GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 846315  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The transmission internal mode switch (IMS) is a sliding contact switch attached to the selector detent inside the transmission side cover. The four inputs to the PCM indicate the position of the transmission range selector. The input voltage level at the PCM is high, B+, when the IMS is open and low when the switch is closed to ground. The four input parameters represented are Signals A, B, C and P - Parity. Refer to Transmission Internal Mode Switch Logic .

If the PCM detects an invalid transmission range with the engine running, then DTC P1825 sets. DTC P1825 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine speed is at least 500 RPM for 5 seconds and not in fuel shut off.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects an invalid combination of IMS signals for 60 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The PCM assumes D4 for shifting.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The PCM stores DTC P1825 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool can clear the DTC.
    • The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Test Description

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

  1. HI values for all signals in all ranges indicates the ground circuit is OPEN.

  2. With the 20-way connector disconnected, all signals should indicate HI.

  3. If one circuit affects the other, this indicates a short between the two circuits.

  4. This step tests the internal transmission harness. If no fault is found in the harness, the fault will be in the switch.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 3.8L

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear DTC Information function erases the Failure Records from the PCM.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Select IMS on the scan tool.
  7. Place the range selector in each transmission range: P, R, N, D4, D3, D2 and D1.

Does each range selected match the scan tool IMS display?

--

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Select IMS A/B/C/P on the scan tool.
  2. Place the range selector in each transmission range: P, R, N, D4, D3, D2 and D1.

Does the IMS A/B/C/P display the specified values for each range?

HI/HI/HI/HI

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT Inline 20-way connector, additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Select IMS A/B/C/P on the scan tool.

Do the scan tool IMS A/B/C/P signals all indicate HI?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install the J 44152 jumper harness on the engine side of the AT Inline 20-way connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Using the DMM and the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the voltage at the TR signal A circuit of the J 44152 .
  5. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

  6. Measure the voltage at the TR signal B circuit of the J 44152 .
  7. Measure the voltage at the TR signal C circuit of the J 44152 .
  8. Measure the voltage at the TR signal P circuit of the J 44152 .

Does the voltage measure ignition voltage at all four terminals?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

6

Connect a fused jumper wire from the TR signal A circuit of the J 44152 signal A circuit to ground while monitoring the scan tool IMS A/B/C/P parameter.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

When TR signal A circuit is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Connect a fused jumper wire from the TR signal B circuit of the J 44152 to ground while monitoring the scan tool IMS A/B/C/P parameter.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

When TR signal B circuit is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

Connect a fused jumper wire from the TR signal C circuit of the J 44152 to ground while monitoring the scan tool IMS A/B/C/P parameter.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

When TR signal C circuit is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

9

Test the TR signal circuits of the IMS that did not indicate HI for a short to ground between the PCM and the AT Inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

10

Test the TR signal circuits of the IMS that did not indicate ignition voltage for an open between the PCM and the AT Inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

11

Test the affected TR signal circuits of the IMS for a shorted together condition between the PCM and the AT Inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

12

Test the TR signal circuits of the IMS for an open or shorted condition between the AT Inline 20-way connector and the IMS.

Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

13

Test the ground circuit of the IMS for an open between the AT Inline 20-way connector and the ground connection to the chassis.

Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 14

14

Test the ground circuit of the IMS for an open between the AT Inline 20-way connector and the IMS.

Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness assembly.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

16

Replace the lever assembly-manual shaft detent with internal mode switch.

Refer to Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Removal in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

17

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 18

--

18

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear DTC Information.
  3. Start and idle the engine in PARK for 10 seconds.
  4. Observe IMS on the scan tool. The IMS must indicate a valid range for 5 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P1825.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 2

19

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

 

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 3.8L

System OK