For 1990-2009 cars

### 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 short to ground in the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) circuit, then DTC P0973 sets. DTC P0973 is a type A DTC.

### DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0973 Shift Solenoid (SS) 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM.

• | The system voltage is 10.2-15.5 volts.

• | Trans. protection mode is OFF.

• | The TCM commands the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) ON.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

The reverse, 1st SS valve (S1) feedback circuit indicates a continuous short to ground 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 or I 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.

• | 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 P0973 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 numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. This step tests the TCM and the wiring to the transmission.

2. This step verifies that the circuit has the correct resistance.

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 |

1. Install a scan tool.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

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).

3. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
4. Clear the DTC.
5. Start the engine.
6. Select Shift Solenoid 1 CKT Status on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display indicate a Short to GND?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

3 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the AT inline 14-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
3. Using the J 35616 GM-Approved Terminal Test Kit, connect a test lamp between the high control circuit of the shift solenoid 1 at the harness side of the AT inline 14-way connector and B+.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4 | Test the control circuit of the Shift Solenoid 1 (S1) for a short to ground between the TCM connector C2 and the AT inline 14-way connector. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 10
5 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Using the digital multimeter (DMM) and the J 35616 , measure the resistance between the high control circuit of the shift solenoid 1 at the transmission side of the AT inline 14-way connector and ground.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

8.4-22.6 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6 |

1. Leave the DMM test leads connected.
2. Remove the control valve body cover.
3. Disconnect the black - connector from the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1).

Does the resistance measure less than the specified value?

100 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7 | Measure the resistance between the high control circuit of the shift solenoid 1 and all other terminals of the transmission side of the AT inline 14-way connector. Does the resistance measure less than the specified value? | 100 ohms | Go to Step 8 | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
8 | Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | --
9 | Replace the reverse, 1st SS valve (S1). Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | --
10 | Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | --
11 | 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 P0973.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 12

12 | With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info, and DTC info. Does the scan tool display any DTC's that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle | System OK