Theory Of Operation

GENERAL OPERATION:  The Manual Transmission is equipped with a Skip Shift Solenoid. The Skip Shift Solenoid contains two separate solenoids. The solenoids are energized to block downshifting into 1st and/or 2nd gear when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines that engine speed, vehicle speed and engine torque dictate that 1st or 2nd gear cannot be selected. When one of the solenoids are energized, the gear shift gate is blocked for the intended downshift into 1st or 2nd gear. The internal PCM control of the Skip Shift Solenoids uses a typical Low Side Driver (LSD).

DIAGNOSTICS:  The PCM performs typical circuit diagnostics on the two control circuits. The PCM also performs a rationality diagnostic for a solenoid that does not operate properly. If the PCM detects that the Gear Shift Lever is in 1st or 2nd gear position when one of those positions is not allowed, the correlating performance fault will set.