Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Fail-Safe Function
A fail-safe function is provided to maintain driveability even if trouble should occur in the vehicle speed sensor, throttle position sensor, inhibitor switch, or any of the solenoids.
- VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR 1 AND 2
A dual speed-sensing system is used. The speed signal is taken from the transmission (output shaft speed sensor). Even if one sensor system fails, the vehicle can be controlled normally with the other sensor system.
If both front and rear vehicle speed sensor become faulty, the vehicle is made driveable in the 1st and 3rd speeds.
- THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
If throttle position sensor becomes faulty, the throttle opening is fixed at the preset angle.
- INHIBITOR SWITCH
If the plural number of signals are inputted simultaneously due to inhibitor switch failure, the TCM makes it possible to drive the vehicle in the following conditions.
Order of priority: D > N (P) > R > 3 > 2 > 1 >
- SHIFT SOLENOID 1 AND 2
If trouble occurs in either of solenoids 1 and 2, both solenoids are turned OFF, and the vehicle is made driveable in the 3rd hold range.
If both solenoids should fail, the mechanical hydraulic circuit is used.
- LINE PRESSURE DUTY SOLENOID
If line pressure duty solenoid fails, the solenoid is turned OFF and line pressure is raised to maximum to enable vehicle operation.
And the vehicle is made driveable in the 1st and 3rd speeds.
- LOCK-UP DUTY SOLENOID
If lock-up duty solenoid fails, the solenoid is turned OFF and lock-up is released.
- TRANSFER DUTY SOLENOID
When the transfer duty solenoid becomes inoperative, it turns OFF. This causes maximum oil pressure to be applied to the transfer clutch so that the power is always transmitted to rear axles. (Direct-coupling AWD)
- 2-4 BRAKE DUTY SOLENOID
If any trouble occurs in the 2-4 brake duty solenoid, the solenoid is turned off and the vehicle is made drivable in the 1st and 3rd speeds.
- LOW-CLUTCH TIMING SOLENOID
If any trouble occurs in the low clutch timing solenoid, the solenoid is turned off and the vehicle is made drivable in the 1st and 3rd speeds.
- 2-4 BRAKE TIMING SOLENOID
If any trouble occurs in the 2-4 brake timing solenoid, the solenoid is turned off and the vehicle is made drivable in the 1st and 3rd speeds.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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