Technical Service Information: Nissan/Infiniti/Mercury
Technical Service Information: Nissan/Infiniti/Mercury
CAUSE: Potential causes could be the EPC solenoid, shorted or open wire harness, corroded
connectors, a faulty dropping resistor, or a bad computer.
CORRECTION: Use the following procedures to trouble-shoot and fix a problem in the line pressure
control solenoid circuit.
Step 1: Check the resistance of the pressure control solenoid. Pressure control solenoid
resistance should be approximately 3-5 ohms. Refer to Figure 1 for connector
configuration and resistance check. If the resistance is between 3-5 ohms, go to Step 2.
Step 2: Locate and check the resistance of the dropping resistor. Refer to Figure 2 for the
dropping resistor resistance check. The dropping resistor should measure between 11.2
and 12.7 ohms. If the dropping resistor resistance is not between 11.2 and 12.7 ohms,
replace the Resistor. If the resistance check is between 11.2 and 12.7 ohms, proceed to
Step 3. Refer to Figure 5 for TCM and dropping resistor locations by model/year.
Step 3: Plug the dropping resistor connector back in and turn the ignition “ON”. Back-probe
terminal 1 of the dropping resistor. The voltage should be between 6 and 12 volts with
the throttle closed. As the accelerator pedal is depressed the voltage will drop to
approximately .45 volts. Next back-probe terminal 2 at the dropping resistor. The voltage
should be between 2.5 and 3.5 volts. As the accelerator pedal is depressed the voltage
will drop to approximately .45 volts. Refer to Figure 3 for connector view and voltage
check at the wire from the computer to the dropping resistor. Refer to Figure 4 for
connector view and voltage check on the wire that goes to the pressure control solenoid.
If there is no voltage reading on the wire that comes from the computer to the dropping
resistor at pin 1, go to Step 4. If the voltage reading on the wire that comes from the
computer to the dropping resistor at pin 1 is correct at closed throttle, but then drops to
approximately 5 volts and remains, or is constantly 5 volts, proceed to Step 5. If the
voltage is over 5 volts and does not decrease at all with throttle opening, proceed to
Step 6.
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Step 4: If no voltage is indicated on the meter at pin 1 of the dropping resistor, either the wire
coming from the computer to the dropping resistor is shorted to ground, or the wire is
open. Refer to Figure 5 for TCM and dropping resistor locations. Refer to Figure 6 for
pressure control solenoid circuit diagram and wire colors for various years and models.
Refer to Figure 7 for TCM connector pin layout and wire integrity checks for 1995
through 1998 model vehicles. Refer to Figure 8 for TCM connector pin layout and wire
integrity checks for 1999 through 2003 models. After locating the computer for the
vehicle you are working on, turn the ignition “ON”. Use your voltmeter and back-probe
terminal 2 at the wire side of the computer harness connector. Measure the voltage at the
wire. If no voltage is present, it will be an indication that the wire is shorted to ground,
or the computer is faulty. Turn the ignition “OFF”. Disconnect the TCM connector and
the connector at the dropping resistor. Set your meter to read Ohms and probe terminal 2
at the computer connector again. If resistance is indicated on the meter, the wire is
shorted to ground. Locate and repair the short or cut the wire at the TCM and dropping
resistor and run a new wire from end to end. If the meter indicates an open circuit, the
wire is not shorted. Plug the connector back in at the TCM and dropping resistor. Again
turn the ignition “ON” and recheck for voltage. If there is still no voltage present, replace
the computer.
Step 5: If the voltage at pin 1 of the dropping resistor is correct at closed throttle then drops to 5
volts and remains, or is constantly at 5 volts, this is an indication of too much resistance
or an open in the circuit. The open is either because of a faulty dropping resistor (even
though resistance indicates between 11.2 and 12.7 ohms), or a problem with the wire
from the dropping resistor to the pressure control solenoid. For circuit diagram, refer to
Figure 6. Turn the ignition “ON” Using the D.V.O.M. back-probe terminal 1 of the
transmission computer harness connector. Check to see if voltage is present. If no voltage
is indicated on the meter, the open in the wire is between the dropping resistor and
pressure control solenoid. If voltage is seen on the meter, there could be a problem with
the transmission case connector, the connector inside the trans at the pressure control
solenoid, or a faulty dropping resistor.
Step 6: If the voltage is over 5 volts on both terminals 1 and 2 at the dropping resistor, and the
voltage doesn’t decrease with throttle opening, the problem could be the wire going to
the pressure control solenoid is shorted to power, or the TCM is no good. To determine if
the wire is shorted to voltage, locate the TCM (refer to Figure 5). Disconnect the
controller connector , (referring to Figure 7 and 8 for the correct model year), and the
connector for the dropping resistor. Using a D.V.O.M. Connect the red lead of the meter
to terminal 2 and place the black lead to ground. If voltage is present, there is a short to
power from the TCM to the dropping resistor. If no voltage is present, check for voltage
at terminal 1. If voltage is present the wire from the dropping resistor to the pressure
control solenoid is shorted to power. If no voltage is present at both terminals the
problem is a faulty TCM.
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The pressure control solenoid resistance should measure between 3-5 ohms. Disconnect the
transmission solenoid harness connector. Place the red lead of your D.V.O.M to terminal 4 in the
harness connector. Place the black lead of your D.V.O.M. to a good ground. If resistance is between
3-5 ohms, proceed to Step 2. If resistance is below 3 ohms, check the wire in the internal harness for
a short to ground. If the wire does not indicate a shorted circuit, replace the pressure control
solenoid. If the resistance is over 5 ohms check the wire in the internal harness for an open circuit.
Check the connector at the pressure control solenoid for a poor connection. If the connector is good
and solidly connected and the wire does not indicate an open circuit, replace the pressure control
solenoid.
FLUKE 88
AUTO DC
03.55 W
10A Max
FUSED
1 2 3
4 5 6 7
Figure 1
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The dropping resistor should measure between 11.2 and 12.7 ohms. Make certain either the ignition
is in the “OFF” position, or remove the negative battery cable. Disconnect the two terminal
dropping resistor connector. Place the red lead of the D.V.O.M. to one terminal on the dropping
resistor, place the black lead of the D.V.O.M. to the other terminal. If the meter does not indicate a
resistance between 11.2 and 12.7 ohms, replace the dropping resistor. If the meter does indicate a
resistance between 11.2 and 12.7 ohms, proceed to Step 3.
FLUKE 88
AUTO DC
11.72 W
mV
W
mA
V A
RPM
mA
V A
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
89
MICR 12W
ON
1 5W
Figure 2
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To check the voltage that comes from the computer to the dropping resistor, make sure the dropping
resistor harness is properly connected. Using the red lead of a D.V.O.M. Back-probe the wire at pin
1 of the dropping resistor. Place the black lead of the D.V.O.M. to a good ground, and set the meter
to read D.C. volts . Have an assistant get into the car and turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
Check the voltage reading. The meter should indicate between approximately 6 and 12 volts. Have
your assistant begin depressing the accelerator pedal. The voltage reading on the meter should
decrease all the way to full throttle. Once full throttle has been reached, the voltage reading should
be approximately .45 volts. If there is no voltage reading on the wire at pin 1, go to Step 4. If the
voltage reading at pin 1 is correct at closed throttle, but then drops to approximately 5 volts and
remains, or is constantly 5 volts, proceed to Step 5.
FLUKE 88
AUTO DC
10.42 v
2
W
1
mV
mA
V A
RPM
V
mA
A
Connector View
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
89
MICR 12W
ON
15W
Figure 3
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To check the voltage that goes from the dropping resistor to the pressure control solenoid, make
sure the dropping resistor harness is properly connected. Using the red lead of a D.V.O.M. back-
probe the wire at pin 2 of the dropping resistor. Place the black lead of the D.V.O.M. to a good
ground, and set the meter to read D.C. volts . Have an assistant get into the car and turn the ignition
to the “ON” position. Check the voltage reading. The meter should indicate between approximately
2.5 and 3.5 volts. Have your assistant begin depressing the accelerator pedal. The voltage reading
on the meter should decrease all the way to full throttle. Once full throttle has been reached, the
voltage reading should be approximately .45 volts.
FLUKE 88
AUTO DC
3.26 v
2
W
1
mV
mA
V A
RPM
V
mA
A
Connector View
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
89
MICR 12W
ON
15W
Figure 4
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DROPPING RESISTOR
MODEL/YEAR TCM LOCATION
LOCATION
1995-97 ALTIMA Behind passenger kick panel Driver side shock tower
1998-01 ALTIMA Under front of center console Driver side shock tower
1995-03 MAXIMA Center of dash under console Driver side fender well
below air cleaner
1995-96 G20 Behind driver side kick panel Below air cleaner
Figure 5
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NISSAN/INFINITI
WIRE COLORS BY MODEL
RESISTOR TO
MODEL/YEAR TCM TO RESISTOR PRESSURE SOLENOID
1995-97 ALTIMA Pink/Black Orange/Blue
TCM
1 2
Dropping
Resistor
Pressure
Control
Solenoid
Figure 6 05-15
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Technical Service Information
10.42 V
mV
W
mA
V A
RPM
mA
V A
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 33 34 35
5 6 7 8 16 17 18 19 20 21 37 38 39 40 43 45 47 48
FLUKE 88
AUTO DC
2.92 V
mV
W
mA
V A
RPM
mA
V A
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 33 34 35
5 6 7 8 16 17 18 19 20 21 37 38 39 40 43 45 47 48
Figure 7
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10.42 V
mV
W
mA
V A
RPM
mA
V A
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
19 20 21 22 23 24 43 44 45 46 47 48
FLUKE 88
AUTO DC
2.98 V
mV
W
mA
V A
RPM
mA
V A
OFF
V W
A mA COM RPM
10A Max
FUSED
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
19 20 21 22 23 24 43 44 45 46 47 48
Figure 8
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