GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1455560  Size: LF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The transmission range (TR) switch is part of the park/neutral position (PNP) and back-up lamp switch assembly, which is externally mounted on the transmission manual shaft. The TR switch contains four internal switches that indicate the transmission gear range selector lever position. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies ignition voltage to each switch circuit. As the gear range selector lever is moved, the state of each switch may change, causing the circuit to open or close. An open circuit or switch indicates a high voltage signal. A closed circuit or switch indicates a low voltage signal. The PCM detects the selected gear range by deciphering the combination of the voltage signals. The PCM compares the actual voltage combination of the switch signals to a TR switch combination chart stored in memory.

Diagnostic Aids

Refer to Transmission Range Switch Logic for valid combinations of switch signal circuits A, B, C and Parity. On the table, HI indicates an ignition voltage signal. LOW indicates a zero voltage signal.

Test Description

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

  1. By disconnecting the TR switch, the ground path of all TR switch circuits would be removed and the PCM should recognize all circuits as open. The scan tool should display HI for all range signal states.

  2. This step tests the TR switch wiring for an open or the lack of the signal voltage from the PCM.

  3. This step tests the TR switch wiring and the PCM by providing a ground path through a fused jumper wire. When grounded, the scan tool range signal states should change to LOW.

  4. This step tests the TR switch wiring and the PCM by providing a ground path through a fused jumper wire. When grounded, the scan tool range signal states should change to LOW.

  5. This step tests the TR switch wiring and the PCM by providing a ground path through a fused jumper wire. When grounded, the scan tool range signal states should change to LOW.

  6. This step tests the TR switch wiring and the PCM by providing a ground path through a fused jumper wire. When grounded, the scan tool range signal states should change to LOW.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Select the TR Sw. on the scan tool.
  4. With the scan tool, observe the TR Sw. display while selecting each transmission range: P, R, N, D4, D3, D2 and D1.

Does each selected transmission range match the scan tool TR Sw. display?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Observe the IPC gear range display while selecting each transmission range: P, R, N, D4, D3, D2, D1.

Does each selected transmission range match the IPC display?

--

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L

Go to Step 13

3

With the scan tool, observe the TR Sw. A/B/C/P display.

Does the scan tool TR Sw. A/B/C/P parameter indicate HI for all range signal states?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the TR switch connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool TR Sw. A/B/C/P parameter indicate HI for all range signal states?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Disconnect the IPC connector. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

Did the affected circuit display HI?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Using the DMM and the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the voltage from terminal 5 of the TR switch connector to ground.
  2. Measure the voltage from terminal 6 of the TR switch connector to ground.
  3. Measure the voltage from terminal 8 of the TR switch connector to ground.
  4. Measure the voltage from terminal 4 of the TR switch connector to ground.

Does the voltage measure within the specified value at all four terminals?

10-12 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 12

7

Connect a fused jumper wire from terminal 5 of the TR switch connector, signal circuit A, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TR Sw. A/B/C/P parameter.

When signal circuit A is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

8

Connect a fused jumper wire from terminal 4 of the TR switch connector, signal circuit B, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TR Sw. A/B/C/P parameter.

When signal circuit B is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

9

Connect a fused jumper wire from terminal 6 of the TR switch connector, signal circuit C, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TR Sw. A/B/C/P parameter.

When signal circuit C is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

10

Connect a fused jumper wire from terminal 8 of the TR switch connector, signal circuit P, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TR Sw. A/B/C/P parameter.

When signal circuit P is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

11

Test the signal circuits of the TR switch that did not indicate HI for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 17

12

Test the signal circuits of the TR switch and the PCM that did not indicate proper voltage for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 17

13

Test the signal circuits of the TR switch between the PCM and the IPC for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 18

14

Test the affected signal circuits of the TR switch for a shorted together condition. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 16

15

Test the ground circuit of the TR switch for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 16

16

Replace the TR switch. The TR switch is part of the park/neutral position switch. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

17

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

18

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

19

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the TR Sw. display while selecting each transmission range: P, R, N, D4, D3, D2 and D1.

Does each selected transmission range match the scan tool TR Sw. display?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2