GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The reverse, 1st shift solenoid (SS) valve (S1) is commanded ON in NEUTRAL and first gear. The reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) controls transmission fluid pressure acting on the neutral relay and M1 shift valves to position the valves for the appropriate gear. The reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) is a normally open exhaust valve located on the front control valve body. The solenoid is case grounded. The output driver module (ODM), within the transmission control module (TCM), commands the solenoid ON or OFF by providing voltage. When the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) is commanded ON, the TCM senses high voltage. When the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) is commanded OFF, the TCM senses low voltage.

If the TCM detects a continuous open or short to voltage in the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) circuit, then DTC P0974 sets. DTC P0974 is a type A DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0974 Shift Solenoid (SS) 1 Control Circuit High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The system voltage is 10.2-15.5 volts.
    • The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM.
    • Trans. Protection Mode is OFF.
    • The TCM commands the reverse, 1st SS valve off.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) feedback circuit indicates a continuous open or short to voltage for 0.5 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM requests the powertrain control module (PCM) to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM turns the Trans. Protection Mode ON.
    • The transmission will operate in 5th gear when the transmission is shifted into D range and 2nd gear when shifted into L range.
    • The line pressure is at maximum.
    • The torque converter clutch (TCC) is disabled.
    • The TCM freezes the transmission adaptive functions.
    • Engine torque is limited to 185 N·m (136 lb ft).
    • The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Record.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0974 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns off the MIL after the third consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a 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.

Test Description

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

  1. This step determines if the shift solenoid has a poor ground connection.

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 DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the transmission control module (TCM).

  4. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Command Shift Solenoid 1 OFF with a scan tool.
  7. Observe Shift Solenoid 1 CKT Status with a scan tool.

Does the Shift Solenoid 1 CKT Status display OK?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the transmission AT inline 14-way connector.
  2. Probe terminal 14 engine side with a test lamp connected to a good ground.
  3. Command Shift Solenoid 1 ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

Inspect for poor connections at the transmission AT inline 14-way connector.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Remove the control valve body cover.
  2. Inspect the reverse, 1st shift solenoid (SS) valve (S1) mounting bolt (302) for proper tightness.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Disconnect the black 1-way connector from the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1).
  2. Test the shift solenoid valve 1 high control circuit for an open or short to another circuit.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Disconnect the TCM C2 connector.
  2. Test the shift solenoid valve 1 high control circuit for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the TCM C2 connector for poor connections. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

9

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

10

Replace the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1).

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

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0974.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 13

13

With the 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