GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P1818 5.3L


Object Number: 1454510  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics (5.3L)
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch consists of 5 pressure switches and a transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor combined into one unit. The combined unit mounts on the valve body. The transmission control module (TCM) supplies ignition voltage for each range signal. By grounding one or more of these circuits through various combinations of the pressure switches, the TCM detects which manual valve position you select. The TCM compares the actual voltage combination of the switches to a TFP manual valve position switch combination chart stored in memory.

The TFP manual valve position switch cannot distinguish between PARK and NEUTRAL because the monitored valve body pressures are identical. With the engine OFF and the ignition switch in the ON position, the TFP manual valve position switch indicates PARK/NEUTRAL. Disconnecting the AT inline 20-way connector removes the ground potential for the 3 range signals to the TCM. In this case, with the engine OFF, and the ignition switch in the ON position, D2 will be indicated.

When the TCM detects an invalid state of the TFP manual valve position switch circuit by deciphering the TFP manual valve position switch inputs, then DTC P1818 sets. DTC P1818 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P1818 Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) Valve Position Switch Indicates Drive without Drive Ratio

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No OSS DTCs P0722, or P0723.
    • No SS DTCs P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0973, P0974, P0976 or P0977.
    • No TFP DTCs P1810, P1815 or P1816.
    • The system voltage is 8-18 volts.
    • The throttle position is greater than 8 percent.
    • The engine speed is greater than 650 RPM for 5 seconds.
    • OSS speed is 100 RPM or greater.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P1818 sets when the TCM detects the following condition for 13 seconds.

PARK/NEUTRAL or FORWARD range indicated with a reverse gear ratio.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM commands 4th gear.
    • The TCM forces the TCC ON in 4th gear.
    • At the time of the first failure, the TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record.
    • At the time of the second failure, the ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame.
    • The TCM stores DTC P1818 in TCM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The ECM 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 DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the default actions when the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Refer to the Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Logic for the normal range signals and the invalid combinations. On the table, LOW is 0 volts, HI is ignition voltage.
    • Sediment in the valve body may cause improper operation of the TFP manual valve position switch. If sediment intrusion is suspected, clean the valve body and replace the TFP manual valve position switch.

Test Description

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

  1. This step compares the indicated range signal to the selected manual valve position.

  2. This step tests for correct voltage from the TCM to the AT inline 20-way connector.

DTC P1818

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Inspect for correct transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Did you perform the fluid checking procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  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 Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the TCM.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  7. Apply the brake pedal.
  8. Select each transmission range: P, R, N, D4, D3, D2 and D1.

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

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector, additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

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

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install the J 44152 Jumper Harness (20 pins) on the engine side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Using the DMM and the J 35616 GM Terminal Test Kit, measure the voltage from the transmission fluid pressure switch signal A circuit of the J 44152 to ground. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .
  5. Measure the voltage from the transmission fluid pressure switch signal B circuit of the J 44152 to ground.
  6. Measure the voltage from the transmission fluid pressure switch signal C circuit of the J 44152 to ground.

Does the voltage measure within the specified range at all three terminals?

10-12 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

6

Connect a fused jumper wire from the J 44152 , transmission fluid pressure switch signal circuit A, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TFP Sw. A/B/C parameter.

When the transmission fluid pressure switch signal circuit A is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Connect a fused jumper wire from the J 44152 , transmission fluid pressure switch signal circuit B, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TFP Sw. A/B/C parameter.

When the transmission fluid pressure switch signal circuit B is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

Connect a fused jumper wire from the J 44152 , transmission fluid pressure switch signal circuit C, to ground while monitoring the scan tool TFP Sw. A/B/C parameter.

When the transmission fluid pressure switch signal circuit C is grounded, do any other signal circuits indicate LOW?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

9

Test the signal circuits of the TFP manual valve position switch that did not indicate HI for a short to ground between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

10

Test the signal circuits of the TFP manual valve position switch that did not indicate ignition voltage for an open between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

11

Test the affected signal circuits of the TFP manual valve position switch for a shorted together condition between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

12

Test the signal circuits of the TFP manual valve position switch for an open or shorted condition between the TFP manual valve position switch and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find a condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

13

Replace the AT wiring harness. Refer to Valve Body and Pressure Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

14

Replace the TFP manual valve position switch. Refer to Valve Body and Pressure Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Drive the vehicle through all forward gears.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P1818.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 2

17

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