GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0973 3.6L


Object Number: 1530921  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The 1-2 shift solenoid (1-2 SS) valve controls transmission fluid pressure acting on the 1-2 shift valves to position the valves for the appropriate gear. The 1-2 SS valve is a normally-open exhaust valve located on the control valve body. A fused circuit supplies ignition voltage to the 1-2 SS valve. The transmission control module (TCM) commands the solenoid ON or OFF by switching the ground path. When the 1-2 SS valve is commanded ON, the TCM senses low voltage. When the 1-2 SS valve is commanded OFF, the TCM senses high voltage. Refer to Shift Solenoid Valve State and Gear Ratio .

If the TCM detects a continuous open or short to ground in the 1-2 SS valve circuit, then DTC P0973 sets. DTC P0973 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0973 1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Control Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TCM detects an open or short to ground in the 1-2 SS valve circuit for 4.4 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 are met.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM commands an alternate coast shift pattern where downshifts occur at higher vehicle speeds while coasting.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive function.
    • The TCM inhibits 3-2 downshifts when the vehicle speed is greater than 52 km/h (32 mph).
    • 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 P0973 in TCM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

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 TCM 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

Ensure the wiring harness is not stretched too tightly or other components are pressing on the A/T inline 20-way connector body. Also inspect for proper clearance to any other components and wiring. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. A short to ground in the ignition 1 voltage circuit to the solenoid ahead of the splice would open the fuse and set DTCs for other solenoids on the same circuit. An open in the same circuit would not open the fuse but, would set the other DTCs.

Step

Action

Value(s)

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. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the TCM.

  4. Record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTCs.

Are DTCs P0976 or P2764 also set?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 9

3

  1. Inspect the fuse in the ignition 1 voltage circuit for an open. Refer to Circuit Protection - Fuses .
  2. Replace the fuse if necessary.

Was the fuse open?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution.

Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the fuse block and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the AT wiring harness from the 1-2 SS valve, the 2-3 SS valve and the TCC PWM solenoid valve.
  2. Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics for complete circuit distribution.

  3. Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for a short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the solenoids. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground .

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Test the 1-2 SS valve, the 2-3 SS valve and the TCC PWM solenoid valve for a short to ground between the ignition 1 voltage side of each solenoid and the transmission case.
  2. Replace any faulty solenoid.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 20

--

7

Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open between the fuse block and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 8

8

Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open between the AT inline 20-way connector and the solenoid. Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way harness connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Install the J 44152 jumper harness on the engine side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  4. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, connect a test lamp to the 1-2 SS valve control circuit of the J 44152 jumper harness.
  5. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

  6. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  7. With a scan tool, command the 1-2 SS valve ON and OFF three times.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open between the fuse block and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

11

Test the control circuit of the 1-2 SS valve for an open or short to ground between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 19

12

  1. Connect the J 44152 jumper harness to the transmission side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  2. Using a DMM, measure the resistance of the 1-2 SS valve of the J 44152 jumper harness.
  3. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

19-31 ohms

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 16

13

Measure the resistance from both terminals of the 1-2 SS valve to the transmission case.

Are both readings greater than the specified value?

250 K ohms

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

Measure the resistance on the control side of the 1-2 SS valve and all other terminals of the A/T inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

250 K ohms

Go to Step 16

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

15

  1. Disconnect the harness from the 1-2 SS valve.
  2. Measure the resistance from each terminal of the solenoid to the transmission case.

Are both readings greater than the specified value?

250 K ohms

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

16

  1. Disconnect the harness from the 1-2 SS valve.
  2. Measure the resistance of the solenoid.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

19-31 ohms

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

17

Replace the AT wiring harness assembly.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 20

--

18

Replace the 1-2 SS valve.

Refer to 1-2 Shift Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 20

--

19

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 20

--

20

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Drive the vehicle in D4 and verify that the correct ratio is achieved for each of the specified gears.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0973.

Has the test run and passed?

1st: 2.87:1 to 2.97:1

2nd: 1.52:1 to 1.62:1

3rd: 0.95:1 to 1.05:1

4th: 0.65:1 to 0.75:1

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 2

21

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