Pinpoint Test D: Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid (PCA)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Refer to Figure .

NOTE: Read and record all DTCs. All TR sensor and OSS DTCs must be repaired before entering Output State Control (OSC).

D1 ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS SETUP
- Key in OFF position.
- Select PARK.
- Check to make sure the transaxle harness connector is fully seated, terminals are fully engaged in the connector and in good condition before proceeding.
- Install 300 psi pressure gauge into line tap.
- Connect the scan tool.
- Key in START position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Diagnostic Data Link.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: TCM.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Active Command Modes.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Output State Control (OSC).
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Trans - Bench Mode.
- Does the vehicle enter the Trans-Bench Mode?
Yes : REMAIN in Trans-Bench Mode. GO to D2.

No : REPEAT procedure to ENTER Trans-Bench Mode. If vehicle did not enter OSC, REFER to INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE article for diagnosis of TCM.
D2 SOLENOID FUNCTIONAL TEST
- Monitor pressure gauge.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Parameter; PCA.
- Select PCA
- Increase engine speed above 1,500 rpm.
- Select value: 50, 70, 90, 110, 130 or 150 psi.
- Press "SEND".
- Select another value "50-150 psi".
- Press "SEND".
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: XXX.
- Press "SEND".
- Does the pressure reading match the commanded pressure?
Yes : CLEAR DTCs. TEST the system for normal operation.

No : GO to D3.
D3 CHECK VEHICLE HARNESS AND POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE FOR A SHORT TO POWER
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: Transaxle Connector C1534.
- Visually inspect all wires and connectors for damage.
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 7, harness side and ground; and between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 2, harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Vehicle Harness And Powertrain Control Module For Short To Power
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is voltage present?
Yes : GO to D4.

No : GO to D5.
D4 CHECK VEHICLE HARNESS FOR A SHORT TO POWER
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: TCM Connector C2352b.
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 7, harness side and ground; and between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 2, harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Vehicle Harness For Short To Power
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is voltage present?
Yes : REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.

No : INSTALL a new TCM. TEST the system for normal operation.
D5 CHECK ELECTRICAL SIGNAL
- Measure the voltage between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 7, harness side and transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 2, harness side.
- Activate solenoids (ON and OFF) while monitoring the voltage reading.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Trans-Bench Mode.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Parameter; PCA.
- Select a value "50-150 psi".
- Press "SEND".
- Select another value "50-150 psi".
- Press "SEND".
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: XXX.
- Press "SEND".
  
  Fig 3: Checking Electrical Signal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Does the voltage change?
Yes : GO to D6.

No : CHECK for open or short circuit in harness or TCM.
D6 CHECK THE TRANSAXLE INTERNAL HARNESS FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: PCA Solenoid Electrical Connector.
- Measure the resistance between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 2 (component side, transaxle internal harness), and ground; and between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 7 (component side, transaxle internal harness), and ground.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Transaxle Internal Harness For Short To Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Are the resistances greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes : GO to D7.

No : INSTALL a new transaxle internal harness. TEST the system for normal operation.
D7 CHECK THE TRANSAXLE INTERNAL HARNESS FOR AN OPEN
- Measure the resistance between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 2 (component side, transaxle internal harness), and transaxle internal harness connector pin 2; and between transaxle vehicle harness connector pin 7 (component side, transaxle internal harness), and transaxle internal harness connector pin 7.
  
  Fig 5: Checking Transaxle Internal Harness For Open
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Are the resistances less than 5 ohms?
Yes : GO to D8.

No : INSTALL a new transaxle internal harness. TEST the system for normal operation.
D8 CHECK SOLENOID RESISTANCE AT SOLENOID
- Key in OFF position.
- Measure and record the resistance between PCA solenoid pins.
- Is the resistance between 2.4 and 7.3 ohms?
Yes : GO to D9.

No : INSTALL a new PCA solenoid. TEST the system for normal operation.
D9 CHECK SOLENOID FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Measure and record the resistance between the PCA solenoid and the solenoid body.
- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes : REFER to DIAGNOSIS BY SYMPTOM for diagnosis of pressure concerns. TEST the system for normal operation.

No : INSTALL a new PCA solenoid. TEST the system for normal operation.