GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0973, P0976, or P2764 3.6L and 5.3L

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

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

DTC P0976: 2-3 Shift Solenoid (SS) Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P2764: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Pressure Control (PC) Solenoid Control Circuit Low Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Ignition 1 Voltage

P0973, P0976, P2764

P0973, P0976, P2764

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1-2 SS Valve control

P0973

P0973

P0974

2-3 SS Valve Control

P0976

P0976

P0977

TCC PWM Valve Control

P2764

P2764

P2763

Typical Scan Tool Data

CKT Status

Circuit

Normal

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine running, normal operating temperature

Parameter Normal Range: Indeterminate

1-2 Sol. CKT Status

Indeterminate

Short to GND

Open

Short to Volts

2-3 Sol. CKT Status

Indeterminate

Short to GND

Open

Short to Volts

TCC Duty Cycle CKT Status

Indeterminate

Short to GND

Open

Short to Volts

Circuit/System Description

The 1-2 shift solenoid (SS) valve and the 2-3 SS valves control transmission fluid pressure acting on the shift valves to position the valves for the appropriate gear. The 1-2 SS and the 2-3 SS valves are normally-open exhaust valves located on the control valve body. A fused circuit supplies ignition voltage to the 1-2 SS valve and the 2-3 SS valve. The transmission control module (TCM) commands the solenoid ON or OFF by switching the ground path. When the 1-2 SS valve or the 2-3 SS valve is commanded ON, the TCM senses low voltage. When the 1-2 SS valve or the 2-3 SS valve is commanded OFF, the TCM senses high voltage. The torque converter clutch pulse width modulated (TCC PWM) solenoid valve is a normally closed solenoid used to control the apply and release of the converter clutch. The TCM operates the solenoid with a negative duty cycle. When vehicle operating conditions are appropriate to apply the TCC, the TCM immediately increases the duty cycle to approximately 42 percent. The TCM then ramps the duty cycle to approximately 90 percent to achieve full TCC apply pressure. When the solenoid is commanded OFF, the TCM senses high voltage. When the solenoid is commanded ON, the TCM senses low voltage.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0973 and P0976

The ignition is ON.

P2764

The engine is running for 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0973

The TCM detects an open or short to ground on the 1-2 SS valve control circuit for 4.4 seconds.

P0976

The TCM detects an open or short to ground on the 2-3 SS valve control circuit for 4.4 seconds.

P2764

The TCM detects an open or short to ground on the TCC PWM solenoid valve control circuit for 4.4 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

P0973

    • DTC P0973 is a type B DTC.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM inhibits 3-2 downshifts when the vehicle speed is greater than 52 km/h (32 mph).

P0976

    • DTC P0976 is a type A DTC.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM inhibits 1st and 4th gear.
    • The TCM commands a soft landing in 2nd gear.

P2764

    • DTC P2764 is a type B DTC.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM forces the TCC OFF.
    • The TCM inhibits TCC engagement.
    • The TCM inhibits 4th gear when in Hot Mode.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • DTC P0973 and P2764 are type B DTCs.
    • DTC P0976 is a type A DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

    • J 35616 GM Terminal Test Kit
    • J 44152 Jumper Harness (20 pins)

Circuit/System Verification

Start and idle the engine. Using the scan tool output controls command the 1-2 SS, 2-3 SS, and TCC PWM solenoid ON and OFF. Observing the CKT Status parameter on the scan tool, ensure the parameter shows OK.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Inspect the TRANS fuse for an open.
  2. If the fuse is open, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit and the affected control circuit for a short to ground between the fuse block-underhood and the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector.
  3. Disconnect the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Connect the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) to the engine side of the connector. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit and the affected control circuit. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Using the scan tool output controls, command the affected solenoid ON and OFF. The test lamp should blink ON and OFF as commanded.
  4. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the circuits for an open.
  5. Connect the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) to the transmission side of the connector. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the ignition 1 voltage circuit and the affected control circuit. Resistance should be between 19-31 ohms for the 1-2 SS and the 2-3 SS. Resistance should be between 10-15 ohms for the TCC PWM solenoid valve.
  6. If resistance is greater than the specified range, test the circuits for an open. If resistance is less than the specified range, test for a faulty solenoid or a shorted together condition.
  7. Measure the resistance between the ignition 1 voltage circuit and the transmission case. The resistance should be greater than 10K ohms.
  8. If the resistance is less than 10K ohms, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit for a short to ground.
  9. Measure the resistance between the affected control circuit and ground. The resistance should be greater than 10K ohms.
  10. If the resistance is greater than 10K ohms, test the affected control circuit for a short to ground.

Component Testing

  1. Using the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) and the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the ignition 1 voltage circuit and the affected control circuit. The resistance should be between 19-31 ohms for the 1-2 SS and the 2-3 SS. The resistance should be between 10-15 ohms for the TCC PWM solenoid.
  2. If the resistance is not within the specified range, remove the case side cover.
  3. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the affected solenoid. Measure the resistance of the affected control circuit. The resistance should be between 19-31 ohms for the 1-2 SS and the 2-3 SS. The resistance should be between 10-15 ohms for the TCC PWM solenoid.
  4. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the affected solenoid.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  1-2 Shift Solenoid Valve Replacement
    •  2-3 Shift Solenoid Valve Replacement
    •  Case Cover Removal
    •  Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation Solenoid Replacement
    •  Case Cover and Gaskets Assemble
    •  Case Cover Components Disassemble
    •  Control Module References for TCM replacement, setup, and reprogramming.