GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) controls the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid valve Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The solenoid directs the hydraulic fluid for TCC apply and release. When the TCC is released, the engine is coupled by fluid to the transmission and TCC slip speeds of -300 to +1,500 RPM during heavy acceleration.

If the TCM detects a low torque converter slip when the TCC is commanded off, then DTC P0742 sets, which is a type 'B' DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Ignition voltage is between 8.0 and 18.0 volts.
    • Engine speed is between 450 to 6,800 RPM for at least 5 seconds.
    • No engine torque defaults are current.
    • The following DTCs are not set:
       - P0121, P0122 or P01230--Throttle Position Signal
       - P0716 or P0717--Transmission Input Speed Sensor
       - P0722 or P0723--Transmission Output Speed Sensor
       - P0741--TCC System Stuck OFF
       - P0815, P1820, P1822, P1823, P1825 or P1826 - Transmission Manual Shift Shaft Switch Assembly
       - P02637-- Engine Torque Signal Circuit - No Valid GMLAN Signal
       - P02763 or P02764--TCC Solenoid
    • The transmission is not in 1st gear and the gear ratio is 0.73:1 to 2.27:1.
    • The transmission fluid temperature is between 20 to 130°C.
    • The transmission manual shift shaft switch assembly is D5 range.
    • The engine torque is between 80 and 450 N·m.
    • The engine speed is greater than 500 RPM.
    • The throttle position is 15-90%.
    • The TCC is commanded OFF.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 15 km/h.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The following condition occurs more than three times in the one ignition cycle:

The TCC slip is between -20 to +20 RPM for a time period of greater than 3.5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the 'Conditions for Setting the DTC' have been met.
    • At the time of the first failure, the TCM records the operating conditions when the 'Conditions for Setting the DTC' have been met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record.
    • At the time of the second failure, the ECM records the operating conditions when the 'Conditions for Setting the DTC' are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame.
    • The TCM freezes the transmission adaptive learning function.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0742 into TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • Tech 2 can clear the DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from its memory (history DTC) if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related DTC occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the default actions when the ignition is off long enough to power down the TCM.
    • The TCM turns off the MIL after the sixth consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send an MIL illumination request.

Diagnostic Aids

Rapid fluctuations in line pressure may set DTC P0742.

The customer may notice an engine stalling condition.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

2. This step inspects the transmission fluid to ensure that it is at the proper level.

3. This step verifies that the TCC engages when commanded on by Tech 2.

4. & 5. Checks for a short to ground or open circuit in the solenoid supply circuit.

6. Checks for short to voltage on the solenoid supply circuit.

7. Checks for short to ground on the solenoid supply circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

For information on testing wiring faults, refer to Wiring Systems.

1

Has the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission been completed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission

2

Perform the transmission fluid checking procedure. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check

Did you perform the fluid checking procedure and is the fluid level now OK?

--

Go to Step 3

--

3

  1. Connect the Tech 2 to the DLC.
  2. Ignition ON, engine OFF.
  3. Record the DTCs in both the TCM and ECM.
  4. Clear the DTCs.
  5. Select TCC Duty Cycle and TCC Slip Speed from the Tech 2 data list parameters.
  6. Drive the vehicle in D5 with the throttle angle greater than 15 percent. Allow the transmission to shift to 5th gear.
  7. Using Tech 2 command the TCC PWM solenoid valve ON.

While the TCC Duty Cycle is 0 percent, does Tech 2 display a TCC slip speed within the specified range?

-20 to +20 RPM

Go to Step 4

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

4

  1. Ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1 from the transmission 20-way connector.
  3. Ignition ON.
  4. Using a digital voltmeter, measure the voltage between transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1, terminal X1-17 and ground.

Is voltage reading greater than the specified value?

6.0 Volts

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector A112-T68 from the TCM.
  3. Using a digital ohmmeter, check the wiring for an open circuit or short to ground condition between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-8 and transmission connector X121-X1, terminal X1-17.

Does either check indicate an open circuit or short to ground in the wiring?

--

Repair open or short to ground in relevant circuit.

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 11

6

  1. Ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect transmission wiring harness connector A112-T68 from the TCM.
  3. Ignition ON.
  4. Using a digital voltmeter, measure the voltage between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-4 and ground.

Is voltage reading less than the specified value?

0.3 Volts

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Ignition OFF.
  2. Using a digital ohmmeter, measure the resistance between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-4 and ground.

Is resistance reading greater than the specified value?

500 kΩ

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

8

Using a digital voltmeter, check the wiring for a short to voltage condition between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-4 and connector X121-X1, terminal X1-20.

Does the check indicate a short to voltage in the wiring?

--

Repair short to voltage in relevant circuit.

Go to Step 17

--

9

  1. Reinstall the transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1 to transmission 20-way connector.
  2. Using a digital ohmmeter, measure the resistance between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminals X1-4 and X1-8.

Is the resistance reading within the specified value?

10.0-11.5 Ω @ 20°C

11.8-13.6 Ω @ 70°C

Go to Step 10

If reading is more than specified, go to Step 13.

If reading is less than specified, go to Step 14.

10

  1. Connect a fused jumper wire between vehicle battery supply and transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-8.
  2. Connect a second fused jumper wire to vehicle ground.
  3. Cyclically contact transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-4 with second fused jumper wire and carefully listen for the TCC PWM solenoid clicking.

Does solenoid click as jumper wire is connected and disconnected?

--

Go to Step 11

Replace faulty TCC PWM solenoid. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Replacement

11

Replace the TCM. Refer to Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement for replacement procedures.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

12

Using a digital voltmeter, check wiring for a short to ground condition between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-4 and transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1, terminal X1-20.

Does the check indicate a short to ground in the wiring?

--

Repair short to voltage in relevant circuit.

Go to Step 17

--

13

Using a digital voltmeter, check wiring for an open circuit condition between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68, terminal X1-4 and transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1, terminal X1-20.

Does the check indicate an open circuit or high resistance in the wiring?

--

Repair cause of open circuit or high resistance in relevant circuit.

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

14

Using a digital voltmeter, check wiring for an internal short circuit condition between transmission wiring harness TCM connector A112-T68 and transmission wiring harness connector X121-X1 connector, circuits 1525 and 418.

Does the check indicate an internal short circuit condition in the wiring?

--

Repair cause of internal short circuit condition in circuits 1525 and 418.

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

15

  1. Remove the transmission fluid pan. Refer to Transmission Fluid Pan and Filter Assembly Removal.
  2. Inspect the transmission internal wiring harness for any sign of damage.

Is the transmission internal wiring harness OK?

--

Go to Step 16

Replace the transmission internal wiring harness. Refer to Transmission Internal Electrical Harness Replacement.

Go to Step 17

16

With the fluid pan removed, inspect the front control valve body. Inspect for the following conditions:

    • TCC PWM solenoid valve is mechanically stuck on due to sediment.
    • TCC regulator apply valve is stuck due to sediment.

Did you find any of the above conditions?

--

Repair or replace components as necessary.

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 17

17

Perform the following procedure to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC on Tech 2.
  2. Select 'Clear Info'.

Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:

    • Drive the vehicle in D5 with the throttle position at 15-90% and a road speed of more than 15 km/h.
    • The engine torque is between 80 and 450 N·m.
    • The TFT is 20 to 130°C.
    • Check that the TCC slip speed is 130 to 1,500 RPM for 2.5 seconds.

Drive the vehicle as noted above to cycle the TCC a second time.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 2

18

On the Tech 2, observe the stored information, capture information and DTC information.

Does the Tech 2 display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

System OK

When all diagnosis and repairs are completed, clear all DTCs and verify correct operation.