Transmission Cooling - Diagnosis and Testing
Inspection and Verification
- Verify the customer concern.
- Visually check for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
- If an obvious cause for the observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
- 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 |
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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
- Check the transmission fluid level,
REFER TO: Checking the Transmission Fluid Level (307-01A Automatic Transmission — 6-Speed Automatic Transmission — 6F35, General Procedures). - 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.
- If solid material is found, remove the transmission fluid pan for further inspection.
- 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.
- 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 | |||||||||||||
Was DTC P2681 set?
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| A2 CHECK BJB (BATTERY JUNCTION BOX) FUSE 12 (15A) | |||||||||||||
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
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| A3 CHECK THE POWER CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR A SHORT TO GROUND | |||||||||||||
Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
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| A4 CHECK THE POWER CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR AN OPEN | |||||||||||||
Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
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| A5 CHECK THE CONTROL CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR A SHORT TO GROUND | |||||||||||||
Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
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| A6 CHECK THE CONTROL CIRCUIT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE FOR AN OPEN | |||||||||||||
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
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| A7 CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATER COOLANT CONTROL VALVE | |||||||||||||
Is the resistance within 15-25 ohms?
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Test yourself
A quick Ford Fusion quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.






Click here to access the guided routine (PCM).
Internet Explorer version 11 or later is required to perform this Pinpoint Test.