  1. This step verifies the ability of the TCM to command the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve.

  2. This step verifies that the automatic transmission wiring harness and the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve have correct resistance.

Step

Action

Values

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 - 3.0L (L81)

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 and the TCM Failure Records. Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC info function erases the Failure Records from the ECM and TCM.
       • Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC info function erases stored DTCs in both the ECM and TCM.

  4. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Select Output Controls.
  7. With a scan tool, increase and decrease the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve amperage.
  8. Observe the scan tool display.

Does the TCC PC Sol. Actual Current reading vary from the TCC PC Sol. Ref. Current reading by more than the specified amount?

0.05 amps

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81)

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 14-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Using the digital multimeter (DMM) and the J-35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance between terminal 10 and 3 of the transmission side of the AT inline 14-way connector.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

3.8-8.3 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Is the resistance greater than the specified value?

8.3 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Test the high control circuit (CKT 5511) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for an open between the AT inline 14-way connector and the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve.
  2. Test the low control circuit (CKT 5509) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for an open between the AT inline 14-way connector and the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve.

Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

6

Test the high control circuit (CKT 5511) and the low control circuit (CKT 5509) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for being shorted together between the AT inline 14-way connector and the PC solenoid.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

7

Measure the resistance from terminal 10 of the transmission side of the AT inline 14-way connector to ground.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

10 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

  1. Test the high control circuit (CKT 5511) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for a short to ground between the AT inline 14-way connector and the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve.
  2. Test the low reference circuit (CKT 5509) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for a short to ground between the AT inline 14-way connector and the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

9

Measure the resistance between terminal 10 and all other terminals, except terminal 3, of the transmission side of the AT inline 14-way connector.

Is the resistance between terminal 10 and any other terminal, except terminal 3, less than the specified value?

100 ohms

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Disconnect the TCM. Additional DTCs may set.
  2. Using the DMM and the J-35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance from terminal 3 of the harness side of the AT inline 14-way connector to ground.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

10 ohms

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Test the low reference circuit (CKT 5509) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for a short to ground between the TCM connector and the AT inline 14-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

--

12

Using the DMM and the J-35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance between terminal 3 of the harness side of the AT inline 14-way connector and terminal 12 of the TCM C2 connector.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

10 ohms

Go to Step 14

Go to Step  13

13

Test the low control circuit (CKT 5509) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for an open between the TCM connector and the AT inline 14-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

--

14

Using the DMM and the J-35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance from terminal 10 of the harness side of the AT inline 14-way connector to ground.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

10 ohms

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Test the high control circuit (CKT 5511) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for a short to ground between the TCM connector and the AT inline 14-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

--

16

Using the DMM and the J-35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance between terminal 10 of the harness side of the AT inline 14-way connector and terminal 25 of the TCM connector.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

10 ohms

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 17

17

Test the high control circuit (CKT 5511) of the TCC lock up PC solenoid valve for an open between the TCM connector and the AT inline 14-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

--

18

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness. Refer to Wiring Harness Removal .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

19

Replace the control valve body assembly. Refer to Control Valve Body Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

20

Replace the TCM. Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

21

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. • Start and idle the engine for at least 12 seconds.
    • System voltage must be at least 11 volts.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0966.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 22

22

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 - 3.0L (L81)

System OK