Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission 3.4L

The Diagnostic System Check is an organized approach to identify a condition created by an automatic transmission. The Diagnostic System Check is the diagnostic starting point for an automatic transmission complaint. The Diagnostic System Check directs you to the next logical step for diagnosing a transmission concern. Perform this check only if there is a driveability complaint or if you have been directed here from another service information section.

Follow the table to help reduce diagnostic time and help prevent unnecessary replacement of good parts.

Important: 

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

1. This step determines if the scan tool is receiving power through the DLC connector.

2. The MIL should illuminate whenever the ignition is ON and the engine is not running.

3. This step determines if the PCM is transmitting class 2 serial data to the DLC and that the Class 2 data circuit is not open or shorted.

4. This step determines if a DTC is current or stored in history.

Important: Do not perform the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission unless one of the concerns noted is present. Failure to follow this procedure could lead to misdiagnosis of the system.

The Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission is an organized approach to identifying a condition created by an electronic transmission control system. The Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission is intended for use in diagnosing a concern in a vehicle with separate engine and transmission control modules, ECM and TCM.

When an emission related diagnostic trouble code (DTC) sets as a result of a transmission fault, the TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). This request will be identified by the ECM as DTC P0700. The ECM may also independently illuminate the MIL. Although either module may cause the MIL to illuminate, the scan tool can display DTCs from only one module at a time. In addition, the Clear DTC Info command clears DTC data from both modules. If the DTC failure records are not recorded from both modules before the DTC data is cleared, important diagnostic information will be erased.

Your training and experience as a technician may cause you to focus on either the TCM or the ECM, instead of both modules at the same time. To ensure that both modules are properly diagnosed, separate system checks are included. The Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 3.6L identifies DTC status and communication function for the ECM. If no ECM DTCs are present, the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 3.6L will direct you to the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission.

The ECM diagnostics do not require transmission data in order to run. Correct use of the tables will reduce diagnostic time and prevent the replacement of good parts.

Inspect all of the related wiring and connections including the connections at the TCM, as these may cause an intermittent concern. Inspect the terminals for any damage or any corrosion. Inspect the connector for any pushed-out terminals.

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

1. Do not perform the Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission unless one of the concerns listed is present. Failure to follow this procedure could lead to misdiagnosis of the system.

2. Capturing the stored ECM information will preserve the data that will be lost upon instruction to clear the DTCs at the end of a diagnostic table, or if a TCM disconnect or replacement occurs during a diagnostic procedure. Write down any non emissions DTCs that are set at this time. Review the captured information at the end of the diagnostic table in order to catch the next DTC in the event that the multiple DTCs were stored. Follow the order of priority as listed below.

4. Check for applicable service bulletins before proceeding with the diagnosis.

5. If multiple DTCs are stored, diagnose the DTCs in the following order of priority:

1.	The System Voltage DTCs

2.	Component level DTCs

Diagnose the multiple DTCs within this category in numerical order starting with the lowest DTC number.

3.	The System level DTCs

4.	The Transmission DTCs

When there is a known exception, a DTC table may direct the technician to diagnose a different DTC first.

6. Compare the actual control system data with the values in the Transmission Scan Tool Data List in order to determine if any parameter is not within limits. A base engine condition, such as advanced cam timing, may substantially alter the sensor values. If the actual data does not correspond with the values in the Transmission Scan Tool Data List, but the corresponding DTC is not set, this indicates that you have to meet specific conditions before some diagnostics will run. This information is in the supporting text for the DTC table. If you suspect a system fault, such as Shift Solenoid operation, TCC operation, refer to the DTCs that apply to that system. The DTC tables are not, by design, for use unless a DTC is set; however, many tables begin with a functional test of the related component. This information can be a useful aid in diagnosis.