Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

NOTE: In most cases, Trouble codes do not pinpoint which specific component is defective.

- Trouble codes are two-digit numbers that identify which circuit is malfunctioning.

- A trouble code can be set for hydraulic and mechanical reasons as well as for electrical problems.

HARD CODES
A hard code is any code that comes back within 3 cycles of the ignition key, the reset counter reads less than 3.

This means the problem exists every time the circuit is checked by the transmission control module.

INTERMITTENT CODES
An intermittent code is not there every time the controller checks the circuit.

- If the reset counter reads 3 or more, the code is an intermittent code

Most intermittent codes are caused by wiring or connector problems.

Defects that come and go like this are the most difficult to diagnose; they must be looked for under the specific conditions that cause them.

RESET COUNTER
The Reset counter counts the key cycles since the most recent code was set.

- The reset counter can count up to 255 cycles.

- When there are no codes set the reset counter will show,
"RESET COUNT = XXX".

NOTE: The number of starts counted helps determine whether the code is constant or intermittent.

- If the reset count is less than 3, the code is a hard code.

- If the reset count is between 3 and 30, the engine has been started without the fault reoccuring, (intermittent).