Powertrain

Transmission Cooling - Diagnosis and Testing

9steps
~54min
2/5difficulty
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Inspection and Verification

  1. Verify the customer concern.
  2. Visually check for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
  3. If an obvious cause for the observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  4. If the cause is not visually apparent, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart

Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart

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).

Diagnostic Trouble Code Description Action
P1783 Transmission Over-Temperature If DTC P2681 or P2683 is set, GO to Pinpoint Test A.
P2681 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Control Circuit/Open GO to Pinpoint Test A
P2683 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Control Circuit High GO to Pinpoint Test A

Symptom Chart - Transmission Cooling

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).

Symptom Possible Sources Action
  • Transmission Overheating
  • Transmission fluid cooler or transmission fluid cooler tube is restricted.
  • Transmission fluid cooler tubes are kinked or crushed.
  • Transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve is stuck closed (if equipped).
  • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler, transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid thermal bypass valve for damage or blockage. INSTALL new components as necessary.
  • Transmission fluid warmer coolant control valve is stuck.
  • INSTALL a known good coolant control valve. CHECK the system for normal operation.
  • Leaks in the system
  • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler and transmission fluid cooler tubes for leaks. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Internal transmission concerns

  • REFER TO: Automatic Transmission - 1.5 L EcoBoost (118 kW/160 L PS) - I4 (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission - 6F35, Diagnosis and Testing).
    REFER TO: Automatic Transmission - 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L PS) - MI4 (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission - 6F35, Diagnosis and Testing).
    REFER TO: Automatic Transmission - 2.5 L Duratec (125 kW/170 L PS) (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission - 6F35, Diagnosis and Testing).
  • Vibration - high frequency (20-80 Hz), felt through the seat or shift lever. Varies with engine speed.
  • Transmission fluid cooler tubes are grounded.
  • CHECK the transmission fluid cooler lines.
    REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Cooler Lines — 1.5 L EcoBoost (110 kW/150 L hp) — I4 (307-02A Transmission Cooling — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Cooler Lines — 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L hp) — MI4 (307-02A Transmission Cooling — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Cooler Lines — Duratec 2.5 L (307-02A Transmission Cooling — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, Removal and Installation).

Check the Transmission Fluid Level and Condition

NOTICE: Do not drive the vehicle if the transmission fluid level indicator shows the transmission fluid level below the minimum mark. Doing so may result in transmission fluid overheating or internal damage.

If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather, or while towing a trailer, the transmission fluid may need to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.

The transmission fluid level indicator reading will vary depending on the operating temperature and the ambient temperature. The correct reading must be within the normal operating temperature range.

Checking the Transmission Fluid Level

To check the transmission fluid level,
REFER TO: Checking the Transmission Fluid Level (307-01A Automatic Transmission — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, General Procedures).

High Transmission Fluid Level

A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to agitation by the rotating internal components. This will result in unstable control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid through the vent tube, and possible transmission malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill condition is indicated,
REFER TO: Checking the Transmission Fluid Level (307-01A Automatic Transmission — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, General Procedures).

Low transmission fluid level

A transmission fluid level that is too low may cause poor gear engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. It may also indicate a leak at one of the transmission seals or gaskets.

Checking the Transmission Fluid Condition

  1. Check the transmission fluid level,
    REFER TO: Checking the Transmission Fluid Level (307-01A Automatic Transmission — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, General Procedures).
  2. Remove a small amount of transmission fluid from the transmission fluid level plug opening and drop the transmission fluid onto a white facial tissue. Inspect the stain.
  3. If solid material is found, remove the transmission fluid pan for further inspection.
  4. If transmission fluid contamination or a transmission malfunction is confirmed by sediment in the transmission fluid pan, repair the transmission and clean the transmission fluid lines and the transmission fluid cooler.
  5. If the transmission is being overhauled or a new transmission is being installed, the transmission fluid cooler must be back-flushed.
    REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Cooler — Back-Flushing and Cleaning (307-02A Transmission Cooling — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, General Procedures).

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test A: P2681

For 1.5 L GTDI
For circuit and connector information, refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 27.

For 2 L GTDI
For circuit and connector information, refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 24.


PINPOINT TEST A: TRANSMISSION FLUID WARMER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE
A1 RETRIEVE AND RECORD ALL DTCS
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, retrieve all DTCs.

Was DTC P2681 set?
Yes GO to A2
No The concern may not be with the transmission fluid heater. Electrical system of the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve. REFER TO the Symptom Chart.
A2 CHECK BJB (BATTERY JUNCTION BOX) FUSE 12 (15A)
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Remove BJB fuse 12 (15A).
  • Check BJB fuse 12 (15A).

Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes GO to A4
No GO to A3
A3 CHECK THE POWER CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Disconnect the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve C1702.
  • Inspect the terminals for damage or pushed-out pins.
  • Action.
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-1 Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to A5
No REPAIR the circuit.
A4 CHECK THE POWER CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR AN OPEN
  • Install the fuse.
  • Disconnect the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve C1702.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action.
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-1 Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing Ground

Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
Yes GO to A6
No REPAIR the circuit.
A5 CHECK THE CONTROL CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Disconnect PCM C1915B 1.5 L GTDI.
  • Disconnect PCM C1381B 2 L GTDI.
  • Action.
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-2 Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to A6
No REPAIR the circuit.
A6 CHECK THE CONTROL CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR AN OPEN
  • Disconnect PCM C1915B 1.5 L GTDI.
  • Disconnect PCM C1381B 2 L GTDI.
  • Action.
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-2 Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing C1915B-40
    C1702-2 Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing C1381B-81

Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes GO to A7
No REPAIR the circuit.
A7 CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE
  • Action.
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1702-1, component side Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing C1702-2, component side

Is the resistance within 15-25 ohms?
Yes
Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and TestingClick here to access the guided routine (PCM).Ford Fusion. Transmission Cooling. Diagnosis and Testing Internet Explorer version 11 or later is required to perform this Pinpoint Test.
DOWNLOAD the transmission strategy,
REFER TO: Downloading the Transmission Strategy (307-01A Automatic Transmission — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, General Procedures).
No INSTALL a new transmission fluid heater coolant control valve.
REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Heater Control Valve (303-03A Engine Cooling — 1.5 L EcoBoost (118 kW/160 L hp) — I4, Removal and Installation).
REFER TO: Transmission Fluid Heater Control Valve (303-03B Engine Cooling — 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L hp) — MI4, Removal and Installation).

Test yourself

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