P0801

Circuit Description
An ignition voltage is supplied directly to the Reverse Inhibit solenoid. The PCM controls the solenoid by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The driver supplies the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near 0 volts. When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage). If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status changes, causing the DTC to set.
When the Reverse Inhibit solenoid energizes, the operator can shift the transmission into reverse. The PCM enables the Reverse Inhibit solenoid whenever the vehicle speed is below 5 mph. When the vehicle speed is above 5 mph, the PCM de-energizes the solenoid, which prevents the operator from shifting the transmission into reverse.

Conditions for Running the DTC
^ The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM.
^ Ignition voltage greater than 6 volts but less than 18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
^ The PCM detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match.
^ All conditions exist for a minimum of 5.0 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
^ The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
^ The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
^ The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
^ A last test failed (current DTC) clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
^ A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures.
^ Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL/DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Important:
^ Remove any debris from the PCM/TAC module connector surfaces before servicing the PCM/TAC module. Inspect the PCM/TAC module connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the modules. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion into the PCM/TAC modules.
^ For any test that requires probing the PCM or a component harness connector, use the Connector Test Adapter kit J 35616-A. Using this kit prevents damage to the harness/component terminals.
^ Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can aid in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid determining how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
^ Low system voltage can cause this DTC to set. When reviewing captured data, verify if a low system voltage condition was present at the time the DTC was stored in memory.
^ For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. Listen for an audible click when the solenoid operates. Command both the ON and the OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.
3. This test can detect a partially shorted coil which would cause excessive current flow. Leaving the circuit energized for 2 minutes allows the coil to warm up. When warm the coil may open (Amps drop to 0), or short (goes above 0.75 amp).
7. Listen for an audible click when the relay operates. Ground the circuit as necessary.
13. If you find no trouble in the control circuit or the connection at the PCM, the PCM may be faulty. However, this is an extremely unlikely failure.