GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1595232  Size: LF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The torque converter clutch (TCC) release switch is part of the automatic transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The TFP manual valve position switch is mounted to the transmission valve body.

The TCC release switch is a normally-closed switch. When the TCC is released, TCC release fluid pressure opens the TCC release switch which opens the TCC release pressure circuit. When the voltage on the circuit is high, switch open, the transmission control module (TCM) recognizes that the TCC is no longer engaged.

If the TCM detects that the TCC release switch is closed when the TCC is commanded OFF, then DTC P0742 sets. DTC P0742 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0742 Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) System - Stuck On

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No TP sensor DTC P0120 or P0220.
    • No ISS DTC P0716 or P0717.
    • No OSS DTC P0722 or P0723.
    • No TCC stuck OFF DTC P0741.
    • The engine speed is greater than 500 RPM for 5 seconds.
    • The engine torque is 50 N·m (37 lb ft) or greater.
    • The calc. throttle position is between 8 and 90 percent.
    • The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is 20-130°C (68-266°F).
    • The TCC is commanded OFF.
    • The gear ratio is between 0.66:1 and 1.68:1.
    • The vehicle speed is 16 km/h (10 mph) or greater.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TCC slip speed is between -20 and +40 RPM for 6 seconds 3 times during the same ignition cycle.

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 are met.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM commands the TCC ON at maximum capacity.
    • The TCM commands an alternate coast shift pattern where downshifts occur at higher speeds while coasting.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM disables the touch activated power (TAP) shift operations.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0742 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the third consecutive trip in which the TCM does not send an MIL illumination request.
    • A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If DTC P0842, P0843, P2763, or P2764 is also set, diagnose that code first.
    • The customer may notice an engine stalling condition.
    • If the scan tool indicated TCC release pressure was present in Step 2 and a mechanical or hydraulic condition was not found in Step 8, an intermittent short to ground condition may exist in the TCC release switch signal circuit. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .
    • Do not replace the torque converter for this condition, refer to Torque Converter Replacement Guide for other concerns.
    • Residue or contamination may cause valves to stick intermittently.

Test Description

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

  1. A Yes answer indicates that the TCC release switch is functioning properly.

  2. With the 20-way connector disconnected, the TCM should interpret the open circuit as TCC release pressure present.

  3. The TCC release switch is a normally closed switch and must be disconnected to properly test for a short to ground condition. An open condition in the TCC release circuit or switch would set DTC P0843. Open circuits are not diagnosed in DTC P0742.

  4. This step tests for a mechanical or hydraulic condition that would cause the TCC to be stuck ON.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The Clear Info function will erase the data.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTCs.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. With a scan tool, observe the TCC Release Pressure status.

Does the scan tool indicate Yes for TCC Release Pressure?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Drive the vehicle above 72 km/h (45 mph) in D3 or D4, with a calc. throttle position of 8-90%.
  2. With the scan tool, command the TCC PWM solenoid valve ON and observe TCC Release Pressure.
  3. With the scan tool, command the TCC PWM solenoid valve OFF and observe TCC Release Pressure.

While the TCC was commanded OFF did the TCC release pressure indicate NO at any time?

Go to Step 8

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the TCC Release Pressure status.

Does the scan tool indicate Yes for TCC release pressure?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Disconnect the transmission internal wiring harness from the TFP manual valve position switch.
  2. Test the signal circuit of the TCC release switch for a short to ground between the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector and the TFP manual valve position switch. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Test the signal circuit of the TCC release switch for a short to ground between the TCM connector and the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

7

  1. Remove the TFP manual valve position switch.
  2. Inspect the TCC release switch for the following conditions:
  3. • A damaged or leaking seal
    • Sediment or debris
    • Damaged switch contacts
    • Stuck switch contacts

Did you find a condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Inspect for the following conditions:
  2. • TCC control valve stuck in the apply position
    • TCC PWM solenoid valve stuck, exhaust restricted or faulty internal O-ring
    • TCC fluid circuits leaking
    • The TCC blowoff valve or spring for damage or not seating
    • Turbine shaft seals for leaks
    • Pump shaft seal for leaks
    • Spacer plate gaskets torn/leaking
    • Pressure regulator valve stuck
    • Abnormally high or low line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Check .
  3. Repair or replace any malfunctioning components.

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Diagnostic Aids

9

Replace the TFP manual valve position switch. Refer to Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

10

Replace the transmission wiring harness assembly. Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

12

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
  4. • Drive the vehicle in a DRIVE range.
    • Calc. throttle position must be 8-90%.
    • The TCC must be commanded OFF.
    • The TCC slip speed must be between 150 RPM and 1,500 RPM for 5 seconds.
  5. Select specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0742.

Has the test run and passed?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 2

13

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 - Vehicle

System OK