TSB: K010/98

ERRATIC SHIFTING, O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHES WITH MIL ON

APPLICABLE MODELS

1995-98 Protege (BA, BB, BC) VINs lower than JM1BC14W0226549.

1992-95 MX-3 (EC).

DESCRIPTION

The following concerns may occur as a result of the valve body harness (transaxle fluid temperature sensor circuit) being pinched by a metal clip which is attached to the transmission control valve body, causing a short/open circuit.

• Incorrect shift points.

• Excessive shift shock.

• Excessive select shock (neutral to drive, neutral to reverse).

• O/D OFF indicator light flashes.

• MIL illuminated with maybe DTC P0710 or P0711 (Transaxle Fluid Temperature Sensor Malfunction) stored in the PCM.

Vehicles manufactured after the VIN listed above have a protective sleeve installed around the harness to prevent the above concerns.

Customers complaining of this concern should have their vehicle repaired according to the following procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer complaint.

2. Remove intake air hose and related parts and disconnect the solenoid connector.

3. t the valve body harness (transmission side), measure the resistance across the terminals as shown.

4. Compare the resistance value to the resistance specifications in the following table.

ATF Temperature Co (Fo)	Resistance Specification (W)
	1992-95 MX-3 1995-96 Protege	1997-98 Protege
20 (68)	21,000 - 25,000 W	2,250 - 3,140 W
40 (104)	10,000 - 12,100 W	1,100 - 1,470 W
60 (140)	5,400 - 6,300 W	580 - 750 W
80 (176)	3,000 - 3,400 W	320 - 410 W
100 (212)	1,700 - 2,000 W	190 - 240 W
120 (248)	1,100 -1,200 W	120 - 150 W
130 (266)	860 - 920 W	101 - 114 W

• If there is no continuity, or sensor resistance is out of specification, replace the valve body harness (coupler) with modified part. Proceed to STEP 7.

• If within specification, proceed to STEP 5.

5. Check for continuity between each terminal and transaxle case.

• If there is no continuity, proceed to STEP 8.

• If there still is continuity, a short circuit exists at another location within the harness. Replace the valve body harness (coupler) with a modified part. Proceed to STEP 7.

6. Remove the transaxle oil pan. Inspect the transaxle fluid temperature sensor wires for shorts against the metal clip which is attached to the control valve body as shown. If the wires are exposed due to insulation being worn away at the clip, wind the newly established part (tube) around the damaged location. Then, confirm there is no continuity between each terminal and the transaxle case.

NOTE: After protective tube is installed to wiring, make sure tube is located under metal clip.

• If there is no continuity, no problem exists in the transaxle fluid temperature sensor. Refer to troubleshooting procedures in the Workshop Manual for MIL stored in PCM.

• If there is continuity to ground, proceed to STEP 6.

7. Install a modified solenoid valve body harness (coupler) using the following steps.

1. Disconnect valve body harness from valve body.

2. Remove valve body.

3. Remove manual plate and related components as necessary.

   NOTE: Study component arrangement before disassembly.

4. Remove valve body harness from transaxle case by depressing two tabs and push harness down through transaxle case.

   

5. Install modified valve body harness, manual plate and related components.

   

   NOTE: After installing modified valve body harness, be sure the protective tube is located under metal clip.

8. Install remaining parts in reverse order of removal.

9. Verify repair.

PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.