Allison 1000 & 2000 Gen 4 Fault Codes: P0717 Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION:
The speed sensors are variable reluctance devices which convert mechanical motion to an AC voltage. Each sensor consists of a wire coil wrapped around a pole piece that is adjacent to a permanent magnet. These elements are contained in a housing which is mounted adjacent to a rotating ferrous member. Two signal wires extend from one end of the housing and an exposed end of the pole piece is at the opposite end of the housing. The permanent magnet produces lines of flux around the pole piece. As a ferrous object (such as a gear tooth) approaches and passes through the gap at the end of the pole piece, an AC voltage pulse is induced in the wire coil. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) calculates the frequency of these AC pulses and converts it to a speed value. The AC voltage generated varies from 150 mV at low speed to 15V at high speed. The signal wires from the sensor are formed as twisted pairs to cancel magnetically induced fields. The cable is also shielded to protect from voltage related fields. Noise from other sources is eliminated by using two-wire differential inputs at the TCM.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC:
Components are powered and the ignition voltage is greater than 9V and less than 18V (12V TCM) or greater than 18V or less than 32V (24V TCM).

DTC P0721, P0722, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, or P1718 is not active.

When unrealistic large change in turbine speed is detected.
1. Engine is running.
2. Shift is not in process.
3. Range attained is not neutral.
4. Transmission fluid temperature is above -25°C (-13°F).

When unrealistic low turbine speed is detected.
1. Engine is running.
2. Shift is not in process.
3. Range attained is not neutral.
4. Transmission fluid temperature is above -25°C (-13°F).
5. Transmission output speed is at or above 150 rpm or engine speed is at or above 400 rpm.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC:
DTC P0717 is set when one of the following conditions occur:
1. Unrealistic large change in turbine speed. A Failure pending is set if an unrealistic change in transmission turbine speed is detected at or above 800 rpm. The failure pending response is to lock in the current range.
2. Unrealistic low value in turbine speed. A failure pending is set if turbine speed is detected below 61 rpm. A failure is set when turbine speed is below 61 rpm and output speed is detected above 500 rpm for more than 1 second.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS:
When DTC P0717 is active, the following conditions will occur:
1. If failure occurs while in a forward range and a shift has been completed, the transmission will remain in the current range.
2. If failure occurs while in a forward range and a shift is in progress, the transmission will return to the previous range, except in post-shift state; then the transmission will continue to the commanded range.
3. If failure occurs under other conditions, the transmission shifts to 1st, 3rd, or 5th.
4. If the shift selector is moved to N (Neutral), R (Reverse), or any other forward range, the transmission will lock in N (Neutral).

DTC P0717 is stored in the TCM history.

The CHECK TRANS light illuminates.

The TCM freezes shift adapts (DNA).

The TCM inhibits TCC engagement.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE DTC/CHECK TRANS LIGHT:
A Scan Tool may be used to clear the code from the TCM history. The TCM automatically clears the DTC from the TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without the DTC recurring.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS:
Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the TCM. Look for the following conditions:
1. A bent terminal.
2. A backed-out terminal.
3. A damaged terminal.
4. Poor terminal tension.
5. A chafed wire.
6. A broken wire inside the insulation.

You may have to drive the vehicle in order to experience a fault.

If the condition is intermittent, connect the Scan Tool and select the speed sensor indicated by the code. If the signal is erratic, investigate and eliminate the following:
1. Intermittent wiring connection
2. Excessive vibration (driveline or engine torsionals)
3. Irregular sensor gap (loose sensor, loose tone wheel, or damaged tone wheel)

Install a known good speed sensor and see if normal function is restored to rule out an internal short or open in the sensor removed.

Check that the speed sensor wiring consists of twisted pairs at the rate of 12 to 16 twists per 300 mm. These twists must extend the entire length of the wiring harness to within at least 50 mm of the speed sensor connector.

Install a known good TCM, if available. If the DTC does not return, reinstall the old TCM to verify the repair.