Allison 3000 & 4000 Gen 4 Fault Code: P0970 Pressure Control Solenoid 3 (PCS3) Control Circuit Low

DIAGNOSTIC RESPONSE:
DNS, SOL OFF (hydraulic default)

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION:
Pressure Control Solenoid 3 (PCS3) is a normally closed solenoid used to apply the C5 clutch in Reverse, Neutral, and First and to apply the C3 clutch in Third and Fifth ranges. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) commands the solenoid ON to produce hydraulic pressure in the clutch apply circuit. When PCS3 is commanded OFF, the clutch pressure is released. The TCM sends control current to PCS3 from High Side Driver 2 (HSD2) via wire 171. HSD2 is continuously ON unless the TCM detects a fault condition. The TCM regulates the amount of current to PCS3 by switching PCS3 low side driver ON and OFF. Wire 133 completes the circuit between PCS3 and its low side driver. DTC P0970 indicates that the TCM has detected a failed low condition in the PCS3 electrical circuit. The failed low condition may exist in the high side (wire 171) or low side (wire133).

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC:
TCM initialized normally and engine speed above 200 rpm.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC:
This DTC sets when the TCM detects PCS3 low side driver has been detected in a failed low state.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS:
When DTC P0970 is active.
1. If failure occurs while in a forward range, then shift to another forward range. If failure occurs while in Neutral (N), the transmission remains in Neutral (N). If failure occurs while in Reverse, the transmission remains in Reverse or shift to Neutral (N). Once range is attained, transmission will be locked in range. There is no response to shift selector requests.
2. DTC is stored in the TCM history.
3. The CHECK TRANS light illuminates.
4. The TCM freezes shift adapts (DNA).

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE DTC:
Use the diagnostic tool to clear the DTC from the TCM history. The TCM automatically clears the DTC from the TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without failure.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS:
DTC P0970 can be caused by:
1. PCS3 issues such as:
– W133 shorted to another wire or ground in chassis harness.
– W133 (terminal 9 of 20-way) shorted to another wire or ground in internal transmission harness.
– PCS3 defective.
2. Broken or defective connector assemblies allowing pushed back pins to short together.
3. Unlocked connectors, missing seal plugs allowing moisture in connectors.
4. Defective TCM.

Review applicable information in Control System and Transmission Specifications to find additional circuit specifications, system and connector diagrams, and troubleshooting tips.