3.CHECK LINE PRESSURE CONNECTOR AND WIRING
Ignition on, engine not running.
With the scan tool, monitor the Line Pressure Sensor voltage while wiggling the wiring harness and connectors
pertaining to the Line Pressure Sensor/Variable Force Solenoid Assembly.
Did the voltage remain steady while wiggling the wiring harness and connectors?
Ye s>>
Go To 4
No>>
Disconnect and properly reconnect the Line Pressure Sensor/Variable Force Solenoid Assembly con-
nector. Inspect terminals and repair as necessary.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
4.CHECK PCM AND WIRING
Turn the ignition off to the lock position.
Remove the Ignition Switch Feed fuse from the TIPM.
CAUTION: Removal of the Ignition Switch Feed fuse from the TIPM will prevent the vehicle from being
startedingear.
WARNING: The Ignition Switch Feed fuse must be removed from the TIPM. Failure to do so can result in
personal injury or death.
Install the Transmission Simulator,Miller tool #8333 and the ElectronicTransmission Adapter kit.
With the Transmission Simulator select the
OFFposition on theInput/Output Speedswitch.
Ignition on, engine not running.
With the scan tool, monitor the Line Pressure during the following step.
With the Transmission Simulator, turn the selector switch to each of the 3 Line Pressure positions.
NOTE: All three scan tool Line Pressure readings should be steady and ± 14 kPa or 2.0 psi of the reading
specified on the Transmission Simulator.
Did the Line Pressure read within ± 14 kPa or 2.0 psi in all three positions?
Ye s>>
Using the schematics as a guide, check the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)terminals for corrosion,
damage, or terminal push out. Pay particular attention to all power and ground circuits. If no problems
are found, replace the PCM per the Service Information. With the scan tool,perform QUICK LEARN.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
No>>
Repair internal transmission and inspect the oil pump per the Service information and replace if neces-
sary. If no problems are found, replace the Line Pressure Sensor/VariableForce Solenoid Assembly —
possible cause is the Pressure Control Solenoid is stuck.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
5.CHECK WIRING AND CONNECTORS
The conditions necessary to set this DTC are not present at this time.
Using the schematics as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors specifictothiscircuit.
Wiggle the wires while checking for shorted and open circuits.
With the scan tool, check the DTC EVENT DATA to help identify the conditionsin which the DTC was set.
Where there any problems found?
Ye s>>
Repair as necessary.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
No>>
Te s t C o m p l e t e .
P0944-LOSS OF HYDRAULIC PUMP PRIME
For a complete wiring diagramRefer to Section 8W.
When Monitored:
Every 350 msec
Set Condition:
If the transmission begins to slip in any forward gear, and the pressure switch or switches that should be
closed for a given gear are open, a loss of prime test begins. All available elements (in 1st gear LR, 2/4 and
OD, in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear 2/4 and OD) are turned on by the PCM to see if pump prime exists. The code
is set if none of the pressure switches respond. The PCM will continue to runthe loss of prime test until pump
pressure returns. The vehicle will not move or the transmission will slip.Normal operation will continue if pump
prime returns.
Possible Causes
LOW TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
SHIFT LEVER POSITION
PLUGGED TRANSMISSION FILTER
TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP
Always perform the 42RLE Pre-Diagnostic Troubleshooting procedure before proceeding. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Theory of Operation
The Loss of Prime Test is used to prevent transmission defaults and erroneous fault codes during temporary loss of
pump prime that may occur with low transmission fluid under severe brakingconditions, start-up, etc. and to point
towards more subtle problems such as a plugged or ruptured oil filter. The Loss of Prime fault is set by a loss of
hydraulic pressure in the transmission system. This condition, if sustained, will result in the vehicle being unable to
move.
Diagnostic Test
1.CHECK TO SEE IF DTC P0944 IS CURRENT
Place the gear selector in park.
Start the engine.
NOTE: The Transmission Temperature must be at least 43° C (110° F) before performing the following steps.
The Transmission must be at operating temperature prior to checking pressure. Cold transmission fluid will result in
higher pressure readings.
Place the Transmission in Reverse.
With the scan tool, observe the Transmission Pressure Switch states.
Are any of the Pressure Switches closed?
Ye s>>
Go To 2
No>>
Go To 4
2.INTERMITTENT OPERATION
The conditions necessary to set this DTC are not present at this time.
Test drive the vehicle. Allow the Transmission to shift through all gears and ranges.
Was a delayed engagement and/or a no drive condition present during the testdrive?
Ye s>>
Go To 4
No>>
Go To 3
3.INTERMITTENT WIRING AND CONNECTORS
The conditions necessary to set this DTC are not present at this time.
Using the schematics as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors specifictothiscircuit.
Wiggle the wiring while checking for shorted and open circuits.
With the scan tool, check the EVENT DATAto help identify the conditions in which the DTC was set.
Were there any problems found?
Ye s>>
Repair as necessary.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
No>>
Te s t C o m p l e t e .
4.SHIFT LEVER POSITION TEST
With the scan tool, perform a Shift Lever Position test. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Did the Shift Lever Position Test pass?
Ye s>>
Go To 5
No>>
Perform the diagnostic procedure for P0706-CHECK SHIFTER SIGNAL.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
5.CHECK FOR PLUGGED TRANSMISSION FILTER
Remove the Transmission Pan and inspect the Transmission Fluid and Transmission Filter per the Service Informa-
tion.
Does the Transmission Oil Pan contain excessive debris and/or is the Oil Filter plugged?
Ye s>>
Repair the cause of the plugged Transmission Filter. Refer to the Service Information for the proper
repair procedure.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
No>>
Replace the Transmission Oil Pump per the Service Information.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
3.CHECK TO SEE IF DTC P1776 IS CURRENT
With the scan tool, check the STARTS SINCE SET counter for P1776.
NOTE: This counter only applies to the last DTC set.
Is the status Active or is the STARTS SINCE SET counter 2 or less for this DTC?
Ye s>>
Go To 4
No>>
Go To 9
4.CHECK THE PCM AND WIRING USING THE TRANSMISSION SIMULATOR
Turn the ignition off to the lock position.
Remove the Ignition Switch Feed fuse from the TIPM.
CAUTION: Removal of the Ignition Switch Feed fuse from the TIPM will prevent the vehicle from being
startedingear.
WARNING: The Ignition Switch Feed fuse must be removed from the TIPM. Failure to do so can result in
personal injury or death.
Install the Transmission Simulator,Miller tool #8333 and the ElectronicTransmission Adapter kit.
Ignition on, engine not running.
With the Transmission Simulator, turn the Pressure Switch selector switchtoL/R.
With the scan tool, monitor the L/R Pressure Switch State while pressing the Pressure Switch Test button.
Did the Pressure Switch state change from open to closed when the test button was pressed?
Ye s>>
Go To 5
No>>
Go To 6
5.CHECK THE SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE FOR STICKING
Remove the transmission oil pan and Valve body and inspect the Solenoid Switch Valve for sticking in its bore,
repair or replace as necessary.
NOTE: This DTC may be caused by debris lodged in the Transmission Solenoid Switch Valve bore. If debris
is found, clean the valve body and reassemble the transmission per the Service Information.
With the scan tool, record the DTC EVENT DATA for P1776 and erase DTCs.
Reassemble the transmission and test drive the vehicle. Try to duplicate the original set conditions using the DTC
EVENT DATA recorded earlier.
With the scan tool, check Transmission DTCs.
Did the DTC P1776 reset?
Ye s>>
Replace the Transmission Solenoid Assembly per the Service Information.
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
No>>
Te s t C o m p l e t e
Perform 42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
page page
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - SERVICE
INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION ............................... 391
OPERATION ................................. 393
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............... 398
ROAD TEST ............................... 399
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTS............ 400
CLUTCH AIR PRESSURE TESTS........... 402
FLUID LEAKAGE.......................... 403
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR .......................... 404
REMOVAL ................................... 404
DISASSEMBLY .............................. 406
ASSEMBLY .................................. 428
INSTALLATION .............................. 451
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
42RLE - WITHOUT VARIABLE LINE
PRESSURE............................... 455
42RLE - WITH VARIABLE LINE PRESSURE . . 469
SPECIFICATIONS
42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........ 479
SPECIAL TOOLS
42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........ 481
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION ............................... 485
OPERATION ................................. 486
SEAL-ADAPTER HOUSING
REMOVAL ................................... 487
INSTALLATION .............................. 487
BEARINGS
ADJUSTMENTS
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES.... 488
MECHANISM-BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
INTERLOCK
DESCRIPTION ............................... 489
OPERATION ................................. 489
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK ......... 489
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK ......................... 489
CLUTCHES-DRIVING
DESCRIPTION ............................... 491
OPERATION ................................. 491
SEAL-EXTENSION HOUSING
REMOVAL ................................... 492
INSTALLATION .............................. 492
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CAUSES OF BURNT FLUID ................. 493EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL . . . . 493
FLUID CONTAMINATION ................... 493
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUID LEVEL CHECK...................... 493
FLUID/FILTER SERVICE .................... 494
TRANSMISSION FILL ...................... 495
CABLE-GEARSHIFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE .................................... 496
REMOVAL ................................... 496
INSTALLATION .............................. 497
ADJUSTMENTS - GEARSHIFT CABLE ......... 498
CLUTCHES-HOLDING
DESCRIPTION ............................... 499
OPERATION ................................. 499
ASSEMBLY-INPUT CLUTCH
DISASSEMBLY .............................. 500
ASSEMBLY .................................. 509
SENSOR-INPUT SPEED
DESCRIPTION ............................... 523
OPERATION ................................. 523
REMOVAL ................................... 523
INSTALLATION .............................. 524
SENSOR-VARIABLE LINE PRESSURE
DESCRIPTION ............................... 525
OPERATION ................................. 525
REMOVAL ................................... 525
INSTALLATION .............................. 526
PUMP-OIL
DESCRIPTION ............................... 527
OPERATION ................................. 527
DISASSEMBLY .............................. 527
ASSEMBLY .................................. 529
SENSOR-OUTPUT SPEED
DESCRIPTION ............................... 530
OPERATION ................................. 530
REMOVAL ................................... 530
INSTALLATION .............................. 531
GEARTRAIN-PLANETARY
DESCRIPTION ............................... 532
OPERATION ................................. 532
SEAL-OIL PUMP
REMOVAL ................................... 533
INSTALLATION .............................. 533
SOLENOID-PRESSURE CONTROL
DESCRIPTION ............................... 534
OPERATION ................................. 534
REMOVAL ................................... 534
INSTALLATION .............................. 535
The 42RLE is a four-speed transmission that is a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly controlled with adap-
tive electronic controls and monitors. The hydraulic system of the transmission consists of the transmission fluid,
fluid passages, hydraulic valves, and various line pressure control components. An input clutch assembly which
houses the underdrive, overdrive, and reverse clutches is used. It also utilizes separate holding clutches: 2nd/4th
gear and Low/Reverse. The primary mechanical components of the transmission consist of the following:
Three multiple disc input clutches
Two multiple disc holding clutches
Four hydraulic accumulators
Two planetary gear sets
Hydraulic oil pump
Valve body
Solenoid/Pressure switch assembly
Control of the transmission is accomplished by fully adaptive electronics. Optimum shift scheduling is accomplished
through continuous real-time sensor feedback information provided to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) por-
tion of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The TCM is the heart of the electronic control system and relies on information from various direct and indirect
inputs (sensors, switches, etc.) to determine driver demand and vehicle operating conditions. With this information,
the TCM can calculate and perform timely and quality shifts through various output or control devices (solenoid
pack, transmission control relay, etc.).
The TCM also performs certain self-diagnostic functions and provides comprehensive information (sensor data,
DTC’s, etc.) which is helpful in proper diagnosis and repair. This informationcanbeviewedwiththescantool.
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
The 42RLE transmission can be identified by a bar-
code label that is affixed to the upper left area of the
bellhousing.
The label contains a series of digits that can be trans-
lated into useful information such as transmission part
number (10), date of manufacture (4, 5), manufactur-
ing origin (2), assembly line identifier (6), build
sequence number (7), etc..
If the tag is not legible or is missing, the “PK” number,
which is stamped into the left rear flange of the trans-
mission case, can be referred to for identification. The
entire part number, build code, and sequence number
are stamped into the flange.
OPERATION
The 42RLE transmission ratios are:
1 - DRIVEPLATE 6 - REVERSE CLUTCH 11 - STUB SHAFT
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER 7 - FRONT PLANET CARRIER 12 - LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
3 - INPUT SHAFT 8 - REAR PLANET CARRIER 13 - 2/4 CLUTCH
4 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH 9 - OUTPUT SHAFT 14 - OIL PUMP
5 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 10 - SNAP RING
5. Iftheunderdriveclutchpressureisgreaterthan5psiinStep4ofTestTwo-A, a defective solenoid/pressure
switch assembly or controller is the cause.
ALL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS ARE PSI (on hoist, with wheels free to turn)
Gear Selector Position Actual Gear PRESSURE TAPS
Under-
drive
ClutchOver-
drive
ClutchReverse
ClutchTo r q u e
Converter
Clutch
OffTo r q u e
Converter
Clutch
On2/4
ClutchLow/
Reverse
Clutch
PARK - 0 mph * PARK 0-2 0-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 0-2 115-145
REVERSE - 0 mph * REVERSE 0-2 0-7 165-235 50-100 35-85 0-2 165-235
NEUTRAL - 0 mph * NEUTRAL 0-2 0-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 0-2 115-145
Low - 20 mph # FIRST 110-
1450-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 0-2 115-145
Third-30mph# SECOND 110-
1450-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 115-
1450-2
Third - 45 mph # DIRECT 75-95 75-95 0-2 60-90 45-80 0-2 0-2
OD - 30 mph # OVERDRIVE 0-2 75-95 0-2 60-90 45-80 75-95 0-2
OD - 50 mph # OVERDRIVE WITH
TCC0-2 75-95 0-2 0-5 60-95 75-95 0-2
* Engine Speed at 1500 rpm
# CAUTION: Both wheels must be turning at same speed.
CLUTCH AIR PRESSURE TESTS
Inoperative clutches can be located by substituting air
pressure for fluid pressure. The clutches may be
tested by applying air pressure to their respective pas-
sages after the valve body has been removed. Use
Plate Set 6599-1 (1) and 6599-2 (1) to perform test.
To make air pressure tests, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The compressed air supply must be free of
all dirt and moisture. Use a pressure of 30 psi.
1. Remove oil pan and valve body. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE/VALVE
BODY - REMOVAL)
2. Apply air pressure to the holes in the plates (1),
one at a time.
3. Listen for the clutch to apply. It will give a slight
thud sound. If a large amount of air is heard escap-
ing, the transmission must be removed from vehi-
cle, disassembled and all seals inspected.
2/4 CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the feed hole located on the 2/4 clutch retainer (2). Look in the area where the 2/4 piston
contacts the first separator plate and watch carefully for the 2/4 piston tomoverearward.Thepistonshouldreturn
to its original position after the air pressure is removed.
Air Pressure Test Plate
1 - AIR PRESSURE TEST PLATES
2 - 2/4 CLUTCH RETAINER HOLE
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the overdrive clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move forward. The
piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed.
REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the reverse clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move rearward. The
piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed.
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the low/reverse clutch feed hole passage. Look in thearea where the low/reverse piston con-
tacts the first separator plate. Watch carefully for the piston to move forward. The piston should return to its original
position after the air pressure is removed.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
Because this clutch piston cannot be seen, its opera-
tion is checked by function. Use an air nozzle (2) to
apply air pressure is to the low/reverse or the 2/4
clutch opening in Test Plate 6599-1 (2). This locks the
output shaft. Use a piece of rubber hose wrapped
around the input shaft and a pair of clamp-on pliers to
turn the input shaft. Next apply air pressure to the
underdrive clutch. The input shaft should not rotate
with hand torque. Release the air pressure and con-
firm that the input shaft will rotate.
FLUID LEAKAGE
FLUID LEAKAGE - TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING AREA
When diagnosing converter housing (5) fluid leaks,
three actions must be taken before repair:
1. Verify proper transmission fluid level.
2. Verify that the leak originates from the converter
housing area and is transmission fluid.
3. Determine the true source of the leak.
Fluid leakage at or around the torque converter area
may originate from an engine oil leak (7). The area
should be examined closely. Factory fill fluid is red
and, therefore, can be distinguished from engine oil.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess fluid
spilled during factory fill, or fill after repair. Converter
housing leaks have several potential sources. Through
careful observation, a leak source can be identified
before removing the transmission for repair.
Pump seal (1) leaks tend to move along the drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump o-ring or pump
body leaks follow the same path as a seal leak. Pump attaching bolt (3) leaksare generally deposited on the inside
of the converter housing (5) and not on the converter itself. Pump seal (1) or gasket (4) leaks usually travel down
the inside of the converter housing.