Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

1-2 and 2-3 Shift Solenoid Valves









The shift solenoid valves are two identical, normally open, electronic exhaust valves that control upshifts and downshifts in all forward gear ranges. These shift solenoid valves work together in a combination of On and Off sequences in order to control the positions of the 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift valve trains. The PCM monitors numerous inputs in order to determine the appropriate solenoid state combination and the transmission gear for the vehicle operating conditions.

Park, Reverse, Neutral*
Solenoid 1-2: ON
Solenoid 2-3: ON
First
Solenoid 1-2: ON
Solenoid 2-3: ON
Second
Solenoid 1-2: OFF
Solenoid 2-3: ON
Third
Solenoid 1-2: OFF
Solenoid 2-3: OFF
Fourth
Solenoid 1-2: ON
Solenoid 2-3: OFF


* NOTE: The solenoid states are normally ON (1-2) and OFF (2-3) in P,R,N.
However, these may change based on the vehicle speed and the
throttle position.

The PCM energizes the shift solenoids by providing a ground to the solenoid's electrical circuit. This sends a current through the coil winding of the solenoid, thereby creating a magnetic field. The magnetic field repels the plunger inside the solenoid. This seats the solenoid metering all against the fluid inlet port. This action prevents the exhaust of fluid through the solenoid and provides an increase in fluid pressure at the end of the shift valves. This fluid pressure initiates an upshift by moving the shift valves.

Shift solenoid resistance should measure between 1024 ohms when measured at 20° C (68° F) and between 24-31 ohms when measured at 88° C (190° F).

The shift solenoid valves should energize when the voltage is greater than 7.5 volts. The shift solenoid valves should de-energize when the voltage is less than one volt.