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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC 85 Undefined Gear Ratio L57 MFI

Table 1: 4L80-E Range Reference, modified for DTCs P1870 & P1871
Table 2: DTC 85

4L80-E Range Reference, modified for DTCs P1870 & P1871

Range

Gear

1-2 Sol

2-3 Sol

Fourth Clutch

Overrun Clutch

O/D Roller Clutch

FWD Clutch

Direct Clutch

Front Band

Interm. Sprag Clutch

Interm Clutch

Lo Roller Clutch

Rear Band

Overdrive

1st

On

Off

--

--

H

A

--

--

*

--

H

--

2nd

Off

Off

--

--

H

A

--

--

H

A

O

--

3rd

Off

On

--

--

H

A

A

--

O

A

O

--

4th

On

On

A

--

O

A

A

--

O

A

O

--

  • A = Applied
  • H = Holding
  • * = Holding but not effective
  • O = Overrunning

Circuit Description

The transmission control module (TCM) calculates gear ratio from the automatic transmission input shaft speed (A/T ISS) sensor and output shaft speed (OSS) sensor readings. The TCM compares the known transmission gear ratio to the calculated gear ratio for the selected gear range.

When the TCM detects an unknown transmission gear ratio, DTC 85 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No DTCs 21, 22, 24, 28, 71, 72 and 87.
    • TP is greater than 25%.
    • Not in P/N or 4th gear commanded gear.
    • Engine speed is greater than 300 RPM.
    • Vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is greater than 24.5°C (76°F).
    • All conditions are met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM inhibits TCC operation.
    • The TCM stores DTC 85 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool clears the DTC from TCM history.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive key cycles without a diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • DTC 85 sets when an unknown gear ratio is detected for any gear but 4th gear.
    • First, diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.
    • Sticking or contaminated shift valves may cause an undefined gear ratio.
        Refer to the Gear Ratio table.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the indicated range signal to the actual selected range. A faulty TFP manual valve position switch could set DTC 28.

  2. This step tests for proper ratios in each commanded gear state.

DTC 85

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Is the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure complete?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Important:: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the TCM.

  4. Record the Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Apply the parking brake, and select each transmission range: D1, D2, D3, D4, N, R and P.
  8. Refer to the Range Signal table.

Does the Scan Tool TFP Switch A/B/C display match each selected gear range?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to DTC 28 TFP Manual Valve Position Switch Fault

4

  1. Drive the vehicle in D3, with throttle position (TP) greater than 25%.
  2. Hold the vehicle speed above 11 km/h (7 mph) for greater than 2 seconds in each gear range.
  3. Use the snapshot mode in order to record the transmission gear ratio for each commanded gear range: 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Are the gear ratios within the specified range for each gear? (Refer to the Gear Ratio table).

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Connect the pressure gauge to the transmission line pressure tap.
  2. Perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure.
  3. Refer to Line Pressure Check .

Is the line pressure within specifications for each selected gear range?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Remove the transmission oil pan.
  2. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement .

  3. Inspect the oil pan and the fluid for contamination.

Was excessive contamination found?

--

Go to Unit Repair

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the transmission for the following problems:

    • Sticking shift valves
    • Stuck apply pistons

Was a condition found?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Unit Repair

8

Is the system line pressure low, only in the specific gear which indicated an incorrect gear ratio?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Symptom Diagnosis Low Line Pressure

9

Inspect for fluid pressure loss in the following areas:

    • 1-2 SS valve seal
    • 2-3 SS valve seal
    • Valve body passages
    • Valve body gaskets
    • Band apply pistons and seals
    • Clutch apply pistons and seals

Was a condition found?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Unit Repair

10

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 REVERSE, 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear.
    • The TCM must see a valid gear ratio for the commanded gear for 10 seconds.

Are the gear ratios within the specified range for each of the selected gears?

1st: 2.38-2.63

2nd: 1.43-1.58

3rd: 0.95-1.05

Rev: 1.97-2.17

System OK

Go to Step 1