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Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative 4.3L


Object Number: 412944  Size: LF
Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics 4.3L
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

Tow/haul mode enables the operator to achieve enhanced shift performance when towing or hauling a load. When tow/haul mode is selected, the tow/haul switch input signal to the body control module (BCM) is momentarily toggled to zero volts. This signals the vehicle control module (VCM) to extend the length of time between upshifts and increase transmission line pressure. Cycling the tow/haul switch again disables tow/haul mode and returns the transmission to a normal shift pattern.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the wiring at the BCM, the mid bussed electrical center (MBEC) and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions:
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Reduced terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
       - Moisture intrusion
       - Corrosion
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
    • If the electrical circuit checks are OK and the tow/haul shift pattern is not occurring, there may be a mechanical/hydraulic condition that prevents tow/haul operation. Refer to Symptom Diagnosis .

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for a faulty tow/haul switch.

  2. This step tests for voltage input from the BCM to the tow/haul switch.

  3. This step tests for voltage through the MBEC.

  4. This step tests for ground integrity at the splice pack.

Tow/Haul Switch Circuit Check (4.3L)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Cycle the tow/haul switch while observing Tow/Haul Mode on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display Active when the switch is first pressed, and then Inactive when the switch is pressed again?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Disconnect the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B) from the tow/haul switch.
  2. Install a fused jumper wire from terminal B5 to terminal B2 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B).

Does the scan tool Tow/Haul Mode indicate a status change?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 3

3

Using the J 39200 digital multimeter (DMM) and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check the voltage at terminal B5 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check the voltage at terminal C1-B12 of the body control module (BCM).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect circuit 553 (LT BLU) for an open or shorted condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or shorted condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Inspect the BCM for proper operation.

Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control System.

Is the inspection complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

7

  1. Install a fused jumper wire from terminal B5 to terminal B2 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B).
  2. Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check for voltage at terminal C2-C9 of the mid bussed electrical center (MBEC).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8

Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check for voltage at terminal C1-F2 of the MBEC.

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

9

Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check for voltage at terminal E of splice pack 203 (SP203).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

10

Inspect circuit 1850 (BLK) between terminal B2 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B) and terminal C2-C9 of the MBEC for an open or shorted condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or shorted condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

11

Replace the MBEC.

Refer to Fuse Block Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

12

Inspect circuit 1850 (BLK) between terminal C1-F2 of the MBEC and terminal E of splice pack 203 (SP203) for an open or shorted condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or shorted condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

13

Repair the circuit.

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

14

Repair splice pack 203 (SP203).

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Replace the tow/haul switch.

Refer to Shift Lever Replacement - On Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

After the repair is complete, observe Tow/Haul Mode on the scan tool display, while cycling the tow/haul switch.

Does the scan tool display Active when the switch is first pressed, and then Inactive when the switch is pressed again?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1

Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative 4.8L and 5.3L


Object Number: 412924  Size: LF
Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics V8 Gas
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

Tow/haul mode enables the operator to achieve enhanced shift performance when towing or hauling a load. When tow/haul mode is selected, the tow/haul switch input signal to the body control module (BCM) is momentarily toggled to zero volts. This signals the powertrain control module (PCM) to extend the length of time between upshifts and increase transmission line pressure. Cycling the tow/haul switch again disables tow/haul mode and returns the transmission to a normal shift pattern.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the wiring at the BCM, the mid bussed electrical center (MBEC) and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions:
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Reduced terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
       - Moisture intrusion
       - Corrosion
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
    • If the electrical circuit checks are OK and the tow/haul shift pattern is not occurring, there may be a mechanical/hydraulic condition that prevents tow/haul operation. Refer to Symptom Diagnosis .

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for a faulty tow/haul switch.

  2. This step tests for voltage input from the BCM to the tow/haul switch.

  3. This step tests for voltage through the MBEC.

  4. This step tests for ground integrity at the splice pack.

Tow/Haul Switch Circuit Check (4.8L and 5.3L)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Cycle the tow/haul switch while observing Tow/Haul Mode on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display Active when the switch is first pressed, and then Inactive when the switch is pressed again?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Disconnect the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B) from the tow/haul switch.
  2. Install a fused jumper wire from terminal B5 to terminal B2 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B).

Does the scan tool Tow/Haul Mode indicate a status change?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 3

3

Using the J 39200 digital multimeter (DMM) and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check the voltage at terminal B5 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check the voltage at terminal C1-B12 of the body control module (BCM).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect circuit 553 (LT BLU) for an open or shorted condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or shorted condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Inspect the BCM for proper operation.

Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control System.

Is the inspection complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

7

  1. Install a fused jumper wire from terminal B5 to terminal B2 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B).
  2. Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check for voltage at terminal C2-C9 of the mid bussed electrical center (MBEC).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8

Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check for voltage at terminal C1-F2 of the MBEC.

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

9

Using the J 39200 DMM and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, check for voltage at terminal E of splice pack 203 (SP203).

Is ignition voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

10

Inspect circuit 1850 (BLK) between terminal B2 of the I/P wiring harness connector (C201B) and terminal C2-C9 of the MBEC for an open or shorted condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or shorted condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

11

Replace the MBEC.

Refer to Fuse Block Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

12

Inspect circuit 1850 (BLK) between terminal C1-F2 of the MBEC and terminal E of splice pack 203 (SP203) for an open or shorted condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or shorted condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Aids

13

Repair the circuit.

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

14

Repair splice pack 203 (SP203).

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Replace the tow/haul switch.

Refer to Shift Lever Replacement - On Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

After the repair is complete, observe Tow/Haul Mode on the scan tool display, while cycling the tow/haul switch.

Does the scan tool display Active when the switch is first pressed, and then Inactive when the switch is pressed again?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1