How To Test: Shift Solenoid B and C (Honda 2.2L, 2.3L)

In this tutorial I'm gonna' show you how to test your Honda's shift solenoid B and shift solenoid C.

Testing the shift solenoids (B or C) involves 2 simple tests. One is a multimeter resistance test and the other is manually applying power (12 Volts) and Ground and listening for the solenoid to make a click sound.

This tutorial will also help you troubleshoot OBD II diagnostic trouble codes P0758: Shift Solenoid B Electrical and P0763: Shift Solenoid C Electrical.

The following Honda automatic transmission tutorials may be of help too:

• How To Test: TCC Solenoid And Shift Solenoid A (Honda 2.2L, 2.3L).
• How To Test: A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid A and B (Honda 2.2L, 2.3L).
• How To Test: Transmission Range Switch (Honda 2.2L, 2.3L).

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar: Solenoide de Cambio B y C (Honda 2.2L, 2.3L) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

Symptoms Of A Bad Shift Solenoid B Or C

Here's a breakdown of the symptoms produced by each shift solenoid (when it fails):

Symptoms of a bad shift solenoid B:

• Trouble code P0758: Shift Solenoid B Electrical registering in the PCM's memory.
• D4 light blinking on the instrument cluster.
• Doesn't shift into 3rd or 4th gear (not to be confused with slippage in 3rd or 4th gear).
• Transmission starts in 3rd gear.

Symptoms of a bad shift solenoid C:

• Trouble code P0763: Shift Solenoid C Electrical registering in the PCM's memory.
• D4 light blinking on the instrument cluster.
• When shifting from N to D3 or D4, the transmission takes longer than normal to get into forward gear and/or shifts hard.
• When shifting from N to R, the transmission takes longer than normal to get into reverse gear.
• Transmission stays in limp-in mode.
• Abnormal and/or hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear or from 2nd to 1st gear.
• Abnormal and/or hard shift from 2nd to 3rd gear or from 3rd to 2nd gear.
• Abnormal and/or hard shift from 4th to 3rd gear or from 4th to 3d gear.

Basics Of Shift Solenoids B And C

Shift solenoid B and shift solenoid C are located on the outside of the transmission case.

Image 1 of 2, in the image viewer, is your guide to the location of both shift solenoid B and C on the transmission.

The shift solenoids are not interchangeable. The connectors have guide tabs that will also make it impossible to connect them to the wrong engine wiring harness pigtail connector.

Here are some more basic details of both shift solenoid B and shift solenoid C:

Shift Solenoid B:

1. The connector color is black.
2. Terminal labeled #1 if fed Ground (chassis Ground).
3. Terminal labeled #2 is the control circuit (from the PCM).

Shift Solenoid C:

1. The connector color is brown.
2. Terminal labeled #1 if fed Ground (chassis Ground).
3. Terminal labeled #2 is the control circuit (from the PCM).

START HERE: Shift Solenoid B And C Tests

Troubleshooting shift solenoid B or shift solenoid C isn't hard. There are two basic tests and in this section I'll briefly describe them.

The 2 tests in this tutorial are:

1. Resistance testing shift solenoid in question..
   • This test simply involves measuring the resistance of the shift solenoid and comparing the value with the factory spec of 12-25 Ohms.
   • TEST 1: Shift Solenoid Resistance Test.
2. Manually applying 12 Volts and Ground to the shift solenoid in question.
   • In this test, you'll apply power and Ground (from your Honda's battery) to the shift solenoid and listen for a clicking sound.
   • TEST 2: Manually Applying Power And Ground.