ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Description of the Electronic System. -The powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) and its
input/output signal network controls the following transmission operations:
• Synchronization of changes.
• Pressure pipe (perception of changes).
• Torque converter clutch.
Transmission control is separate from the engine control strategy in the PCM, although some of the
input signals are shared. When determining the best operating strategy for transmission operation,
the PCM uses information received from certain sensors and switches related to the engine and the
driver's demands. In addition, the PCM receives signals from certain transmission-related sensors
and switches. The PCM also uses these signals when determining the component's operating
strategy.
By using all of these signals, the PCM can determine when the timing and conditions are right for a
shift, or when to apply or release the torque converter clutch. It will also determine the best line
pressure required to optimize shift feel. To accomplish this the PCM uses six output solenoids to
control the operation of the transmission. The following provides a brief description of each of the
sensors and actuators used to control transmission operation.

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor provides mixture temperature information from the
sequential fuel injection (SFI) system. The IAT sensor is used as a density corrector for airflow
calculation and to provide cold flow of enriched fuel. The IAT sensor is installed in the discharge
duct of the air purifier. This sensor is also used to determine electronic pressure control (EPC)
pressures.
Choke Position (TP) Sensor
The choke position sensor is a potentiometer mounted on the choke body. It detects the position of
the throttle valve and sends this information to the powertrain control module. The TP sensor is
used for shift programming, electronic pressure control, and torque converter clutch control (TCC).
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
Detects engine coolant temperature and supplies the information to the powertrain control module
(PCM). The ECT sensor is used to monitor the operation of the torque converter clutch (TCC).
Anti-lock Brake Speed Sensor
The programmable speedometer/odometer module (PSOM) receives signals from the rear anti-lock
brake sensor. After processing the signal, the PSOM sends it to the power train control module.
PSOM information is used to help determine shift timing, torque converter operation, and electronic
pressure control (EPC).
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The mass air flow sensor measures the volume of air entering the engine. The signal from the MAF
sensor is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to calculate the pulse width of the injectors.
For transmission strategies, the MAF sensor is used to regulate the electronic pressure control, shift
timing and torque converter clutch.
Air Conditioner (A/C) Clutch
The electromagnetic clutch is energized when the clutch switching pressure switch is closed. The
switch is located on the suction/dryer accumulator. Closing the switch completes the circuit to the
clutch and engages it with the compressor drive shaft. When the A/C is engaged, the electronic
pressure control (EPC) is adjusted to compensate for the additional load on the engine.
Electronic Ignition System (EI)
The electronic ignition consists of a crankshaft position sensor, two four-tower ignition coils, and
the powertrain control module. The ignition control module works by sending crankshaft position
information from the sensor to the ignition control module. The ignition control module generates
an ignition pickup (PIP) signal (engine rpm) and sends it to the PCM. The PCM uses the PIP signal
in transmission strategy, wide-open throttle (WOT) shift control, torque converter clutch control,
and EPC pressure.
Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Switch
The brake pedal position (BPP) switch tells the powertrain control module (PCM) when the brakes
are applied. The torque converter clutch disengages when the brakes are applied. The BPP switch
closes when the brakes are applied and opens when the brakes are released.
Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
The transmission control switch (TCS) is a momentary contact device that allows the driver to
override 5th gear (overdrive) operation. The TCS is located at the end of the selector lever. When
the driver initially presses the TCS, a signal is sent to the powertrain control module. The PCM uses
the shift solenoids to disengage/disable 5th gear operation and activate the freewheel clutch. At the
same time, the PCM illuminates the transmission control indicator lamp (TCIL) to notify the driver
that 5th gear operation is canceled. When the TCS is pressed again, 5th gear operation is enabled,
the freewheel clutch is released and the TCIL lamp is turned off. Every time the ignition is switched
(engine off and on) the TCS is turned off and 5th gear is enabled, even if the TCS was on when the
ignition was turned off.
Transmission Control Indicator Lamp (TCIL)
The transmission control indicator lamp (TCIL) is located on the instrument panel and is labeled
O/D OFF. Illuminates along with the transmission switch (TCS).

Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor (TSS)

The turbine shaft speed sensor (TSS) is a magnetic pickup that sends torque converter turbine speed
information to the powertrain control module. The TSS sensor is mounted internally in the center
bracket. The PCM uses information from the TSS to help determine the operation of the electronic
pressure control (EPC) and torque converter clutch (TCC).
4x4 Low Switch (4x4L)
The 4x4 low (4x4L) range switch is located on the transfer case cover. Provides an indication of
when the 4x4 transfer case gear system is in the low range. The PCM then modifies the shift
schedule for the 4x4L transfer case gear ratio.
Output Shaft Speed Sensor (OSS)
The output shaft speed sensor (OSS) is a magnetic pickup, located on the output shaft ring gear, that
sends a signal to the power train control module (PCM) to indicate the speed of the output shaft. the
broadcast. The OSS is used for torque converter clutch control, speed programming, and to
determine electronic pressure control.
Digital Transmission Range (TR) Sensor
The digital transmission range (TR) sensor is located on the outside of the transmission, on the
manual lever. The TR digital sensor completes the starting circuit in Park and Neutral, the Backup
lamp circuit in the neutral sensor circuit (4x4 only) in Neutral. The TR digital sensor also opens and
closes a set of four switches that are monitored by the powertrain control module to determine the
position of the manual lever (P, R, N, D, 2, 1).
Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor
The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a thermistor-type device that varies a reference
voltage. The resistance in the TFT varies with temperature. The power train control module (PCM)
monitors the voltage across the TFT, and uses this information to determine the transmission fluid
temperature.
• The TFT is located in the main control body wiring harness.
• The PCM uses the TFT signal to help determine shift timing, torque converter clutch operation,
and electronic pressure control (EPC).
Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid
The Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) solenoid is a variable force style (VFS) device. The VFS
type solenoid is an electrohydraulic actuator that combines a solenoid and a regulating valve. The
power train control module varies the current to the EPC solenoid. This action causes the solenoid
to regulate the transmission line pressure and the line modulator pressure. This is done by producing
resistive forces to the main regulator and line modulator circuits. These two solenoids control the
clutch application pressures.
Shift Solenoids – A, B, C and D
Four On/Off shift solenoids allow the powertrain control module to control shift scheduling.
• Solenoids are two-way, normally closed.
• Shift solenoids (SSA, SSB, SSC and SSD) provide gear selection by controlling shift valve
pressures.
• The SSD is also used to apply and release the freewheel clutch.
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid
The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is used to control the application and release of the
TCC.
Power Train Control Module (PCM)
Transmission operation is controlled by the powertrain control module. Many sensors provide
information to the PCM. The PCM then controls the actuators that determine the operation of the
transmission.
FORD EXPLORER GENERAL ELECTRONIC CONNECTION DIAGRAM
FAULTS IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM
The most common failures that we can find in the electronic control system are caused by a
malfunction of the different components such as sensors, actuators and other electronic modules
that intervene in the system.

 TCC failure
 Another common failure is the decalibration of the TR sensor located on the gear lever,
which can be affected by poor user manipulation.