Pinpoint Test D: Electrical Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Refer to the Transmission Internal Harness Connector illustration in Transmission Connector Layouts .
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).
- D1 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 D2.
- NO : REPEAT procedure to access the transmission PIDs. If the scan tool did not access the transmission PIDs, REFER to the appropriate Engine Performance article for diagnosis of PCM.
- D2 SOLENOID FUNCTIONAL TEST
- Install a 2,060 kPa (300 psi) pressure gauge into electronic pressure control (EPC) tap.
- Monitor pressure gauge.
- With the engine running, command the LINEDSD PID to change the line pressure.
- Does the pressure reading match the commanded pressure?
- YES : CLEAR DTCs. REPEAT OBD Tests.
- NO : Go to D3.
- D3 CHECK FOR BATTERY VOLTAGE
- Disconnect: Transmission Harness Connector C1274
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage between the transmission harness connector C1274-4, circuit 391 (RD/YE), harness side and ground.
- Is voltage greater than 10 volts?
- YES : Go to D4.
- NO : CHECK for open or short circuit in harness.
- D4 CHECK FOR BATTERY VOLTAGE
- Remove transmission fluid pan.
- Visually inspect the lead frame connectors for damage.
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage with the positive lead to the VPWR solenoid pin and the negative lead to a good ground.
- Is voltage greater than 10 volts?
- YES : Go to D5.
- NO : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the OBD Tests.
- D5 ELECTRICAL SIGNAL CHECK
- Measure the voltage with the positive lead connected to the VPWR solenoid pin and connect the negative lead to the signal pin of the EPC solenoid.
- Increase and decrease the solenoid duty cycle, while monitoring the voltage, solenoid state on the scan tool, and listen for the solenoid to activate (click).
- Does the voltage and solenoid state change?
- YES : Go to D6.
- NO : CHECK for open or short circuit in harness or PCM.
- D6 CHECK MOLDED LEAD FRAME SOLENOID CONNECTIONS
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect the molded lead frame.
- Inspect the molded lead frame for damage.
- Using the special tool, check all the molded lead frame solenoid connections.
- Does the special tool go easily through the molded lead frame solenoid connector pins?
- D7 CHECK SOLENOID RESISTANCE AT SOLENOID
- Measure the resistance between the pins of the solenoid.
- Measure the resistance of the EPC solenoid.
- Is the resistance between 2.48 and 5.66 ohms?
- YES : Go to D8.
- NO : INSTALL a new solenoid. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the OBD Tests.
- D8 CHECK THE SOLENOID FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Check for continuity between engine GROUND and the EPC solenoid terminals with ohmmeter or other low current tester (less than 200 milliamps). Connection should show infinite resistance (no continuity).
- Is there continuity?
- YES : INSTALL a new solenoid. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the OBD Tests.
- NO : REFER to Diagnosis By Symptom for diagnosis of pressure concerns.