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.

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).

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

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:

1. P1753: Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve.
2. P2769: Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve Open.
3. P2770: Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve Short.
4. Torque converter does NOT engage, operate smoothly, or disengage.
5. Harsh upshifts:
   • 1st to 2nd.
   • 2nd to 3rd.
   • 3rd to 4th.
6. 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: Buying A Digital Multimeter For Automotive Diagnostic Testing (found at: easyautodiagnostics.com).

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.