Online Technical Bulletin

FORD CFT30 CVT PRESSURE CODE DIAGNOSIS

PRESSURE CODE DIAGNOSIS
COMPLAINT: A Ford or Mercury vehicle equipped with a CFT30 CVT Transmission may have a complaint of
an illuminated “Wrench Lamp” and the transmission is in “Limp Mode” which can result in
engagement concerns, loss of TCC apply, Lack of power and incorrect ratio selection. When the
Transmission Control Module is scanned the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes are found:
P0701 - Transmission Control System Has Detected Other Codes.

P0840 - Main Pressure Sensor Out of Range.

P0845 - Secondary Pressure Sensor Out of Range.
P0868 - Transmission Fluid Pressure Low.
P0871 - Transmission Secondary Pulley Pressure Low.
P0961 - Pressure Control Solenoid “A” is Out of Range.
The technician may realize at this time that these DTCs are mechanically generated and it would
appear the transmission is suffering from low fluid pressure issues.
Unfortunately this transmission has no pressure ports where pressure could be checked. The
technician must rely on the scan tool for commanded pressures by monitoring the PCA_MES
which is line pressure and PCC_MES which is secondary pulley pressure scan tool parameters.
Typically these pressures are in the operating range of 220 to 250 psi but can reach pressures
slightly over 1000 psi.

There are two pressure switches that monitor primary and secondary pulley pressure which are
an integral part of the Mechatronic unit. When the pressures indicated are significantly lower
than these specs, the transmission does have low pressure issues which will require further
diagnosis.

CAUSE: Part of the diagnostic problem could be a mechanically faulty pressure switch. These codes can
also be stored due to a mechanically faulty solenoid. A stuck valve can cause pulley pressure
issues. Also, there are many places in this transmission that can develop a leak. Any internal leak
in any of these locations can cause any of these codes to set. This transmission has many feed
tubes to carry fluid to all of the transmission internal components. Any of these can leak and
cause low pressure codes to set. The pulleys can leak internally causing the same complaints. A
leak in the forward sealing rings or forward and reverse clutch piston seals can cause low
pressure codes to set.

The high pressure pump uses eight pistons and springs operated by an eccentric cam which is
driven by the torque converter. These springs can break causing low pressure and is usually
accompanied by a noise that sounds like its coming from the converter.

Pressure Switches are an integral part of the Mechatronic Unit and are replaced as a control
unit/valve body assembly, Refer to Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Solenoids are not sold separately and are replaced as a control unit/valve body assembly, Refer to
Figure 4. (N.L. = Normally Low / N.H. = Normally High)

Remove and dis-assemble valve body to free any stuck valves, Refer to Figure 5.

15-W05
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 1 of 5
 Online Technical Bulletin
FORD CFT30 CVT

PRESSURE CODE DIAGNOSIS

CORRECTION continued:

Replace all feed tube seals and pulley cover sealing rings. Check pulley covers for cracks, Refer
to Figures 6 through 13.

Pulleys can be checked by using a vacuum pump to see if the pulley holds vacuum. Refer to
Figure 14.

Always replace forward clutch sealing rings with new ones. Refer to Figure 15.

Replace forward and reverse clutch piston seals. Refer to Figure 16.

The high pressure pump will require dis-assembly to inspect all eight piston springs. Refer to
Figures 17 and 18.

NOTE:Any good used hard parts for any components mentioned above is an acceptable repair
solution.

15-W05
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 2 of 5
 Online Technical Bulletin
FORD CFT30 CVT
PRESSURE CODE DIAGNOSIS

PCSA = Main Line Pressue Solenoid (N.H.)

TCC (E) = Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (N.L.)
PCSD = Clutch Actuator Solenoid (Fwd & Rev) (N.H.)
PCSB = Primary Pulley Pressure Control Solenoid (N.H.)
PCSC = Secondary Pulley Pressure Control Solenoid (N.H.)
Solenoid Resistance = 3.34 - 3.5 Ohms @ 73º F
PCSA TCC PCSD PCSB PCSC

Rotate Case
Connector To
Notch & Pull
Straight Out

Figure 1 Figure 4
Mechatronic/Valve Body Assembly 8 Valve Body Removal Bolts (40 Torx)

Figure 2 Figure 5

Main System Secondary Variator Primary Variator Secondary Variator

Pressure Sensor Pressure Sensor Cover Cover

Figure 3 Figure 6
Copyright © 2015 ATSG

15-W05
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 3 of 5
 Online Technical Bulletin
FORD CFT30 CVT
PRESSURE CODE DIAGNOSIS

Secondary Pulley Cover

Forward Clutch Feed Pressure IN
Check Here
For Crack

Sealing Ring

Secondary Pulley
Primary Pulley Secondary Pulley Feed Pressure IN
Feed Pressure IN Feed Pressure OUT

Figure 7 Figure 10
Primary Pulley Cover Main Pump Lube Tube
(Connected to Case) TCC Feed Tubes
Pressure
Forward Clutch Feed Tube
Feed Pressure OUT

Line Pressure
Feed To
Secondary PrimaryPressure Manual Valve
Pressure Feed Tube
Feed Tube Tube Inside
Tube

Figure 8 Figure 11

Lube Tube

Secondary Pulley
Feed Pressure IN

Figure 9 Figure 12
Copyright © 2015 ATSG

15-W05
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 4 of 5
 Online Technical Bulletin
FORD CFT30 CVT

PRESSURE CODE DIAGNOSIS

Replace Forward & Reverse Lip Seals

Reverse Clutch Feed Tube

From Manual Valve

Figure 13 Figure 16
Vacuum Testing Pulley Seals Pump To CasePump Assembly
Adaptor & Pump Assembly

Pump To Case
Adaptor O-Ring Seals

Figure 14 Figure 17

High Pressure Pump Assembly

Spring Dimensions: Check For

Forward Clutch Free Length - 1.717” (43.63 mm) Broken Springs
Sealing Rings Outside Diameter - .552” (14.03mm)
Deteriorate Coil Thickness - .085” (2.16mm)

Figure 15 Figure 18
Copyright © 2015 ATSG

15-W05
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 5 of 5