GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0842:  Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) Switch 1 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0843:  Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) Switch 1 Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

TFP Switch 1 Signal

P0842

P0843

P0843

--

TFP Switch 3 Signal

P0872

P0873

P0873

--

TFP Switch 4 Signal

P0877

P0878

P0878

--

TFP Switch 5 Signal

P0989

P0990

P0990

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

TFP Switches

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine running, normal operating temperature

Parameter Normal Range: 12 Volts = Hi, 0 Volts = Low

TFP Switch 1

Low

Hi

Hi

TFP Switch 3

Low

Hi

Hi

TFP Switch 4

Low

Hi

Hi

TFP Switch 5

Low

Hi

Hi

Circuit/System Description

The transmission fluid pressure (TFP) switch 1 is part of the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly and is not serviced separately. The TCM supplies 12 volts to the TFP Switch 1 on the TFP Switch 1 signal circuit; the TFP Switch 1 has an internal case ground. TFP Switch 1 is normally closed, Low. When oil pressure is present at the TFP Switch 1, the switch is Open, High. The normally high clutch pressure control (PC) solenoid 2 controls the transmission fluid to the 3-5-R clutch. The TCM monitors the normally closed TFP Switch 1 signal circuit to determine the 3-5-R clutch status.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No DTCs P0120, P0711, P0712, or P0713.
    • No DTCs P0965, P0966, P0967, P0968, P0969, P0970, or P0971.
    • No DTCs P0973, P0974, P0976, P0977, P2719, P2720, P2728, P2729, or P2730.
    • No DTCs P1825 or P1915.
    • Ignition voltage is between 11-15 volts.
    • The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is 20-150°C (68-302°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0842

The TCM detects that the TFP switch 1 signal voltage remains low, 0 volts when the 3-5-R clutch is commanded ON for 5 seconds.

P0843

The TCM detects that the TFP switch 1 signal voltage is high, 12 volts when the 3-5-R clutch is commanded OFF.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTCs P0842 and P0843 are Type C DTCs.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0842 and P0843 are Type C DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Automatic Transmission Inline 16-Way Connector End View
    •  Automatic Transmission Internal Connector End Views
    •  Automatic Transmission Related Connector End Views

DTC Type Reference

    •  Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
    •  Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

Electrical Information Reference

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

Circuit/System Verification

If there are any other transmission related DTCs set, diagnose those DTCs first.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ensure the TFT is near the temperature displayed in the Failure Records.
  2. Start the engine and observe the TFP Switch 1 parameter while moving the range selector lever from Park to Reverse. The TFP Switch 1 should transition from Hi in Park to Low in Reverse.
  3. If the TFP Switch 1 parameter does not change, perform the Control Solenoid Valve and Transmission Control Module Assembly Inspection .
    If no concerns are found, replace the control solenoid valve and TCM assembly.

Component Testing

Perform the Control Solenoid Valve and Transmission Control Module Assembly Inspection .

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

  1. Control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly replacement. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.
  2. Perform the Service Fast Learn Adapts .