Pinpoint Test A: Shift And Torque Converter Clutch Solenoids
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Read and record all DTCs. All digital transmission range (TR) sensor and vehicle speed sensor (VSS) DTCs must be repaired before entering output state control (OSC).
NOTE:
Refer to the Transmission Internal Harness Connector illustration in Transmission Connector Layouts .
NOTE:
Refer to the Transmission Vehicle Harness Connector illustration in Transmission Connector Layouts .
- A1 ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS
- Vehicle in PARK.
- Key in OFF position.
- Check to make sure the transmission harness connector is fully seated, pins are fully engaged in connector and in good condition before proceeding.
- Connect the diagnostic tool.
- Key in ON position.
- Access the transmission PIDs.
- Is the scan tool able to access the transmission PIDs?
- YES : Go to A2.
- NO : REPEAT procedure to access the transmission PIDs. If the scan tool did not access the transmission PIDs, REFER to the Introduction - Gasoline Engines article for diagnosis of PCM.
- A2 WIGGLE TEST
- Select PIDs to be monitored.
PID SSA/SS1_F SSB/SS2_F TCC/TCC_F - Select ON to turn suspect solenoid on.
- Wiggle all wiring and connectors to the transmission. Monitor the solenoid state for changes.
- Select OFF to turn solenoid off.
- Press SEND.
- Does the suspect solenoid(s) fault state change?
- YES : REPAIR open or short in the vehicle harness or connector.
- NO : Go to A3.
- Select PIDs to be monitored.
- A3 SOLENOID FUNCTIONAL CHECK
- Monitor each solenoid state.
- Turn each solenoid ON and OFF.
- Does the solenoid turn ON and OFF when commanded and can solenoid activation be heard?
- A4 VERIFY SHIFT OR TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) SOLENOID OPERATION
- Using the scan tool, select the SSA/SS1#, SSB/SS2# and/or TCC# solenoid.
- While driving the vehicle, maintain speed at 48 km/h (30 mph).
- Command the selected solenoid ON and OFF.
- Repeat steps for remaining solenoids as needed.
- Does the transmission upshift/downshift or TCC engage/disengage when commanded?
- YES : CLEAR all DTCs. ROAD TEST to verify if concern is still present. If concern is still present, REFER to Diagnosis By Symptom to diagnose shift or torque converter concern.
- NO : Go to A5.
- A5 CHECK FOR BATTERY VOLTAGE
- Remove transmission fluid pan.
- Visually inspect the lead frame and connectors for damage.
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage with the positive lead to VPWR solenoid pin and negative lead to a good ground.
- Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
- YES : Go to A6.
- NO : CHECK for open or short circuit in harness or solenoid.
- A6 ELECTRICAL SIGNAL CHECK
- Measure the voltage with the positive lead connected to VPWR solenoid pin and the negative lead to the signal pin of the appropriate solenoid.
- Access the transmission PIDs.
- Select SSA/SS1#, SSB/SS2#.
- Turn the solenoids ON and OFF, while monitoring the voltmeter, and solenoid state on the scan tool (ON and OFF), and listen for the solenoid to activate (click).
- Measure the voltage with the positive lead to VPWR solenoid pin and the negative lead to the TCC pin.
- Select Parameter TCC#.
- Increase and decrease the solenoid duty cycle, while monitoring the voltmeter, and solenoid state on the scan tool (ON and OFF), and listen for the solenoid to activate (click).
- Does the voltage and solenoid state change?
- YES : Go to A7.
- NO : CHECK for open or short circuit in harness, solenoid or a PCM concern.
- A7 CHECK MOLDED LEAD FRAME SOLENOID CONNECTIONS
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: Molded Lead Frame
- Inspect the molded lead frame for damage.
- Using the special tool, check to make sure that the molded lead frame solenoid connections are making contact with the solenoids. The special tool should not pass through the connectors easily, it should have some resistance.
- Does the special tool go easily through the molded lead frame connector pins?
- A8 CHECK SOLENOID RESISTANCE AT SOLENOID
- Measure the resistance of solenoid SSA and SSB.
- Measure the resistance of the TCC solenoid.
Solenoid Resistance (ohms) SSA 20-30 SSB 20-30 TCC 10-16 - Are the resistances correct?
- YES : Go to A9.
- NO : INSTALL a new solenoid.
- A9 CHECK SOLENOID FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Measure the resistance between each of the TCC solenoid pins and ground.
- Measure the resistance between the SSA, SSB and vehicle power pins and ground.
- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
- YES : INSTALL a new solenoid.
- NO : REFER to Diagnosis By Symptom for diagnosis of shift or torque converter concerns.