Powertrain

Diagnosis and Testing — Transmission Cooling

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The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Inspection and Verification

NOTICE: When internal wear or damage occurs in the transmission, metal particles, clutch plate material and band material can enter the torque converter, transmission fluid cooler tubes, transmission fluid cooler, transmission fluid warmer (if equipped) and cooler bypass valve (if equipped). These contaminants are the primary cause of repeat transmission concerns. To prevent future concerns, remove these contaminants from the cooling system by performing the Transmission Fluid Cooler and Cooler Tube Backflushing and Cleaning procedure before returning the transmission to service.

  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the vehicle to duplicate the condition.
  2. If the inspection reveals obvious faults that can be easily identified, repair as necessary.
  3. Install new components if a transmission fluid leak is found in any of the transmission cooling components.
  4. If the cause is not visually evident, check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Refer to the DTC Chart.
  5. If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present, check the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart

Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart


Module Trouble Code Description Action
PCM P0218:00 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Overheat Condition: No Sub Type Information GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P1783:00 Transmission overtemperature condition: no subtype information GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P2681:00 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit/Open GO to Pinpoint Test B
PCM P2683:00 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve A Control Circuit High GO to Pinpoint Test B

Symptom Chart - Transmission Cooling

Symptom Chart - Transmission Cooling


Condition Action
Transmission Overheating GO to Pinpoint Test C
Engine Coolant in Transmission Fluid GO to Pinpoint Test D

Symptom Chart - NVH


Symptom Chart - NVH


Condition Action
Vibration - High Frequency (20-80 Hz) felt through the seat or selector lever. Changes with engine speed GO to Pinpoint Test E

Pinpoint Tests


SPECIFIC TEST A: DTCS P0218, P1783

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

The TFT sensor is a temperature-dependent resistor that is in contact with the transmission fluid in the transmission sump area. The PCM monitors the voltage drop across the TFT sensor, which changes as transmission fluid temperature changes. If the PCM detects an overheating condition, it sets a DTC and may limit engine torque to prevent further overheating.

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Trouble Code Description Fault Trigger Condition
PCM P0218:00 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Overheat Condition: No Sub Type Information This DTC indicates that the PCM has detected transmission fluid overheating. This DTC will limit transmission torque to prevent further overheating.
PCM P1783:00 Transmission overtemperature condition: no subtype information This DTC indicates that the PCM has detected transmission fluid overheating.

Possible Sources

  • TFT Sensor Circuit Malfunction
  • Transmission Fluid Warmer Control Valve
  • Transmission Overheating Condition
A1 CHECK TFT (TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE) SENSOR CIRCUIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, perform KOEO and KOER PCM self-test.

Are there any TFT sensor circuit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)?
Yes First RESOLVE all TFT sensor circuit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
REFER TO: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 2.3 L EcoBoost (201 kW/273 L PS) (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
REFER TO: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 3 L EcoBoost (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
REFER TO: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 3.3 L Duratec-V6 (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
No GO to A2
A2 CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID WARMER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
  • Retrieve all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with KOEO and KOER. Perform a PCM self-test.

Are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2681 and/or P2683 present?
Yes GO to Pinpoint Test B
No To diagnose the overheating concern, GO to Pinpoint Test C.
PINPOINT TEST B: DTCS P2681 AND P2683

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 30 for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve. The valve is an electrically controlled solenoid that allows or blocks the flow of engine coolant through the transmission fluid cooler. This electrically controlled valve is normally open when de-energized. The valve receives battery voltage when the ignition is in the RUN or START position and is grounded by the PCM through a low-side driver. The PCM monitors the solenoid and the electrical circuits for electrical faults and sets the appropriate DTC.

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Trouble Code Description Fault Trigger Condition
PCM P2681:00 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Control Circuit/Open: No Sub-type Information This diagnostic trouble code indicates an open circuit in the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve circuit.
PCM P2683:00 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Control Circuit High: No Sub-type Information This diagnostic trouble code indicates a short to power in the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve circuit.

Possible Sources

  • Damaged or backed-out terminals, corrosion, loose wires, and missing or damaged seals
  • Transmission Fluid Warmer Control Valve
  • PCM
B1 RETRIEVE AND RECORD ALL DTCS
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, perform KOEO and KOER PCM self-test.

Are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2681 and/or P2683 present?
Yes GO to B2
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by a loose connector.
B2 CHECK THE VOLTAGE IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT
  • Disconnect the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve C1702.
  • Inspect the terminals for damage or pushed-out pins.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-1 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes For DTC P2681, GO to B3. For DTC P2683, GO to B5.
No For vehicles with 2.3 L EcoBoost or 3 L EcoBoost engine, CHECK fuse BJB F14 (15A).
For vehicles with 3.3 L Duratec V6 engine, CHECK fuse BJB F12 (15A).
If the fuse is OK, REFER to the Wiring Diagrams Manual to locate and repair the open circuit.
If the fuse is not OK, REFER to the Wiring Diagrams Manual to locate and repair the short to ground.
B3 CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect the PCM C1381B (for vehicles with 2.3 L EcoBoost engine).
  • Disconnect the PCM C1551T (for vehicles with 3 L EcoBoost engine).
  • Disconnect the PCM C175T (for vehicles with 3.3 L Duratec V6 engine).
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors

    2.3 L EcoBoost


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-2 C1381B-70

    Click to display the connectors

    3 L EcoBoost


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-2 C1551T-33

    Click to display the connectors

    3.3 L Duratec


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-2 C175T-33

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to B4
No REPAIR the circuit.
B4 CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-2 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to B5
No REPAIR the circuit.
B5 CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve, component side, pin 1 Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve, component side, pin 2

Is the resistance between 15 and 30 ohms?
Yes
Click here to access the guided routine (PCM). Internet Explorer version 11 or later is required to perform this Pinpoint Test. After programming a new PCM, PERFORM the transmission strategy download.
REFER TO: Transmission Strategy Download (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, General Procedures).
No INSTALL a new transmission fluid heater coolant control valve. For 2.3 L EcoBoost engines,
REFER to: Engine Cooling (303-03A Engine Cooling - 2.3 L EcoBoost (201 kW/273 L PS), Diagnosis and Testing).
For 3 L EcoBoost engines: REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve (303-03B Engine Cooling - 3 L EcoBoost, Removal and Installation).
For 3.3 L Duratec-V6 engines: REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve (303-03C Engine Cooling - 3.3 L Duratec-V6, Removal and Installation).
PINPOINT TEST C: TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

  • Kinked or collapsed transmission fluid cooler coolant hoses
    • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler coolant hoses for damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to: Transmission Cooling - Component Location (307-02A Transmission Cooling - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Description and Operation).
  • Damaged transmission fluid cooler
    • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler for damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Fluid Cooler (307-02A Transmission Cooling - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Removal and Installation).
  • System leaks
    • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler for leaks. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Cooling - Component Location (307-02A Transmission Cooling - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Description and Operation).
  • Excessive vehicle loading or towing, severe vehicle use
    • For additional information on vehicle loading, gross vehicle weight and trailer towing, REFER to the Owner's Literature.
  • Incorrect transmission fluid level, condition or type
    • CHECK the transmission fluid level. ADJUST the transmission fluid level as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Fluid Level Check (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, General Procedures).
    • TAKE a transmission fluid sample and inspect for debris or contamination. REFER to: Preliminary Inspection (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
    • If any transmission fluid or transmission additive other than the recommended fluid has been added, PERFORM a transmission fluid change. REFER to: Specifications (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, Specifications).
      REFER to: Transmission Fluid Change (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R60, General Procedures).
  • Engine overheating
    • CHECK the engine cooling system for proper operation. For 2.7L EcoBoost 2.3 L engines, REFER TO: Engine Cooling (303-03A Engine Cooling – 2.3 L EcoBoost (201 kW/273 L hp), Diagnosis and Testing).
      For 3.5L EcoBoost 3 L engines, REFER TO: Engine Cooling (303-03B Engine Cooling – 3 L EcoBoost, Diagnosis and Testing).
      For 3.5L Duratec-V6 3.3 L engines, REFER TO: Engine Cooling (303-03C Engine Cooling – 3.3 L Duratec-V6, Diagnosis and Testing).
  • Transmission cooling system is blocked or restricted
    • PERFORM Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning procedure. If transmission cooler flow remains low after backflushing, INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Cooler – Backflushing and Cleaning (307-02A Transmission Cooling – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, General Procedures).
  • Transmission fluid warmer coolant control valve malfunction
    • INSTALL a new transmission fluid warmer coolant control valve. For 2.7L EcoBoost 2.3 L engines, REFER TO: Engine Cooling (303-03A Engine Cooling – 2.3 L EcoBoost (201 kW/273 L hp), Diagnosis and Testing).
      For 3.5L EcoBoost 3 L engines, REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Warmer Coolant Control Valve (303-03B Engine Cooling – 3 L EcoBoost, Removal and Installation).
      For 3.5L Duratec-V6 3.3 L engines, REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Warmer Coolant Control Valve (303-03C Engine Cooling – 3.3 L Duratec-V6, Removal and Installation).
  • Internal transmission concerns
    • RETRIEVE any transmission performance Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) or symptoms, especially those related to TCC or clutch applications. REFER TO: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests – 2.3 L EcoBoost (201 kW/273 L hp) (307-01A Automatic Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
      REFER TO: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests – 3 L EcoBoost (307-01A Automatic Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
      REFER TO: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests – 3.3 L Duratec-V6 (307-01A Automatic Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
    • CHECK the internal transmission components for wear or damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER TO: Transmission (307-01A Automatic Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Overhaul).

Possible Sources

  • Transmission fluid cooler lines damaged or clogged
  • Transmission fluid cooler damaged or clogged
  • Incorrect transmission fluid level or type
  • Transmission Fluid Warmer Control Valve
  • Internal transmission components
No diagnostic actions are available for this symptom or DTC. Refer to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
PINPOINT TEST D: ENGINE COOLANT IN TRANSMISSION FLUID

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

  • Internal leakage in the transmission fluid cooler
    • INSTALL a new transmission fluid cooler. REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Cooler (307-02A Transmission Cooling – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Removal and Installation).
    • PERFORM the necessary repairs related to water contamination in the transmission fluid. REFER TO: Preliminary Inspection (307-01A Automatic Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Diagnosis and Testing).
      REFER TO: Transmission (307-01A Automatic Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Overhaul).

Possible Sources

  • Transmission Fluid Cooler
No diagnostic actions are available for this symptom or DTC. Refer to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
PINPOINT TEST E: VIBRATION - HIGH FREQUENCY (20-80 HZ) FELT THROUGH THE SEAT OR SELECTOR LEVER. CHANGES WITH ENGINE SPEED

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

  • Transmission fluid cooler coolant hoses
    • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler coolant hoses for proper routing and installation. REPAIR or INSTALL new parts as necessary. REFER TO: Transmission Cooling – Component Location (307-02A Transmission Cooling – 10-Speed Automatic Transmission – 10R60, Description and Operation).

Possible Sources

  • Transmission fluid cooler coolant hoses
No diagnostic actions are available for this symptom or DTC. Refer to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

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