Pressure Switches

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The PCM relies on three pressure switches to monitor fluid pressure in the L/R, 2/4, and OD hydraulic circuits. The primary purpose of these switches is to help the PCM detect when clutch circuit hydraulic failures occur. The range for the pressure switch closing and opening points is 11-23 psi. Typically the switch opening point will be approximately one psi lower than the closing point. For example, a switch may close at 18 psi and open at 17 psi. The switches are continuously monitored by the PCM for the correct states (open or closed) in each gear as shown in the following chart:

PRESSURE SWITCH REFERENCE

GEAR	L/R	2/4	OD
R	OP	OP	OP
P/N	CL	OP	OP
1st	CL	OP	OP
2nd	OP	CL	OP
D	OP	OP	CL
OD	OP	CL	CL

OP = OPEN

CL = CLOSED

A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set if the PCM senses any switch open or closed at the wrong time in a given gear.

The PCM also tests the 2/4 and OD pressure switches when they are normally off (OD and 2/4 are tested in 1st gear, OD in 2nd gear, and 2/4 in 3rd gear). The test simply verifies that they are operational, by looking for a closed state when the corresponding element is applied. Immediately after a shift into 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear with the engine speed above 1000 rpm, the PCM momentarily turns on element pressure to the 2/4 and/or OD clutch circuits to identify that the appropriate switch has closed. If it doesn't close, it is tested again. If the switch fails to close the second time, the appropriate Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set.