GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 398680  Size: LF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The transmission control module (TCM) monitors the engine speed, the transmission output speed and the current gear. The TCM calculates turbine shaft speed and torque converter clutch (TCC) slip speed by using these inputs. When the TCM commands third gear with the TCC engaged, the engine speed should be approximately the same as the transmission output speed. When the TCM commands fourth gear with the TCC engaged, the TCC slip speed should be -20 to +64 RPM. Refer to the Range Reference table for solenoid states and transmission components that are active in third or fourth gear with the TCC commanded ON.

When the TCM detects excessive TCC slip when the TCC should be engaged, then DTC P1870 sets. DTC P1870 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The transmission is not in P, R, or N.
    • The transmission is not in default mode.
    • The TCC is commanded on.
    • No incorrect gear ratio DTC P0730.
    • The following code enabling and fail conditions are not met:
       - P0751 conditions 1 and 2
       - P0752 conditions 1 and 2
       - P0757 conditions 1 and 2

Condition for Setting the DTC

The TCM calculated transmission slip is greater than 288 RPM for 3.825 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM flashes the sport mode lamp and sends a MIL request to the ECM on the second consecutive drive trip that the diagnostic runs and fails. The ECM then illuminates the MIL.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions in the Freeze Frame at the time of the MIL request from the TCM.
    • The transmission operates in the default mode (maximum line pressure, command 4th gear, inhibit TCC, freeze shift adapts).

Conditions For Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The ECM turns off the MIL after three consecutive drive trips during which the TCM sends no MIL request.
    • A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are present by this diagnostic or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • The scan tool clears the MIL/DTC.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default mode actions when the ignition switch is Off long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A transmission tends to slip more when it is hot. Duplicate the engine and transmission temperatures from the Failure Records before attempting to duplicate DTC P1870.
    • Verify that the customer is not overloading the vehicle, towing beyond vehicle capacity, or towing in Overdrive (D4).

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the torque converter for slippage while in a commanded lock-up state.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check - Automatic Transmission ?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check - Automatic Transmission

2

Perform the Transmission Fluid Check .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 3

--

3

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. Important: Record the Failure Records before clearing the DTCs. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the ECM and the TCM.

  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. Clear the DTC.
  5. Drive the vehicle in 4th gear with the TCC commanded ON.

Is the Scan Tool TCC Slip Speed greater than the specified range?

288 RPM

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Inspect the torque converter clutch solenoid valve for the following conditions:

    • Internal malfunction (such as sediment or damage)
    • Damaged seals

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Inspect the 1-2/3-4 shift solenoid valve for the following conditions:
  2. • Internal malfunction (such as sediment or damage)
    • Damaged seals
  3. Inspect the 2-3 shift solenoid valve for the following conditions:
  4. • Internal malfunction (such as sediment or damage)
    • Damaged seals

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the torque converter assembly for the following conditions:

    • Stator roller clutch not holding
    • Internal damage

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the oil pump assembly for the following conditions:

    • A stuck converter clutch control valve
    • The converter clutch valve is assembled backward
    • A mispositioned converter clutch valve retaining pin
    • A mispositioned pump to case gasket
    • Over-tightened, or unevenly tightened pump body to cover bolts

Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L30-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the turbine shaft for the following conditions:

    • Cut turbine shaft O-ring seal
    • Damaged turbine shaft O-ring seal
    • Restricted turbine shaft check valve retainer and ball assembly
    • Damaged turbine shaft check valve retainer and ball assembly

Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L30-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect the 4th clutch assembly for the following conditions:

    • Worn clutch plates
    • Porosity in the 4th clutch piston
    • Damaged 4th clutch piston
    • Missing 4th clutch piston inner and outer seals
    • Cut 4th clutch piston inner and outer seals
    • Damaged 4th clutch piston inner and outer seals
    • Damaged 4th clutch piston retainer and spring assembly
    • 4th clutch spring not seated

Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L30-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the 3rd clutch assembly for the following conditions:

    • Worn clutch plates
    • Porosity in the 3rd clutch piston
    • Damaged 3rd clutch piston
    • Missing 3rd clutch piston inner and outer seals
    • Cut 3rd clutch piston inner and outer seals
    • Damaged 3rd clutch piston inner and outer seals
    • Damaged 3rd clutch drum assembly
    • 3rd clutch piston springs or cushion 3rd clutch plate not seated

Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L30-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Inspect the 2nd clutch assembly for the following conditions:

    • Worn clutch plates
    • Porosity in the 2nd clutch piston
    • Damaged 2nd clutch piston
    • Missing 2nd clutch inner and outer seals
    • Cut 2nd clutch inner and outer seals
    • Damaged 2nd clutch inner and outer seals
    • Damaged 2nd clutch springs
    • Damaged 2nd clutch retaining ring
    • Damaged piston seal grooves

Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L30-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair.

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Diagnostic Aids

12

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. • Drive the vehicle in D4, with the TCC commanded ON for more than 4.0 seconds
    • Engine speed below 3000 RPM
    • Engine torque greater than 100 N·m (135 lb ft)

Is the Scan Tool TCC Slip Speed less than the specified value?

288 RPM

System OK

Go to Step 1