This tutorial will help you to test the automatic transmission (A/T) pressure control solenoid on the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 2.0L Honda CR-V.
There are 3 tests involved in checking to see if the solenoid is defective or not. One test involves testing the internal resistance of the solenoid and the other two involve applying power and Ground (via jumper wires) to it.
NOTE: The A/T clutch pressure control solenoid goes by several names: throttle valve solenoid and linear shift solenoid. They all refer to the same one.
Contents of this tutorial:
- Symptoms Of A Defective A/T Pressure Control Solenoid.
- TEST 1: A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Resistance Test.
- TEST 2: Manually Applying 12 Volts And Ground To The Linear Solenoid.
- TEST 3: Checking The Movement Of The Linear Solenoid's Valve.
- Linear Solenoid Is Good But Transmission Still Not Shifting.
- More 2.0L Honda CR-V Tutorials.
You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Solenoide De Presión De Embrague (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V) (at: autotecnico-online.com).
NOTE: You can find the test procedures for the shift solenoid A and B assembly and the TCC lock-up solenoid assembly here:
- How To Test: Shift Solenoids A And B (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- How To Test: TCC Solenoids A And B (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
Symptoms Of A Defective A/T Pressure Control Solenoid
The A/T pressure control solenoid (linear solenoid) is located on the bottom/front of your Honda CR-V's automatic transmission. By front of the transmission I mean the side that faces toward the radiator.
To safely access the pressure control solenoid you'll need to raise and place your Honda CR-V on jack stands.
Your Honda CR-V's automatic transmission is computer controlled so when the pressure control solenoid fails you're gonna' have the following trouble codes stored in the PCM's memory (and lighting the check engine light): P1768: A/T Pressure Control Solenoid.
You're also gonna' see:
- Transmission does not shift from 1st to higher gear.
- Harsh upshifts and downshifts.
- Flares on 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts.
- Lock-up clutch does not does operate smoothly or does not engage.
TEST 1: A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Resistance Test
The very first thing we're gonna' do is to check the resistance of the A/T pressure control solenoid (linear solenoid).
The resistance specification of the linear solenoid is: 5 Ohms and we'll check it with a multimeter in Ohms mode.
OK, these are the test steps:
- 1
Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
- 2
Disconnect the A/T pressure control solenoid from its electrical connector.
- 3
Measure the resistance between terminals #1 and #2 of the pressure control solenoid with the multimeter test leads (see the illustration above).
- 4
Your multimeter should read around 5 Ohms.
Let's analyze your resistance test results:
CASE 1: The resistance of the pressure control solenoid is within specification. This is the correct and expected test result and generally means that the A/T pressure control solenoid is OK.
Since the solenoid passed this test, we now need to manually apply power and Ground to the solenoid and see if it makes a clicking sound. For this test go to: TEST 2: Manually Applying 12 Volts And Ground To The Linear Solenoid.
CASE 2: The resistance of the pressure control solenoid IS NOT within specification. Recheck your multimeter test connections and retest. If you still don't get the correct resistance, then the A/T pressure control solenoid (linear solenoid) is bad and needs to be replaced.
