How To Test The TCC Solenoid (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic)

In this tutorial I'm gonna' show you how to test your 2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic's torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid.

The TCC solenoid diagnostic involves to specific tests. The first is a simple resistance test of the TCC solenoid's internal coil.

The other is to see if the TCC solenoid's valve is opening and closing (and thus making an audible clicking sound) when you manually apply battery voltage and Ground to the solenoid.

ES You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Solenoide TCC (1.7L Honda Civic) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

SHIFT SOLENOID TESTS: The following 2001-2005 Honda Civic automatic transmission diagnostic tutorials may be of help too:

• Shift Control Solenoids A And B Tests (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic).
• Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid A And B (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic).

Symptoms Of A Bad TCC Solenoid

The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is located on the top of your Honda Civic's automatic transmission case (see photo in the image viewer).

The most obvious symptoms you'll see, when the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid has failed are: the D4 light blinking on the instrument cluster and a TCC solenoid DTC (diagnostic trouble code) registered in the PCM's memory.

To be a bit more specific, you'll see:

• P1753: torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve.
• P2769: torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve Open.
• P2770: torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve Short.
• Torque converter does NOT engage, operate smoothly, or disengage.
• Harsh upshifts:
  • 1st to 2nd.
  • 2nd to 3rd.
  • 3rd to 4th.
• Excessive shock on upshifting:
  • 2nd to 3rd.
  • 3rd to 4th.

TEST 1: Testing The TCC Solenoid Resistance With A Multimeter

To find out if the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is fried (or not), we're gonna' check its internal resistance with a multimeter in Ohms (Ω) mode.

The factory resistance specification of the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is 12 to 25 Ohms (Ω).

Now, if the resistance is not within specification, you now know the TCC solenoid needs to be replaced with a new one. But, if the resistance is within spec., you'll need to go to TEST 2.

NOTE: The easiest way to test your 1.7L Honda Civic's torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is with it off the car.

OK, this is what you need to do:

1. 1

   Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
   
   Don't have a multimeter or need to upgrade yours? Check out my recommendation: Tekpower TP8268 AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter (Amazon affiliate link).

2. 2

   Measure the resistance between torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid pins #1 and #2 (see the illustration in the image viewer).

3. 3

   Your multimeter should register 12-25 Ohms if the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is within specification.

Let's take a look at your test results:

CASE 1: The resistance of the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid was 12 to 25 Ohms. This test result tells you that the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid's internal coil is OK.

The next step is to bench-test the shift solenoid and apply 12 Volts and Ground to it. For this test, go to: TEST 2: Manually Applying Power And Ground To The TCC Solenoid.

CASE 2: The resistance of the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid WAS NOT 12 to 25 Ohms. This test result tells you that your 1.7L Honda Civic's torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is fried and needs to be replaced.

TEST 2: Manually Applying Power And Ground To The TCC Solenoid

If you've reached this point, you have confirmed that you have a TCC solenoid trouble code causing the D4 light to blink (on your instrument cluster) and that the TCC solenoid's internal resistance is within specification.

Even thought the TCC solenoid's resistance is within spec., there's a good chance that it's internal valve is stuck.

The way to find out is to bench test it and see if you hear it making a clicking sound when you manually apply power and Ground to the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid from your Honda Civic's car battery.

You'll need to make your own jumper wires and I suggest using alligator clips with rubber insulating protectors (see photo 3 of 3 in the image viewer).

Using alligator clips with rubber insulating protectors will help you avoid shorting out the jumper wire that's carrying the juice (from the battery) to the solenoid.

OK, this is what you need to do:

1. 1

   Connect torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid terminal #2 to your Honda Civic's battery positive (+) terminal.
   
   NOTE: Take all safety precautions when applying these 12 Volts to the terminal.

2. 2

   Connect torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid terminal #1 to Ground (or your Honda Civic's negative battery terminal).

3. 3

   You should hear a clicking sound as soon as you Ground solenoid terminal #1.

Let's take a look at your test results:

CASE 1: The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid clicked. This is the correct and expected test result.

If you're still having a torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid trouble code, take a look at the test suggestions found here: TCC Solenoid Is OK But Transmission Still Not Shifting.

CASE 2: The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid DID NOT click. This test result tells you that the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is fried and needs to be replaced.

TCC Solenoid Is OK But Transmission Still Not Shifting

If you've tested and found the TCC solenoid is OK, yet a P1753, P2769, or a P2770 keeps popping up, I would suggest that you:

1. Check the continuity of circuit #2 between the TCC solenoid and the PCM with a multimeter.
2. Check the continuity of circuit #1 between the TCC solenoid and the PCM with a multimeter.

The above two test will help you eliminate a possible 'open' in the wiring between the TCC solenoid and the PCM. To be able to do this, you'll need a wiring diagram of your specific Honda Civic.

If after testing the wiring and you find no faults, then there's a good chance that you'll have to replace the shift solenoid in question to see if replacing it solves the problem. I know this isn't something you want to hear, but in some cases there's just no other way to troubleshoot the issue (I speak from personal experience and from comments other readers have sent in).

If after testing the solenoid, its related wiring, and/or replacing the shift solenoid and the problem still persists, then you either have a bad transmission (internal mechanical/hydraulic problem) or the PCM is bad. Before you run out and buy a PCM, let me tell you that it's very, very rare for a PCM to go bad and keep the transmission from shifting (it does happen but you're more likely to get hit by lightening that have this happen to you).

Now, if your Honda's transmission is slipping, then replacing the shift solenoid in question isn't gonna' help bring the transmission back to normal. Slippage is a direct result of internal damage to the friction discs or hard parts. The only way to solve a slippage issue is overhauling the transmission.

More 1.7L Honda Civic Test Tutorials

You can find a complete list of Honda Civic tutorials in this index: 1.7L Honda Civic Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Test The Crank Sensor (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic).
• Maintenance Required Light Reset (2001-05 1.7L Honda Civic).
• How To Do A Cylinder Balance Test (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic).
• How To Test Trouble Code P0141 (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic).
• How To Test The TP Sensor (2001-2005 1.7L Honda Civic).
• How To Test Trouble Code P0135 (2001-2003 1.7L Honda Civic).