Solenoid Testing Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
The automatic transmission (A/T) electrical connector passage sleeve allows the test tool harness to be correctly orientated for electrical operation of the transmission control module (TCM). Do not connect the test harness to the TCM without using the A/T Electrical Connector Passage Sleeve. Failure to use the sleeve could allow the test harness to be incorrectly positioned which will result in permanent TCM damage.
CAUTION:
To avoid solenoid overheating and possible internal damage, do not continuously operate the solenoid for more than 2 minutes at a time. Drain the TCM of excess transmission fluid before attaching to test block and use caution when attaching air to test block air inlet.
NOTE:
With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, the transmission control module (TCM) will normally cycle some of the transmission solenoids On and Off to facilitate keeping the ports and solenoids clean and free of debris. This dither function is a normal activity and will cause the valves to cycle open and closed quickly when the TCM is powered up. This may cause some air to exit the ports where the PSI gauge is not connected as those solenoids cycle on and off.
- Align and install the electrical connector sleeve to the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly and secure with the connector slide lock.
- If necessary, clean each side of the filter plate assembly and install the filter plate assembly back on the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly. Clean the mounting surface of the DT-47825: test block.
- Bolt the DT-47825: test block to the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly mounting surface. Use the bolts and washers supplied with the tool to attach the test block. Tighten the bolts to 5 N.m (44 lb in).
- Connect the test harness supplied with the DT-47825: test kit to the vehicle harness and to the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly. Engage the connector locks.
- Turn the ignition ON.
- Cover the DT-47825: test block ports with a shop towel. Transmission fluid may exit these ports when the solenoids are commanded ON.
- Connect regulated shop air to the DT-47825: test block air inlet. Do not exceed the recommended air pressure of 620.5-689.4 Kpa (90-100 psi).
- With a scan tool, in the Hybrid Control Module Special Functions menu, command the Aux. Trans. Pump Speed to 75 percent for 5 seconds. Failure to command the Aux. Trans. Pump Speed to 75 percent for 5 seconds will prevent the Shift Solenoid 1 from functioning correctly during testing. Do not turn off the ignition for the remainder of these tests.
- With the ignition ON and the scan tool communicating with the vehicle, command the solenoid in question On and Off. Observe the airflow at the appropriate test port for a change as you command the solenoid. Refer to Control Solenoid (w/Body and TCM) Valve Assembly Solenoid Performance Test Block to Component Identification for correct solenoid function and test block port connections for the solenoid being tested.
- The solenoid should allow air pressure to flow or prevent air pressure flow depending on the solenoid state. The test results are read on the pressure gage.
- Command the solenoid valve On and Off several times to determine the condition of the solenoid in question. Release the test air pressure from the pressure the gage between solenoid tests.
Control Solenoid (w/Body and TCM) Valve Assembly Solenoid Performance Test Block to Component Identification
| Component | Port On Test Block | Ignition ON, Engine OFF Normal State | Commanded State | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line PC Solenoid | A | No PSI flow to gage | Increase/Decrease Approximately 68-103 Kpa (10-15 psi) per command | |
| PC Solenoid 2 | D, G, H | No PSI flow | On - Full PSI flow | Off - No PSI flow |
| PC Solenoid 3 | C, H | No PSI flow | On - Full PSI flow | Off - No PSI flow |
| PC Solenoid 4 | D, E, H | No PSI flow | On - Full PSI flow | Off - No PSI flow |
| PC Solenoid 5 | F | No PSI flow to gage | On - Full PSI flow to gage | Off - No PSI flow to gage |
| PC Solenoid 6 - Not Used, cannot be commanded with the scan tool | B | No PSI flow | On - Full PSI flow | Off - No PSI flow |
| Shift Solenoid 1 | H | No PSI flow | On - Full PSI flow | Off - No PSI flow |
| Shift Solenoid 2 | D | No PSI flow | On - Full PSI flow | Off - No PSI flow |