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by Larry Frash

TRANSMISSION THERAPY

The 4L30E Files:

The computer connector looks

impossible to back-probe.
Figure 1

Remove this screw that holds the shield

to the connector

shield

Figure 2

hen diagnosing a transmission electrical problem, its

often necessary to monitor
signals by back-probing the computer
connector. However, 1990-93 Troopers
and 1991-93 Rodeos make this task
very difficult for two reasons. First, the
connector looks as though its impossible to back-probe (figure 1). Second,
once you access the connector, you
soon learn that there are absolutely no
voltage specifications available...any-

Remove tape from rubber boot

Figure 3

26

GEARS August 2003

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4:02 PM

where. This lack of information makes

it very difficult to diagnose these vehicles. Even though these vehicles are
over 10 years old, something had to be
done.
In this edition of Transmission
Therapy, well show you how to access
the computer connector and supply you
with the voltage specifications. This
information is often useful when diagnosing trouble codes and driveability
problems. Then well cover code
retrieval and focus on the most common solenoid codes.

Back-probing the Computer

The first step when trying to backprobe the computer connector is to
locate the computer: Look for it behind
the drivers side of the dash, to the left
of the steering column. Then follow
these easy steps:
Unbolt the transmission computer from its bracket.
Disconnect the computer and
remove the screw that holds
the shield to the connector
(figure 2).
Remove the tape from the rubber boot (figure 3) and slide
the shield up the harness and
away from the connector (figure 4).
Once you have the shield
removed, plug the connector
back into the computer (figure
5).
That solves the first problem: Now
you can back-probe the computer connector.
Figure 6 shows the computer connector as viewed from the wire side.
Figure 7 (page 30), lists the function of
each pin, with the correct voltage values.

Code Retrieval
90-91
Look for a two pin diagnostic connector, located under the dash, behind
the hood release. Ground the wire that
is yellow with a black stripe.
92-93
Look for a three pin diagnostic
connector, located under the dash to the
GEARS August 2003

Page 27

left of the center console. Ground the

wire that is yellow with a black stripe.
Some of these connectors are hard
to find and often rest next to similarlooking connectors. If you cant find
the diagnostic connector or arent sure
which one to use, you can simply
ground pin 25 at the computer connector on all 1990-93 models.

Reading Trouble Codes

The Check Trans light will flash
the codes. The first set of flashes indicate the tens digits, a short pause and
then the ones digits. For example, to
display a code 43, the computer would
flash the Check Trans light four
times, a short pause, then flash three
more times. The computer will repeat
each code three times, with a long
pause between each code. Even without
any problems, the first code will always
be a code 12. This simply means that
the computer is in diagnostic mode. See
figure 8 (page 32), for a complete code
list.

1-2/3-4, 2-3 & Band

Solenoids system tests

Apply

Well call these three solenoids the

main case solenoids. During initial
start-up, the computer runs the solenoid
circuits through a series of tests. The
main case solenoids must pass all three
tests.
Test one:
The computer checks for a short to
ground on pins 43, 45 and 48 (figure 9,
page 32). If there is a short to ground on
any of these three circuits, the computer will set solenoid shorted to ground
codes (17, 26 and/or 35), turn off all
three solenoid drivers (transistors in the
computer) and stop testing. This will
cause the transmission to be in failsafe.
If all three circuits pass this test, the
computer will go to test two.
Test two:
The main case solenoids are supplied ground from the computer
through what well call the ground
relay, located inside the computer (figure 10, page 32). Before the computer
turns the ground relay on, it monitors
the solenoid side of the relay by pulsing
the three main case solenoid drivers on
27

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Page 28

The 4L30E Files: DE-CLASSIFIED

and off several times. Since the relay is
open, the computer expects to see the
voltage alternate 0-12-0-12 on pin
54 (figure 11, page 32). If the computer only sees 12 volts (figure 12, page
34), it knows there is either a short to
B+ or one of the solenoid drivers is
stuck on. If the computer only sees zero
volts on pin 54 (figure 13, page 34), it
knows that either the circuit is shorted
to ground, has an open in all three solenoids or all three solenoid drivers are
stuck off. In either of these situations,
the computer will set a code 43 and not
turn the relay on. Once a code 43 is set
the computer will also turn all three
solenoid drivers off and stop testing.
Keep in mind, the computer only pulses the solenoids for about 0.25 seconds
during this test and is best seen with an
LED or an oscilloscope.
If the ground relay passes this test,
the relay is turned on and supplies
ground to the three main case solenoids
allowing test three to begin. Note:
Because the computer stops monitoring
the ground circuit once the relay is
turned on, a code 43 will not set after
the initial test is complete, even if there
is an intermittent open in the ground
circuit.
Test three:
Once the ground relay is closed
and supplies ground to the main case
solenoids, the computer can check for
open circuits and shorts to B+ on pins
43, 45 and 48 (figure 14, page 34). If
there are, the computer will set solenoid codes for open or shorted to B+
(25, 28 and/or 34) and turn all three
solenoid drivers off. Keep in mind, if
the ground relay contacts are burnt, the
computer will think there is an open in
all three main case solenoids.
However, because the computer only
monitors the solenoid side of the
ground relay (pin 54), it will not set a
code 43 even though the ground relay
is bad.
During normal operation, the
computer is constantly checking for
shorts to ground, open circuits and
shorts to B+ on pins 43, 45 and 48. If
any main case solenoid code is set, the
computer will turn all three solenoid
drivers off and turn off the ground
relay.
28

Slide the shield up the harness and

away from the connector

connector

Figure 4

Once you have

removed the
shield, plug the
connector
back into the
computer.
Figure 5

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
Connector viewed from the wire side.

Diagnosis
To diagnose any main case solenoid codes including code 43, discon-

Figure 6

nect the computer. With the key on,

engine off, check for positive voltage
on pins 43, 45, 48 and 54 and then
GEARS August 2003

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Page 29

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The 4L30E Files: DE-CLASSIFIED

90-93 Isuzu Trooper/91-93 Rodeo Pin Charts

PinFunction

Condition

A/C Request

AC off
AC on

2
3
4
5
6

Cruise Control
N/A
N/A
N/A
TPS

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

23
24
25
26
27
28
29

30

Idle
Full Throttle
Power Mode Indicator Not in Power Mode (Light Off)
In Power Mode (Light On)
Range Selector Pin C Manual P, R & N
Manual D, 3, 2 & L
N/A
Winter Mode Indicator Not in Winter Mode (Light Off)
In Winter Mode (Light On)
Engine RPM 91-92
Frequency varies with
Rodeo, 90-91 Trooper
engine rpm
N/A
Diagnostic
VSS Ground
Always
Kickdown Switch
All Except Full Throttle
Full Throttle
Ground
Always
Ground
Always
Ground
Always
Ground
Always
VSS Signal
Vehicle Stopped
Vehicle Moving
A/C Cut Relay
Fluid Temp
32 F (0 C)
68 F (20 C)
176 F (80 C)
248 F (120 C)
Range Selector Pin A Manual N, D & L
Manual P, R, 3 & 2
5 V Reference Voltage Key Off
Key On
Diagnostic Enable
Normal
During Code Retrieval
Range Selector Pin B Manual P, 2 & L
Manual R, N, D & 3
N/A
Keep Alive Power
Always
Check Trans Indicator Check Trans Light Off
Check Trans Light On

Signal
0V
B+

PinFunction
30
31

0.5 V
4.5 V
B+
0V
0V
B+
B+
0V

32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

< 0.10 V
B+
0V
< 0.10 V
< 0.10 V
< 0.10 V
< 0.10 V
0 V AC
> 0.5 VAC
4.4 V
3.6 V
1.0 V
0.4 V
0V
B+
0V
5V
B+
0V
0V
B+
B+
B+
0V

40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Coolant Temp

Condition

Signal

Engine Temp Cold

Engine Temp Warm
Winter Mode Switch Switch Released
Switch Depressed
N/A
Range Selector Pin G Manual R, D & 2
Manual P, N, 3 & L
Power Mode Switch
Switch Released
Switch Depressed
N/A
Ground
Always
Ignition
Key Off
Key On
TCC Solenoid
Lockup Off
Lockup On
Brake Switch
Brake Pedal Released
Brake Pedal Depressed
Force Motor High
Minimum Pressure
Maximum Pressure
Force Motor Low
Minimum Pressure
Maximum Pressure
N/A
2-3 Solenoid
Solenoid Off
Solenoid On
N/A
Band Apply Solenoid Not Active
Active
N/A
N/A
1-2 / 3-4 Solenoid
Solenoid Off
Solenoid On
N/A
Barometric Sensor
(Some Models)

51
52
53

N/A
N/A
Reference Voltage

54

Solenoid Ground

55

Engine RPM
93 Rodeo,
92-93 Trooper

B+
0V
B+
0V
0V
B+
B+
0V
< 0.10 V
0V
B+
0V
B+
B+
0V
1.0 Amp
0.1 Amp
1.0 Amp
0.1 Amp
0V
B+
0% duty
Approx 51%
0V
B+
-

Key Off
0V
Key On
5V
Normal Operation
0V
W/code 43, 17, 25, 26, 28, 34 or 35 B+
Frequency varies with
engine rpm
Figure 7

GEARS August 2003

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5:06 PM

Page 31

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Page 32

The 4L30E Files: DE-CLASSIFIED

Band Apply Sol

Trouble Codes

Pin 45

17
21
22
23

25
26
28
29
31

32
33
34
35
36
39
41
43

46
48
49
55
56
65
66
77
82

1-2/3-4 Shift Solenoid shorted to

ground
TPS voltage too high (above
4.9V)
TPS voltage too low (below
0.06V)
Engine Coolant Switch voltage
too high. Note: Code will set
if engine is not at operating temperature after 20 minutes running time.
1-2/3-4 Shift Solenoid open or
shorted to B+
2-3 Shift Solenoid shorted to
ground
2-3 Shift Solenoid open or shorted to B+
TCC Solenoid shorted to ground
No Engine RPM signal (no signal
above 19 mph with TPS above
12%)
Force Motor circuit open (current
less than 0.095A)
Force Motor circuit shorted to B+
(current higher than 1.5A)
Band Apply Solenoid open or
shorted to B+
Band Apply Solenoid shorted to
ground
TCC Solenoid open or shorted to
B+
No VSS signal
Gear Ratio Error
Ground Control Circuit open,
shorted to ground or shorted to
B+
Down Shift Error
Low Battery Voltage (below 9.0V
at TCM pin 37)
High Battery Voltage (above 16V
at TCM pin 37)
EPROM Failure (bad computer)
Mode Switch input incorrect
Transmission Temp Sensor circuit open
Transmission Temp Sensor circuit shorted to ground
Kickdown Switch shorted to
ground (stuck closed)
Mode Switch input incorrect

The computer
checks for shorts
to ground on
Pins 43, 45
and 48

1-2/3-4 Sol
D

Pin 48

2-3 Sol
A

Pin 43

CPU

Pin 54

Main Case Connector

Ground Relay Open

System Test 1

Figure 9

Band Apply Sol

Pin 45

1-2/3-4 Sol
Pin 48

System
Test 2

2-3 Sol
Pin 43

CPU

Pin 54

C
A

Main Case Connector

The ground relay supplies

Ground Relay Open
a constant ground to the
solenoids only if the system passes all tests.

Figure 10

Band Apply Sol

Pin 45
The computer
pulses battery
voltage (B+) to
pins 43, 45 and 48
Pin 48
and monitors
these pulses on
pin 54.

Pin 43

1-2/3-4 Sol

System
Test 2
continued

2-3 Sol
A

CPU

Pin 54

Figure 8

Main Case Connector

check for continuity to chassis ground

on the same pins. There should be no
voltage and no ground on either of
these pins. If there is, use the wire diagram in figure 9 to re-wire the circuit
that failed this test from the computer to
32

Ground Relay Open

Figure 11

the main case solenoids.

Next, check the resistance of each
of the main case solenoids using the

chart in figure 15, page 38. If one or

more of these circuits failed this test,
you either have a bad solenoid or a bad
GEARS August 2003

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Page 34

The 4L30E Files: DE-CLASSIFIED

Band Apply Sol
Pin 45

1-2/3-4 Sol
Pin 48

System
Test 2
continued

The computer only needs to

see the voltage pulse from

one of the main case sole2-3 Sol

Pin 43

noids, so testing this circuit

is actually simple.

CPU

Pin 54

C
A

Main Case Connector

Ground Relay Open

If the computer sees B+ on pin 54 all the time during

this test, it knows there is either a short to B+ or one of
the solenoid drivers are stuck on.

Figure 12

Band Apply Sol

B

Pin 45

1-2/3-4 Sol
D

Pin 48

System
Test 2
continued

2-3 Sol
A

Pin 43

Code 43 (Solenoid ground circuit)

CPU

Pin 54

Main Case Connector

Ground Relay Open

If the computer sees zero volts all the time during this test, it knows there
is either a short to ground, open in all three solenoids or all three solenoid drivers are stuck off.
Figure 13
Band Apply Sol
Pin 45

1-2/3-4 Sol
Pin 48

2-3 Sol
Pin 43

CPU

Pin 54

If system tests
1 and 2 pass, the
ground relay is
closed and supplies
a constant ground
to the solenoids.
Once the relay is
closed, the computer begins test 3 to
check for open
circuits and shorts
to B+.

C
A

Main Case Connector

Ground Relay Open

34

connection between the computer and

the solenoid. Re-wire and/or replace
the solenoid in the circuit that failed the
test as necessary. You may also have a
problem in the ground wire between
pin 54 and the main case solenoids, or
the ground relay contacts are burnt.
If there is no voltage and no
ground on these pins, and the solenoid
resistance readings are correct, there is
a good chance that these codes are
being caused by a bad computer. Use
the following tests to rule out a bad
computer.

System Test 3

The computer only needs to see

the voltage pulse from one of the main
case solenoids, so testing this circuit is
actually simple. Clear any codes by
disconnecting the computer. Cut the
wires on pins 48 and 54 approximately
one inch from the computer connector.
Connect the two wires from the computer through a 27 ohm/25 watt resistor. Plug the computer connector into
the computer, turn the key on and
check codes. If code 43 is set, the computer is bad. If code 43 does not set,
something was overlooked during the
initial testing of the circuit.

Codes 26 and/or 28 (2-3 solenoid

codes)
Clear codes by disconnecting the
computer. Cut the wire on pin 43
approximately one inch from the computer connector. Splice pin 43 from the
computer into the wire at pin 54
through a 27 ohm/25 watt resistor (figure 16, page 38). Plug the computer
connector into the computer, turn the
key on and check codes. If codes 26
and/or 28 are set, the computer is bad.

Figure 14

GEARS August 2003

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10:35 AM

Page 35

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36-motorcraft 8-03.qxd

7/10/03

2:49 PM

Page 36

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37-motorcraft 8-03.qxd

7/10/03

2:51 PM

Page 37

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Page 38

The 4L30E Files: DE-CLASSIFIED

Main case solenoid resistance chart

Computer Pins Solenoid Resistance
Connect ohm meter between pins 43 & 54 2-3 Shift Solenoid 17-24 ohms
Connect ohm meter between pins 45 & 54 Band Apply Solenoid 9-14 ohms
Connect ohm meter between pins 48 & 54 1-2/3-4 Shift Solenoid 17-24 ohms
Figure 15

Cut pin 43 approximately one inch from the computer connector.

2-3 Sol
Pin 43

Computer

Pin 54

Splice pin 43 into the wire at pin 54 through a

27 ohm/25 watt resistor.
Figure 16

Cut pin 45 approximately one inch from the computer connector.

Band Apply Sol
Pin 45

Computer

Pin 54

Splice pin 43 into the wire at pin 54 through a

27 ohm/25 watt resistor.
Figure 17

Cut pin 48 approximately one inch from the computer connector.

1-2/3-4 Sol
Pin 48

Computer

Pin 54

Splice pin 43 into the wire at pin 54 through

a 27 ohm/25 watt resistor.
Figure 18

38

GEARS August 2003

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Page 39

If codes 26 and/or 28 do not set, something was overlooked during the initial
testing of the circuit.

Codes 34 and/or 35 (Band apply

solenoid codes)
Clear codes by disconnecting the
computer. Cut the wire on pin 45
approximately one inch from the computer connector. Splice pin 45 from the
computer into the wire at pin 54
through a 27 ohm/25 watt resistor (figure 17). Plug the computer connector
into the computer, turn the key on and
check codes. If codes 34 and/or 35 are
set, the computer is bad. If codes 34
and/or 35 do not set, something was
overlooked during the initial testing of
the circuit.

Codes 17 and/or 25 (1-2/3-4 solenoid codes)

Clear codes by disconnecting the
computer. Cut the wire on pin 48
approximately one inch from the computer connector. Splice pin 48 from the
computer into the wire at pin 54
through a 27 ohm/25 watt resistor (figure 18). Plug the computer connector
into the computer, turn the key on and
check codes. If codes 17 and/or 25 are
set, the computer is bad. If codes 17
and/or 25 do not set, something was
overlooked during the initial testing of
the circuit.
Because the computer has three
separate tests for the main case solenoids and because it stops testing at the
first sign of trouble, dont be surprised
if different codes are set after you successfully repair the original ones. This
also makes it very important to clear
codes after each repair. Codes are easily cleared by disconnecting the computer. Remember to always turn the
key off when disconnecting and connecting any computer.
Isuzu has created some interesting
diagnostic dilemmas for technicians.
But if you stick to a careful diagnostic
strategy, you should have no problem
getting these vehicles out of your service bays and back on the road.

GEARS August 2003

39