DTC 15
CIRCUIT OPERATION
- The PCM (terminal 124) applies 5 volts to the A/T fluid temperature sensor output terminal (terminal 1).
- Ground terminal (terminal 2) is grounded to the PCM (terminal 57).
- The A/T fluid temperature sensor is an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) type of resistor. When the A/T fluid temperature rises, the resistance decreases.
- The A/T fluid temperature sensor output voltage rises when the resistance increases, and drops when the resistance decreases.
DTC SET CONDITIONS
- If the A/T fluid temperature sensor output voltage is 2.6 volts or more after driving for 10 minutes or more (if the A/T fluid temperature does not increase), there is an open circuit in the A/T fluid temperature sensor and diagnostic trouble code number 15" is output. If the A/T fluid temperature sensor output detects the voltage which corresponds to 200°C (392°F) or more than one second, there is an open circuit in the A/T fluid temperature sensor and diagnostic trouble code number "16" is output.
TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS
The most likely causes for this code to be set:
- Malfunction of the A/T fluid temperature sensor circuit
- Damaged harness, connector
- Malfunction of the PCM
DIAGNOSIS
Required Special Tool: MB991502: Scan Tool (MUT-II)
CAUTION: To prevent damage to scan tool MB991502, always turn the ignition switch to "LOCK" (OFF) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool MB991502.
STEP 1. Using Scan Tool MB991502, Check Data List Item 15: A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor.
1. Connect scan tool MB991502 to the data link connector.
2. Start the engine.
3. See scan tool MB991502 to the data reading mode for item 15, A/T fluid temperature sensor.
4. Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes or more so that the A/T fluid temperature becomes 70 to 90°C (158 to 194°F). The display should be 70 to 90°C."
If the A/T fluid temperature sensor is operating properly, this malfunction is intermittent. Refer to How to Use Troubleshooting/inspection Service Points - How to Cope with Intermittent Malfunction.
If the A/T fluid temperature sensor is not operating properly, go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check The A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor.
1. Disconnect harness connector B-40 and measure at the sensor side.
2. Measure the resistance between terminals 1 and 2.
Standard value:
16.7 - 20.5 k Ohms [at 0°C (32°F)]
7.3 - 8.9 k Ohms [at 20°C (68°F)]
3.4 - 4.2 k Ohms [at 40°C (104°F)]
1.9 - 2.2 k Ohms [at 60°C (140°F)]
1.0 - 1.2 k Ohms [at 80°C (176°F)]
0.57 - 0.69 k Ohms [at 100°C (212°F)]
NOTE: A/T fluid temperature is equivalent to atmospheric air temperature during cold, and reaches 80°C - 100°C (176°F - 212°F) during hot (after driving for approximately 15 minutes).
If at the standard value, go to Step 3.
If outside the standard value, replace the A/T fluid temperature sensor and solenoid valve harness. Recheck for DTCs.
STEP 3. Check The Circuit At The A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor.
1. Disconnect harness connector B-40 and measure at the harness side.
2. Turn the ignition switch to "ON" position.
3. Measure the voltage between terminal 1 and ground. Voltage should be 4.8 - 5.2 volts.
4. Turn the ignition switch to "LOCK" (OFF) position.
5. Check for the continuity between terminal 2 and ground.
- Should be less than 2 ohm.
If the checks above meet the specifications, go to Step 4.
If the checks above do not meet the specifications, go to Step 5.
STEP 4. Check The Harness Connector B-40 For Damage.
If the harness connector B-40 is damaged, repair or replace it. Refer to Harness Connector Inspection. Recheck for DTCs.
If harness connector B-40 is in good condition, replace the A/T fluid temperature sensor and solenoid valve harness.
STEP 5. Check Harness Connectors C-54 <2.4L Engine> Or C-55 <3.0L Engine> And C-61 <2.4L Engine> Or C-63 <3.0L Engine> At The PCM For Damage.
If harness connectors C-54 <2.4L Engine> or C-55 <3.0L Engine> and C-61 <2.4L Engine> or C-63 <3.0L Engine> are damaged, repair or replace it.
If harness connectors C-54 <2.4L Engine> or C-55 <3.0L Engine> and C-61 <2.4L Engine> or C-63 <3.0L Engine> are in good condition, go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check The Harness Wire Between PCM Connectors C-54 <2.4L Engine> Or C-55 <3.0L Engine> And C-61 <2.4L Engine> Or C-63 <3.0L Engine> And A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor Connector B-40.
If any harness wire between PCM connectors C-54 <2.4L Engine> or C-55 <3.0L Engine> and C-61 <2.4L Engine> or C-63 <3.0L Engine> and harness connector B-40 is damaged, repair it. Refer to Harness Connector Inspection. Recheck for DTCs.
If the harness wire is in good condition, go to STEP 7.
STEP 7. Check The A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor
Check the A/T fluid temperature sensor. Refer to On-vehicle Service - A/T Control Component Check - A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor Check.
If the sensor is defective, replace the A/T fluid temperature sensor and solenoid valve harness.
If the sensor is not defective, replace the PCM. The immobilizer-ECU and the ignition key should be replaced together with it. Refer to Ignition Switch and Immobilizer System - Ignition Switch and Immobilizer System.