Testing Transmission Shift Solenoids - (P0700, P0974)

This video covers operation and testing of transmission shift solenoids which can be applied to ALL CARS! The vehicle is a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2.2L, that starts out in second gear, and will upshift/downshift normally from there.
Trouble codes:
P0974 - 1-2 Shift Solenoid Control Circuit High (Symptom 00)
P0700 - Transmission Control Module (TCM) Requested MIL Illumination (Symptom 00)
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For more information on this topic, I have written a “field manual” called Engine Performance Diagnostics which is available at www.scannerdanner.com as an eBook or paper book.
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On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.

[@ScannerDanner]

Of course we still have a Saturday release planned for you guys! Merry Christmas my friends. Hope you enjoy this case study. Looking forward to your comments. Have a blessed day!

[@gunnar1911]

Been needing to test shift solenoids in an XJ, so thanks! Merry Christmas, Danner family. 🎄

[@azjackal]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@smms5056]

Merry Christmas, Blessed 🙌 🙏

[@isalmankhan1]

Merry Christmas🎄 to Danner Family Stay Blessed😍

[@djosbun]

Merry Christmas, Paul and Caleb! 🎄

[@Edi-01]

I’ve always watched he’s videos for the last 2 and a half years all over again I’d never get tired of watching him he’s a gift from the almighty god I wish if he was on Netflix to watch he’s video so we can pay him instead of watching those fake movies thanks again you earned my huge respect Mr

[@williegillie5712]

If it were my own car I’d maybe see if I pulled the transmission side cover off and tried to see how much a job it would be to throw a new solenoid in. I’ve heard some are easy to replace. So now if it was someone else’s car I’d be telling them no guarantees at all it’s gonna drive out the door. They still tell me to try it and I’ve been lucky sometimes. Nice job Paul. I like the way you reason stuff out.

[@david-tj4yq]

WOW! You are the man. I have been having issues with my Dodge transmission. I have had my truck in 2 local transmission shops. All they did was show me the codes and said to replace the transmission. Never did any electrical diagnosis on the codes. Seems like most shops see these procedures as a waste of time.

[@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto3929]

I've seen that exact same thing on a HHR. Found the solenoid burnt inside after proving the circuit was intact. This proves why a scope is invaluable at times to see a overall picture. Those side covers are easy to do and I did the HHR one in my driveway. Was a mobile job

[@coreysingh760]

Hey i was wondering how did u check the circuit

[@DrPeppa]

It's very interesting to see how other people go about troubleshooting an electrical problem, because as you observe, you gain some great insight on things you can try yourself in the future. Thanks for walking us through your thought process on all of this!

[@EilersAutoDieselLLC]

Had this exact issue come into my shop about a year ago but on a cobalt, the customer said she had it to 2 different shops before getting a recommendation to bring it to me. These problems are the ones I like the most, had the issue figured out in about an hour and a half and that’s with pulling the side cover off and verifying that it was in fact a melted solenoid. Contacted the customer, recommended both solenoids A and B be replaced along with filter and fluid. Did that, reset the shift adaptations and took it for a drive. Problem solved and I earned a permanent customer

[@monamanning1852]

Seven hours of searching and watching videos not finding any to vehicle's issue. FINALLY all explained in one video what to do. I am thrilled. So no use of purchasing a new transmission sure has saved my pocket. You may not have part 2 but this one was exactly what is needed. Shoulders feel better already :).

[@ScannerDanner]

Awesome! Thank you so much

[@vincentlallo6543]

i admit that electricity isn't my strong point but some of the basics that you show on your videos haved saved me money. i was a apprentice train mechanic for PATH . every instructor started his course with the words " remember the basics" .

[@gregjones8501]

Great video brother! Nice way to test that driver and prove the integrity of the wire and pcm!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Greg and Merry Christmas to you my friend.

[@spelunkerd]

Another great video. When you've got two modules connected, diagnostic testing is so much more complex, since the good module may react to abnormal output of the bad one. Even so, when you know what you're doing, you get an answer without the effort of diving deep. Love the new format, complete with real time image stabilizing, and even ability to overlay the graphs onto views of what you're actually doing. Merry Christmas to you, Caleb, and all your family.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you my friend

[@sambitar8448]

DEAR SIR: MR. DANNER YOU ARE THE BIGGEST ASSESTS TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, SUPERIOR TO ALL THE AUTOMTIVE REPAIR DATA, DIRECT TO THE ISSUE AT HAND. TOTALLY METICULOUSLY VERY VERIFIED IN YOUR APPROACHAS AS YOU GO ALONG. YOU AND YOUR SON MAKE MY DAYS ON ALL YOUR STUDY CASES. YOU WILL BE REWARDED ESPECIALLY ON YOUR TEST LIGHT IDEA. WISH YOU THE BEST SUCESS EVER. THANKS A MILLION.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much!

[@sparkyobrian6417]

those Phils probes are AWESOME , I have 3, and they are well worth the money.

[@VolvoGonzo]

He seems like a really down to earth guy. I love the way he got excited when the probe maker mentioned him instead patting himself on the back. Good character and smart... very cool. Thanks I'm learning a lot. I'm taking on shift one solenoid problem in my Volvo V70 armed with the knowledge I'm learning here.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much!

[@patrickliverpool6487]

Paul you are a great teacher. I love your teaching skills. I learned a lot from you. I will always be in your class

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@kastooMcFry]

I like that hack by replacing the relay load with some external load so one can pass inspection. Great case study and explanation - Thanks, guys. Loooking forward to seeing how your test light is different.

[@nasirkamal7560]

Learned alot from your precious video Mr. Danner, and this is one of them. You always work hard for us. Great appreciattion. Merry Christmas.

[@dtandfam8100]

Merry Christmas! Thank you for the video! Yes I can agree you classes are truly a game changer. Techs gotta jump on board with electronics and how to troubleshoot them. Thank you for your time!

[@manuellamas4747]

Great video and explanation of driver and wiring integrity. The Godfather of KZbin automotive diagnostics. Master. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@richard1835]

Thank you Paul and company for a great diagnostic video.

[@W.Khairi]

Fantastic job and fantastic lecture as usual SD, It actually came in at a wonderfull timing for me, Thanks a lot.

[@lakesautomotivediagnostics6509]

Great case study, Very appreciative for your premium channel went through the whole thing a couple years ago, need to go through it again just to brush up on things. I am thankful for the knowledge.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much! We've been producing weekly content to add to the database, so there will be plenty of new things to watch! We are over 500 videos now. Look forward to having you back www.scannerdanner.com/join-scannerdanner-premium.html

[@jeffcompton6937]

Merry Christmas buddy. Thank you for all you do. God bless you and your mom and the beautiful family. And of course Mr Pie

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you my friend! God bless you too

[@michaelratliff7775]

I have seen the plug socket seep trans fluid into the connector and caused a interruption in the signal more than once on 1990s Fords! Good video and appreciated the technical and style of your share, ThankYou!

[@aussiefirestorm]

Thank you Paul, I have a Subaru with lock up solenoid fault waiting for me after Christmas. All the best to you and your family, especially the hairy man!

[@otiliohernandez8349]

I have been in some classes.They only focus on theory but not on how to diagnose like you. You teach how to connect the dots.Thanks for the service you give to the community. God bless your family

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much! Glad you are here.

[@CNM2020]

Great Educational video my friend Paul thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us

[@cj8172]

Man these modern cars are like robots, my 1966 454 big block Chevy Bel Air never has these modern problems, just get in the car and go every time. And if there ever is any small issue, so easy to find and get sorted. Cool channel guys, God bless from New Zealand.

[@joekuntzman4016]

What an awesome video! great scope work and testing.

[@rickwalters6014]

Great video guys! Merry Christmas! You gotta love when the scan tool nails the problem. Solenoid 1-2 Circuit ‘high logic’ when it was suppose to be ‘logic low’.

[@labrat6910]

Thank you for doing these videos "live" as you diagnose and showing that we are also human and make mistakes..Most people diagnose the problem 1st and then post the video with results.I qualified as a technician at Mercedes benz 17 years ago and I am still learning.Thanx S.D.You are awesome bro

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much Winston

[@hughjass5494]

Great video! As a layman who understood very little, I found the analysis of the necessary repairs and their likely associated costs illuminating and reassuring. Don't know if I have a bad solenoid yet, but the transmission in my truck is struggling to find higher gears (Mostly. It still succeeds under certain circumstances), and there is no check engine light on. My journey to sort it out began here and I feel much more prepared to meet whatever is to come.

[@caseyhughes965]

You are the only youtube channel that has literally saved my broke ass tons of money. Thanks a lot for what you do.

[@lustfulvengance]

I have personally made several test lights including one with a fog light bulb in it for high current testing. I would buy yours in a heartbeat when you start selling it!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you! I'll keep you guys posted

[@trublue2319]

Yes sir

[@Troy_Built]

What I was thinking is a test light with different amperage bulbs that you can swap out. I don't know how high you could go and still make the bulb interchangeable. It might also make it a little dangerous if you have the wrong bulb in it.

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

This is why i watch ScannerDanner this guy is way to smart on electoral issues. Great video guys. Happy New Year welcome to 2022.

[@LaurentBlazer]

Dan - it's written in french: "Porte Ouverte" = DOOR OPEN and "Vidanger l'huile" ="oil change" , no danger at this stage :-)

[@rickd6421]

Really enjoyed that diag. Thank you for sharing. The scope saved the day! Merry Christmas to the SD family. 🎄☃☃🎄❄❄ :)

[@karolisgarbaciauskas5445]

I didn't have a time to watch this video the day it was released, so I jus put a like and watched it few days later. And of course it is worth more than one thumb up. I realy enjoyed this one. After the diagnosis you performed no questions left. Great job. Thank you!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much!

[@Paul1958R]

Merry Christmas to Clan Danner and thank you for all you do! Paul (in MA)

[@craigrobinson1625]

Another great video, I had a Jayco 5spd with a lock up sift solenoid that was shorted, I was able to get the ohms value for the solenoid and it looks like it was shorted from the reading I took from the harness, so I took the chance and got a new solenoid and dropped the pan and replaced the solenoid. It ended up fixing the lock up shift code. This was on my own transmission and the only risk was the price of the solenoid and the new fluid I put back into the transmission, so for me it was worth the try, it turn out the solenoid was shorted out. Paul you said this was a person from your church, why don’t you take up a collection and do a part 2 on proving your conclusion and blessing your fellow church member at the same time.

[@djsupra6518]

Wow Brother Right On ScannerDanner Loved The Content 1,010% Exactly What I Wanted To See For Diagnosing The Transmission And Solenoid’s I’m No Electrician Or Full On Mechanic With A Degree But Was Able To Understand Pretty Much Everything. Comen Sense And Understanding More-less How Things Work Was Enough To Stay On Track Following Along With You Tests. I’m Currently Doing Mobile Mechanics And This Scanner Is Awesome I Shall Get Me One Asap Thank You So Much Brother You Got Yourself A Loyal New Subscriber And A Huge 👍 Keep On Wrenching And Stay Blessed 🙏🙌

[@ScannerDanner]

Glad you liked it! Thanks djsupra!

[@AdamDay-hi6hd]

Thank you mate. I have learnt so much in the past year and loved every minute of it.

[@ScannerDanner]

Great to hear! Thank you

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Merry Christmas Paul to you and your family, I wish you the best and that all your wishes come true, thank you for always sharing these types of videos

[@angeldelcourt6882]

Learned alot from you Paul. Thank you.

[@quintonelliott7213]

excellent approach. You would not have a good training video if you did not take the approach that you did. very informative. Your videos make it easier to be confident that the part that is getting changed , and not just throwing money at parts that doesn't fix the problem. The brake cleaner is just part of being a mechanic we are around enough chemicals and i have been around them for 30 years and still haven't shown any signs of cancer, but i have gotten a pretty healthy buzz off some, hazard of the job ! thanks for the videos, yours are number 1 and i always will watch yours first before if i see a video yours that pertains to what i am working on that day. excellent job thanks. Quinton

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Quinton!

[@manueldejesusbautista3073]

Great video on diagnosis. English is not my native language but I enjoy your videos a lot.

[@jameswasher3938]

Merry Christmas Paul, Caleb, and Danner. Nice work on this one. Thanks for the Christmas present (this video)

[@HaykshadPavel]

Awesome video for me. Thank you Paul.

[@PaulCTownsend]

Good Job Paul Danner. We will not install a new solenoid with out an OHM test on the bench. Also heating up the new solenoid on the bench with a heat gun while doing the OHM test is a good idea. It's a long way back in for something like that. Because of the oil in the pass through connecter that needs to be replaced as well. Some day we will see ATF on your hands. When you do Transmission work every day that is not a tough job. James can do that job in about 3 hours. OEM Solenoid is a must. Also you guys can by the parts and the side cover gasket from Transtar industries located in you area. They are always in stock.

[@davidessien5465]

Scannerdanner thank you so much for this test

[@jarinwilson9539]

Yes, I need another test light, I'll be buying one from ya. Merry Christmas and God Bless y'all.

[@olveragarage]

Feliz navidad scanner daner uno de los mejores en diagnóstico automotriz

[@kevinedward1234]

Paul, Caleb, great video and info!!!!!

[@jimkillen1065]

I enjoy your videos . I watch a shop in Amarillo that builds transmissions they stated oil in the harness connections can cause all kinds of problems. They always replace them and shift solenoids. I seen them do away with the pulse modulated on the torque convertor on certain builds makes the convertor live longer or that's what's told . I prefer manual transmission lol .

[@garymallard4699]

I prefer ONE GEAR plus Reverse ...more dependable

[@nancylewis7142]

I am hungry of all this information, Love all this info.

[@JoseLopez-oe3qb]

I can't believe you said that about the relay.🤣🤣🤣 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD GREATLY BLESS YOU.

[@jarrodlethborg7942]

Thanks for another great teaching by the best in the business. Caleb, your work is ultra professional and I love your humour too. You make these videos so good to watch. Is it fair to say that the graphing meter should be left for "graphing" work and the labscope is a better option, even for simple checks??

[@georgebonney90]

Thank you mr danner, Merry Christmas everyone 🎄

[@DJ-tn7vj]

Wished i watched this video a few days ago. Would have really help out on a transmission job. Thanks SD

[@iankelly2110]

Already signed up. great content Paul Merry Christmas to you and you're Family.

[@EATSLEEPFARM]

I’ve chopped off the ends on two of my test lights and put the stackable banana jack in the end. Having that stackable jack is 100x better then the funky alligator clip they come with. My favorite is my otc that looks like your prototype that I’ve also seen you use. Can’t wait to pick one of these up!! Plz let us know when they become available

[@fernandoescapitajr5284]

Great tool inspiration is key to learning

[@allanhongemail]

Awesome video again. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@angelpadilla7250]

I have these exact same two codes on my 2009 Chevy Cobalt. Same systems too. Watching‼️

[@superbestdad]

I know a lot of what you’re doing in your videos is meant for teaching so my comments aren’t meant as criticism at all. I check trans circuits for a living, almost every day. Something you mentioned a couple times that is so common but I’ve learned over the years to think differently when it comes to trans fluid in the connector. It’s bad, internal harness/pass-through connector needs to be replaced but when you’re chasing electrical diag keep in mind that those same circuits are swimming in fluid inside the trans with no attempt to seal connectors or pc boards, the fluid doesn’t short them at all. Water or debris in a connector absolutely a problem and having fluid in an atmosphere exposed connector will increase the chances you’ll end up with at the very least a partial short over time. The leaking connector would more or less be a note to advise customer once diag is done for me and since most of the time you’re going in for solenoid replacement anyway. Another note is that MOST but not all cars diag is smoother for me at the TCM/PCM connector. Like with this Chevy, everything you needed was at the stand alone TCM, disconnected and switch on. I do voltage tests on ALL solenoid control wires. It’s a quick 4, 5 or 6 wire voltage check with a meter then switch to amp test (loaded circuit) with a quick tap of the control wires. Most common I see would be zero amps or huge spike. I use those numbers gathered to calculate ohms with V/I*R. Never fails me EXCEPT the rare occasion you have a melted solenoid. It can pass all electrical tests but fail to operate. Good stuff man, I always learn something from every video. Thanks for posting free content Oh side note, I’m in a trans shop and we can change that solenoid out in a bout 1.5-2 hours give or take. The service guy does them.

[@ScannerDanner]

Great information and thank you so much!

[@musaalgheriany8917]

It was a very good lesson. Thank you so much

[@kolaadaramola63]

Thanks for these valuable information

[@MechanicTechnicianRepair]

Experience diagnosis. Master. Nice video. Happy merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 felis navida

[@alrifainidal]

how awesome is that! thank you very much to share this info

[@user-io3hw7hx7q]

AWESOME OUTSTANDING JOB THANKS

[@rrmech11]

Merry Christmas to the Danner Family. 👍👍

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Nerry Christmas Paul...Best wishes to you and your family from Scotland

[@johnvickers6280]

What a tool, great 👍 video GOD bless you Bro

[@johnaclark1]

I have an OTC test light that I modified with a banana plug on one end to attach alligator clips to it and made a screw-on male banana adapter to connect to the tip for the leads from my AESWave test kit. I love it with the exception of the coiled lead often pulling out of my alligator clips. However, I use it with a 20ft Power Probe cord and it works fantastic.

[@rotor676]

Very nice explanation Sir

[@patbfd]

Merry Christmas Paul to you and your family

[@frankjohn4302]

Great video. Happy new year Danner

[@randyr.parker2698]

EXCELLENT video!!!!! 👍 Oh, and Merry Christmas!

[@robertmobileman8304]

Merry xmas to you paul ,caleb and family , great YT videos, look forward to more in the new year , I wish u all the good health and a great 2022 ! Rob mobileman 🇬🇧

[@gatekeeper65]

Signal tracing 101. Troubleshooting at its finest. Nice job.

[@danielmusat597]

Merry Christmas! That strange language is french: la porte est ouvre means the door is opened. The driver is in no danger at all as it has a current measuring resistor in its source and the computer reacts very fast turning it off. Good design. Nice and informative video, as always!

[@DKr475]

Yeah. Good design but not good software for dtc. Because if dtc will be "current too high" thats rock.

[@danielmusat597]

@@DKr475 Correct! But that would be too easy to repair and that's not good for the manufacturer.

[@DKr475]

@@danielmusat597 thats the point:)

[@jimr549]

Nice video. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

I've done heavy line for a while. I've swapped these solenoids without dropping the frame. Sometimes you can take all of the side cover bolts out and move the pan just enough to reach the solenoid release clip with a pick without removing everything. I've done it on some models. Others you just lower the one side of the sub frame a little and the pan will clear.

[@nelsonnarciso1791]

Wow thats a awesome video diagnos. VERY COOL

[@stephanevaucelles6378]

thank for video and Merry Christmas

[@weshawkins7165]

Excellent electrical diagnostic video, again. Put me down for one of your test lights. I bought one of those wire probes also, great probe.

[@markchidester6239]

Well Paul, I called the it before you said it. That I got from you! Thanks for the education!

[@ScannerDanner]

Right on!

[@khaniftikhar9225]

Good nice demonstration thanks

[@bryanlamontagne2914]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Paul! Thank you for this video, and for all you do! Looking foward to getting a Scannerdanner test light, love the idea of the banana jack! Hoping to see a Scannerdanner pocket screwdriver soon as well, lol!

[@Discretesignals]

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@isalmankhan1]

Merry Christmas🎄 & Happy New Year🎆SD Family😍 Awesome Love this case study😍 You've taught us new methods of testing transmission solenoids, which is Great👍 I will definitely buy the SD testlight, it will be my most favorite tool for sure, looking forward to it's availability😍 Special Thanks to Caleb & James Danner😉 Stay Safe & Blessed Guy's❤

[@haivo4739]

Where do I buy as test light pl

[@haivo4739]

Would sb the link to buy as test light please

[@isalmankhan1]

@@haivo4739 The best place for this particular model is AESwave & probably when this special version is up for sale it will be available on their website, other options also include Snap-on, OTC & Lisle

[@scientist100]

Danner, make that test light so that it wont detach from the banana plug. A lot of times that's the main problem with stretch coil test light or whatever it is called that it detaches fairly quick in the first pull. Eric O attached a permanent clamp on plier so that it never detaches and I like that, just need to be small either big jaws lol, though I like the banana plug it I believe it should be a thread on type or click to release so it wont disconnect too easy.

[@ScannerDanner]

Good feedback!

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Actually, a viewer made that vice grip clamp light for Eric a few years back, but yes, I can see the suggestion. But some kind of locking device to hold the banana plug in place while making it easy to swap various clamps as needed.

[@remodz6385]

I would have to disagree, banana plug on the end is genius. You want to be able to swap from a pin to clamp to plug ect quickly and easily when switching them in the field on the job. If you pull your banana plug apart, you are tugging way to hard and by that time you should be checking your connection anyways because even a slight tug and your connection is lost. Banana plug is perfect for this application 👍

[@scientist100]

@@remodz6385 obviously you dont do a lot of diag. The pull to stretch those wires is quite hard just to unwind them. I would agree more if you didnt use the coiled version, that's my favorite but I wanted the 12ft that Danner has always used on his older videos but I keep going back to my OTC one because of how easy it detaches when trying to stretch it to at least 8ft.

[@abonourabonour1006]

Always and forever will be the best

[@kalindambozi2356]

Good lesson. I need to get myself a scope

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Merry Christmas to the entire Danner family and may 2022 not suck for you.😁

[@carslover3509]

Man you are the master great work

[@mairoist]

Another good one merry Christmas to the Danner family 🎄

[@hondamojo1]

Very good capture

[@abisaizurita4776]

Aquí tratando de superar la barrera del idioma para comprender,aunque se ve que lo haces con pasión, saludos de ciudad de México

[@mman454]

The voltage spike above battery voltage you see after the driver turns off tells me that there is current flowing through a coil somewhere in the circuit. An inductor won’t allow an instant change in current flowing through it and thus causes a voltage spike when the circuit is opened.