Pinpoint Test D: Electrical Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. 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 WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article.
- 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 INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE ENGINES article for diagnosis of PCM. If equipped with a fire suppression system, go to D9.
- D2 SOLENOID FUNCTIONAL TEST
- Install a 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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 voltmeter, and solenoid state on the scan tool, and listen for the solenoid to activate (click).
- Does the voltage and solenoid state change?
- 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 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?
- 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?
- 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. TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with a fire suppression system, go to D9.
- NO : REFER to Diagnosis By Symptom in this article for diagnosis of pressure concerns. If equipped with a fire suppression system, go to D9.
- D9 REPOWER THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article.
- Verify that the fire suppression system is repowered. Refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article.
- Is the fire suppression system repowered?
- YES : Fire suppression system repowering is complete.
- NO : REFER to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article for fire suppression system depowering and repowering procedure.