ok fellas . . . .sooo after some deep dives here in the driveline section i got a few questions i could not find in here. My 08 2.4 auto has came down with a P0700 and P0973 code (generic trans code and 1-2 shift solinoid code) also seems to be in limp mode with hard shifting. My car also will not shift into 4th and my question is in limp home is 4th or overdrive locked out? The reason i ask is that the associated trans code is with the 1-2 solinoid which seems to be shifting fine and im trying to diagnose before i start wrenching. I plan on following the thread on changing out the solinoids but see there is only a 1-2 and a 2-3 is there a 3-4 or what keeps it from going into 4th? Thanks all . . .. i spent the last three days in search mode and came up notta

 

The rest of P0973 is "Control Circuit Low Voltage". Which means the TCM has detected a short or open circuit..


To answer the other question Overdrive is 4th gear and the torque converter is locked. Here is the function of the solenoids:

 

thanks Don, so it could be a wiring short? I will have to find a wiring diagram and see if i can sort that out. I see now how the 1-2 solinoid can affect 4th. By the way where or what would be the best repair manuals to get for these cars, i have none for this thing at the moment.

 

Check your PM.

 

Awesome thanks for the info Don. Trans probs can be tricky, ive wrenched on many many things but auto trans's are some kinda voodoo science to me lol

 

It’s all in the research and information. As my Dad taught me, learn from other people’s mistakes, especially the expensive ones.
some treat the 4T40 and 4T45 as junk throw away transmissions, but they are very stout and can lasts long time, with the following if some simple rules…..
1- No additives like Lucas
2- Don’t just add fluid, thinking that will be the problem! If you see transmission fluid under your HHR leaked out on the ground, find the problem and fix that, usually an output shaft seal leak.
Then fill the transmission to the check plug and no more then that.

3- Don’t be afraid to double check the fluid level a few days later to make sure you topped it up as it should be.

4- Yes, we know there’s no dip stick, so you only need check the level if you see transmission fluid on the ground under your HHR. Otherwise, it’ll be fine, it really can’t go anywhere else, except the cooling system if your rad has problems. Just like most other transmission coolers it’s in the radiator.