Attachment III - Technical Information
OVERVIEW
In some of the affected vehicles, the transmission solenoid regulator valve bore may wear. The function of a solenoid regulator is to provide regulated pressure to shift solenoids. Wear in the solenoid regulator bore causes low clutch pressure and results in transmission slips/harsh shifts. Continued driving with this condition may cause premature wear on the clutches. This may eventually lead to a loss of 4th through 6th gears and ultimately loss of transmission function. This service action will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. This calibration will reposition the solenoid regulator valve to eliminate bore wear. A flowchart has been developed to help direct you to the proper repair. See Figure 1.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
MODULE REPROGRAMMING
NOTE:
Reprogramming concerns! errors may be caused by the following:
^ Data Link Connector (DLC) or Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) becoming disconnected.
^ Allowing the IDS to enter any type of sleep mode.
^ Using a wireless IDS to VCM connection.
^ Low voltage on the IDS laptop.
^ Low voltage in the vehicle battery (use of a battery charger is recommended).
If you encounter reprogramming concerns, DO NOT DELETE the session. If the original session has accidentally been deleted, recover the original session from the IDS "TRASH CAN" (located in the lower right corner of the previous session screen) and continue to reprogram.
1. Make sure that all accessories (radio, interior fan, headlights, etc.) are switched off.
2. Verify that the IDS is updated to software release 65.17 and higher or 66.03A and higher.
3. Connect the IDS to the vehicle and start a session.
4. Select the Tool Box tab and then select Module Programming. Touch the tick.
5. Select Module Reprogramming and then select PCM. Touch the tick.
6. NOTE: If the IDS states there are no updates available, either the IDS has not been updated to software release 65.17 and higher or 66.03A and higher, or the PCM has already been reprogrammed.
A screen will appear stating a later PCM calibration is available. Follow the on-screen instructions to program the PCM to the latest calibration.
7. After the PCM has been reprogrammed, inspect the vehicle's odometer for mileage:
^ If the mileage is LESS THAN 7,000 miles (11,265 km), remove the IDS. This service procedure is complete and no additional repairs are necessary.
^ If the mileage is MORE THAN 7,000 miles (11,265 km), leave the IDS connected to the vehicle and proceed to Step 8.
TRANSMISSION LOAD TEST
WARNING:
Block all wheels, set the parking brake and firmly apply the service brake to reduce the risk of vehicle movement during this procedure Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
8. NOTE: In order to perform a valid Transmission Load Test, Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) must be between 185-200° F (85-93° C).
Using the IDS, make sure the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) is at an operating temperature of 185-200° F (85-93° C). If the TFT is BELOW 185-200° F (85-93° C), perform the following:
^ With the vehicle's brakes applied, start the engine.
^ Place the gear selector in D, bring the engine up to 1500 rpm and hold for one minute.
^ Place the gear selector in N and allow the engine to idle for one minute.
^ Place the gear selector in R and bring the engine up to 1500 rpm for one minute.
^ Place the gear selector in N and allow the engine to idle for one minute.
^ Repeat this procedure until the vehicle's TFT is 185-200° F (85-93° C).
9. Perform the Transmission Load Test:
NOTE:
Conduct this test after the PCM has been reprogrammed. Make sure that the engine coolant and transmission fluid is at normal operating temperature and fluid levels are correct.
1. Block all wheels, set the parking brake, and firmly apply the service brakes.
2. Turn off Traction Control if equipped
3. Set the IDS to record engine rpm and TSS_SRC rpm.
4. Place the gear selector in D.
5. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold the pedal just long enough to let the engine get to Wide Open Throttle (WOT) and observe the TSS_SRC rpm (it should be at ZERO when engine speed has reached maximum rpm). While performing this test, do not hold the throttle open for more than 5 seconds. See Figure 2.
After the test, place the gear selector in N and run the engine at 1,000 rpm for 15 seconds to cool the torque converter.
10. If the TSS_SRC rpm was ZERO during the Transmission Load Test, then this service procedure is complete and no additional repairs are necessary.
If the TSS_SRC rpm was MORE than ZERO (transmission slipping) during the Transmission Load Test, then proceed to Attachment IV for transmission repair.