DTC P0801 Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit

Circuit Description

An ignition voltage is supplied to the Reverse Inhibit solenoid. The PCM controls the solenoid by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The driver supplies the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low (near 0 volts). When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage). If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status changes causing the DTC to set.

When the Reverse Inhibit solenoid energizes, the operator can shift the transmission into reverse. The PCM enables the Reverse Inhibit solenoid whenever vehicle speed is below 5 mph. When the vehicle speed is above 5 mph, the PCM de-energizes the solenoid, which prevents the operator from shifting the transmission into reverse.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

• Engine speed is greater than 600 RPM.
• The PCM detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match.
• Condition must exist for a minimum of 10.0 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
• The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
• The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

• A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
• A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
• Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

• Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can aid in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid determining how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
• Low system voltage can cause this DTC to set. When reviewing captured data, verify if a low system voltage condition was present at the time the DTC was stored in memory.

Test Description

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

2. Listen for an audible click when the solenoid operates. Command both the ON and the OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

3. This test can detect a partially shorted coil which would cause excessive current flow. Leaving the circuit energized for 2 minutes allows the coil to warm up. When warm the coil may open (Amps drop to 0), or short (goes above 1.5 Amp).

7. Listen for an audible click as the solenoid operates. Repeat the procedure as necessary.

13. If you find no trouble in the control circuit or the connection at the PCM, the PCM may be faulty. However, this is an extremely unlikely failure.

14. The repair is not complete if the scan tool indicates that the diagnostic ran and failed.

Step	Action	Value(s)	Yes	No
1	Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?	--	Go to Step 2	Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2	Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF. Command the solenoid ON and OFF using a scan tool. Does the solenoid turn ON and OFF when commanded?	--	Go to Step 3	Go to Step 5
3	Turn OFF the Ignition. Disconnect the PCM connector C1 located on the opposite side of the manufacturer's logo. Turn ON the ignition. Important If the DMM goes to 0 replace the relay. Measure the current from the solenoid control circuit in the PCM harness connector to ground for 2 minutes using the DMM J 39200 on 40 Amp scale. Does the Current draw measure less than the value shown (but not 0)?	1.5A	Go to Diagnostic Aids	Go to Step 4
4	Turn OFF the Ignition. Disconnect the solenoid. Measure the resistance from the solenoid control circuit in the PCM harness connector to ground using the DMM J 39200 . Does the DMM display infinite resistance?	--	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 10
5	Turn OFF the Ignition. Disconnect the solenoid. Connect the test lamp J 34142-B between the terminals in the solenoid harness connector. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF. Command the solenoid ON and OFF using a scan tool. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF when commanded?	--	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 6
6	Probe the ignition feed circuit in the solenoid harness connector with the test lamp connected to ground. Is the test lamp illuminated?	--	Go to Step 7	Go to Step 11
7	Turn OFF the Ignition. Reconnect the solenoid. Disconnect the PCM connector C1 located on the opposite side of the manufacturer's logo. Refer to PCM Replacement/Programming . Turn ON the ignition. Using a fused jumper wire connected to ground, momentarily probe the solenoid control circuit in the PCM harness connector. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems. Does the solenoid turn ON when the circuit is grounded and OFF when the circuit is opened?	--	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 10
8	Inspect for poor connections at the solenoid. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. If you find a poor connection, repair as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	--	Go to Step 14	Go to Step 12
9	Inspect for poor connections at the PCM . Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. If you find a poor connection, repair as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	--	Go to Step 14	Go to Step 13
10	Repair the faulty solenoid control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the repair complete?	--	Go to Step 14	--
11	Repair the faulty solenoid ignition feed circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the repair complete?	--	Go to Step 14	--
12	Replace the solenoid. Refer to Reverse Lockout Solenoid in Manual Transmission MM6. Is the replacement complete?	--	Go to Step 14	--
13	Important Program the replacement PCM. Refer to PCM Replacement/Programming . Replace the PCM. Is the action complete?	--	Go to Step 14	--
14	Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC option using the scan tool. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool. Operate vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable. Does the scan tool indicate that this test passed?	--	Go to Step 15	Go to Step 2
15	Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?	--	Go to the applicable DTC table	System OK