4th Generation Shift Selector Models
Detailed information on oil levels, diagnostic codes and prognostic features for your specific shift selector can be found on the following pages. If your vehicle has a shift selector that has a:
– Double-digit display and was released after July 2008, equipped with Model Year ’09 prognostics, see the section for Model Year ’09 4th Generation Electronic Controls Shift Selectors.
– Double-digit display and was released after July 2008, not equipped with prognostics, see the section for 4th Generation Electronic Controls Shift Selectors.
– Double-digit display and was released prior to July 2008, see the section for 4th Generation Electronic Controls Shift Selectors.
– Single-digit display, see the section for WTEC III Electronic Controls Shift Selectors.
General Information
Fluid Levels
The transmission fluid cools, lubricates and transmits hydraulic power, so it is important the proper fluid level be maintained at all times. If the fluid level is too low, the converter and clutches do not receive an adequate supply of fluids. If the fluid level is too high, the fluid can aerate causing the transmission to shift erratically or overheat.
Diagnostics
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) of your Allison Automatic monitors the transmission’s electronic controls; and when a problem condition is detected, it:
– Restricts shifting
– Illuminates the CHECK TRANS* light on the instrument panel
– Registers a diagnostic code
Continued illumination of the CHECK TRANS light during vehicle operation (other than start-up) indicates that the TCM has signaled a diagnostic code.
Mode Button
Allison Automatics offer primary and secondary shift schedule modes to enhance performance or fuel economy. The vehicle always defaults to the primary mode (light off). You can switch to the secondary mode (light on) by pushing the MODE button.
* For some problems, diagnostic codes may be registered without the TCM activating the CHECK TRANS light. Reaction Force LLC should be consulted whenever there is a transmission-related concern. We have the equipment to check for diagnostic codes and to correct problems.
Model Year 2009 4th Gen Electronic Controls Shift Selectors
As the world leader in medium- and heavy-duty commercial transmissions, Allison Transmission continues its ongoing improvement initiative with the introduction of new prognostic features for Model Year ’09 Allison 3000 and 4000 Series models, available July 2008.
Model Year ’09 prognostics monitor various operating parameters to determine and alert you when a specific maintenance function is required. Model Year ’09 prognostics feature Oil Life Monitor, Filter Life Monitor and Transmission Health Monitor. At this time, Allison Approved TES 295 transmission fluid is required to engage Model Year ’09 prognostics.
OEMs may supply shift selectors for some vehicles equipped with Model Year ’09 prognostics. If your Allison-equipped vehicle’s shift selector is different from those shown above, contact Reaction Force LLC for further details.
Prognostic Features
If the WRENCH ICON illuminates briefly after you turn the key to the run position on your Allison-equipped vehicle, then prognostics are enabled.
Pushbutton
Lever
Oil Life Monitor
When fluid is due for a change: The WRENCH ICON is illuminated and remains solid for two minutes after the DRIVE RANGE is selected.
Filter Life Monitor
When the filter(s) is due for a change: The WRENCH ICON flashes on and off for two minutes after the DRIVE RANGE is selected.
Transmission Health Monitor
When clutch maintenance is due: The WRENCH ICON comes on and remains solid during entire operational time of vehicle.
Accessing Prognostics
When you are alerted via the WRENCH ICON on the shift selector that service is due, you can check the status by toggling through the shift selector display as follows. Be sure to park the vehicle on a level surface, shift to N (Neutral) and apply the parking brake before accessing prognostics through the shift selector.
Oil Life Monitor
Using a pushbutton shift selector simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows two times.
Using a lever shift selector press the DIAGNOSTICS button two times.
“oM” appears followed by a number, from 99 to 0, which represents the percentage of oil life remaining before a fluid change is required.
Filter Life Monitor
Using a pushbutton shift selector simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows three times.
Using a lever shift selector press the DIAGNOSTICS
button three times.
“FM” appears followed by either “oK” or “Lo”. “oK” means filters do not need to be changed and “Lo” means filters need to be changed.
Transmission Health Monitor
Using a pushbutton shift selector simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows four times.
Using a lever shift selector press the DIAGNOSTICS
button four times.
“TM” appears followed by either “oK” or “Lo”.
“oK” means no clutch maintenance is required, and “Lo” means clutch maintenance is required.
Resetting Prognostics
Oil Life Monitor
Using either a pushbutton or lever shift selector, press and hold MODE button for approximately 10 seconds while in Oil Life Monitor mode.
OR
Using either a pushbutton or lever shift selector, perform the following shift sequence with the ignition on but the engine off. Do not stop the sequence for more than three seconds once you have started.
N-D-N-D-N-R-N
A “99” will display verifying that Oil Life Monitor has been reset.
Filter Life Monitor
Using either a pushbutton or lever shift selector, press and hold MODE button for approximately 10 seconds while in Filter Life Monitor mode.
OR
Using either a pushbutton or lever shift selector, perform the following shift sequence with the ignition on but the engine off. Do not stop the sequence for more than three seconds once you have started.
N-R-N-R-N-D-N
The WRENCH ICON will illuminate briefly and “oK” will display verifying Filter Life Monitor has been reset.
Transmission Health Monitor
The WRENCH ICON clears automatically when appropriate conditions are detected. Transmission Health Monitor must be reset manually using Allison DOC™ after correcting a clutch system issue.
Checking Fluid Levels
Use the following procedure to display oil level information.
To enter the oil level function:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shift to N (Neutral) and apply the parking brake.
2. Using a pushbutton shift selector, simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows one time. Using a lever shift selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button one time.
3. The fluid level reading may be delayed until the following conditions are met:
– Engine is at idle.
– The fluid temperature is between 60˚C (140˚F) and 104˚C (220˚F).
– Transmission is in N (Neutral).
– The vehicle has been stationary for approximately two minutes to allow the fluid to settle.
– The engine is at idle (below 1000 rpm – not “fast” idle).
Delayed Fluid Level Check
The indication of a delayed fluid level check for pushbutton and lever selectors is a flashing display and a numerical countdown.
4. The shift selector displays the oil level data as follows:
CORRECT FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “oK.” The “oK” display indicates the fluid is within the correct fluid level zone.
The sensor display and the transmission dipstick may not agree exactly because the oil level sensor compensates for fluid temperature.
LOW FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “Lo” (“Lo” represents “Low Oil Level”) and the number of quarts the transmission fluid is low.
Example: oL Lo 02
“2” indicates that 2 additional quarts of fluid will bring the fluid level within the middle of the “oK” zone.
HIGH FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “HI” (“HI” represents “High Oil Level”) and the number of quarts the transmission fluid is overfilled.
Example: oL HI 01
“1” indicates 1 quart of fluid above the full transmission level.
INVALID FOR DISPLAY
– If any of the previous conditions are not met, the shift selector will display “oL” (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “– –” and a numerical display. The numerical display is a fault code and indicates conditions are not proper to receive the fluid level information or there is a system malfunction. The fault codes that may be encountered are shown below:
Display Fault Codes and Descriptions
oL, – –, 0X* Description: Setting time too short
oL, – –, 50 or , EL Description: engine speed too low
oL, – –, 59 or , EH Description: Engine speed too high
oL, – –, 65 or , SN Description: Neutral must be selected
oL, – –, 70 or , TL Description: Sump fluid temperature too low
oL, – –, 79 or , TH Description: Sump fluid temperature too high
oL, – –, 89 or , SH Description: Output speed high
oL, – –, 95 or , FL Description: Oil level sensor failed**
*A number between 8 and 1 that flashes during countdown period. **Report sensor failure display to a distributor or dealer in your area.
CAUTION: A low or high fluid level can cause overheating and irregular shift patterns. Incorrect fluid level can damage the transmission.
To exit the oil level function
Using the pushbutton selector, press any range button
Using the lever selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button one time.
Diagnostic Codes
To enter the diagnostic code function
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Apply the parking brake.
2. Using a pushbutton shift selector, simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows five times.
Using a lever shift selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button five times.
To read diagnostic codes in the digital display
Diagnostic codes will appear two characters at a time on a pushbutton or lever selector.
When the diagnostic function is entered, the first code (position d1) is displayed as follows:
Example Code: P O7 22
Displayed as: d1, P, 07, 22
The Code Position (d1) is the first item displayed, followed by the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC),** P, 07, 22. Each item is displayed for about one second. The display cycles continuously until the next code list position is accessed by pressing the MODE button. For a detailed list of Diagnostic Transmission Codes for Model Year ’09 shift selectors, see pages 31 through 34.
** Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) – The diagnostic trouble code number referring to the general condition or area of fault detected by the TCM.
To Clear Diagnostic Codes
Press and hold the MODE button for 10 seconds to clear both active and inactive codes.
Note: Be sure to record all codes displayed before they are cleared. This is essential for troubleshooting. Begin operating as normal.
Drive the vehicle and check for code recurrence. If codes continue to recur, bring the vehicle to an authorized Allison Transmission service outlet to diagnose and repair the problem causing the codes.
4th Gen Electronic Controls Shift Selectors
Vehicle manufacturers may choose different types of shift selectors for their vehicles. The shift selector in your Allison-equipped vehicle will be similar to the pushbutton or lever style shown above.
Checking Fluid Levels
Use the following procedure to display oil level information.
To enter the oil level function
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shift to N (Neutral) and apply the parking brake.
2. Using a pushbutton shift selector, simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrow buttons one time.
Using a lever shift selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button one time.
3. The fluid level reading may be delayed until the following conditions are met:
– Engine is at idle.
– The fluid temperature is between 60˚C (140˚F) and 104˚C (220˚F).
– Transmission is in N (Neutral).
– The vehicle has been stationary for approximately two minutes to allow the fluid to settle.
– The engine is at idle (below 1000 rpm – not “fast” idle).
Delayed Fluid Level Check
The indication of a delayed fluid level check for pushbutton and lever selectors is a flashing display and a numerical countdown in the SELECT/MONITOR window display.
4. The shift selector displays the oil level data as follows:
CORRECT FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “oK”. The “oK” display indicates the fluid is within the correct fluid level zone. The sensor display and the transmission dipstick may not agree exactly because the oil level sensor compensates for fluid temperature.
LOW FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “Lo” (“Lo” represents “Low Oil Level”) and the number of quarts the transmission fluid is low.
Example: oL Lo 02
“2” indicates that 2 additional quarts of fluid will bring the fluid level within the middle of the “oK” zone.
HIGH FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “HI” (“HI” represents “High Oil Level”) and the number of quarts the transmission fluid is overfilled.
Example: oL HI 01
“1” indicates 1 quart of fluid above the full transmission level.
INVALID FOR DISPLAY
–If any of the previous conditions are not met, the shift selector will display “oL” (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “– –” and a numerical display. The numerical display is a fault code and indicates conditions are not proper to receive the fluid level information, or that there is a system malfunction.
The fault codes that may be encountered are shown on page 10.
CAUTION: A low or high fluid level can cause overheating and irregular shift patterns. Incorrect fluid level can damage the transmission.
To exit the oil level function
Using the pushbutton selector, press any range button
Using the lever selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button one time.
Diagnostic Codes
To enter the diagnostic code function
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Apply the parking brake.
2. Using a pushbutton shift selector, simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows two times.
Using a lever shift selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button two times.
To read diagnostic codes in the digital display: Diagnostic codes will appear two characters at a time on a pushbutton or lever selector. When the diagnostic function is entered, the first code (position d1) is displayed as follows:
Example Code: P O7 22 displayed as: D1, P, 07, 22
The Code Position (d1) is the first item displayed, followed by the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC),** P, 07, 22. Each item is displayed for about one second. The display cycles continuously until the next code list position is accessed by pressing the MODE button. For a detailed list of Diagnostic Transmission Codes for 4th Generation Shift Selectors, see pages 31 through 34.
** Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) – The diagnostic trouble code number referring to the general condition or area of fault detected by the TCM*.
To clear diagnostic codes
Press and hold the MODE button for 10 seconds to clear both active and inactive codes.
Note: Be sure to record all codes displayed before they are cleared. This is essential for troubleshooting. Begin operating as normal.
Drive the vehicle and check for code recurrence. If codes continue to recur, bring the vehicle to an authorized Allison Transmission service outlet to diagnose and repair the problem causing the codes.
WTEC III (3rd Gen) Electronic Controls Shift Selectors
Vehicle manufacturers may choose different types of shift selectors for their vehicles. The shift selector in your Allison-equipped vehicle will be similar to one of the pushbutton or lever styles as shown above.
Checking Fluid Levels
Use the following procedure to display oil level information.
To enter the oil level function
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shift to N (Neutral) and apply the parking brake.
2. Using a pushbutton shift selector, simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrow buttons one time.
Using a lever shift selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button one time.
3. The fluid level reading may be delayed until the following conditions are met:
– Engine is at idle.
– The fluid temperature is between 60˚C (140˚F) and 104˚C (220˚F).
– Transmission is in N (Neutral).
– The vehicle has been stationary for approximately two minutes to allow the fluid to settle.
– The engine is at idle (below 1000 rpm – not “fast” idle).
Delayed Fluid Level Check
A delayed fluid level check for pushbutton and lever selectors is indicated by a “–” in the display window followed by a numerical countdown.
4. The shift selector displays the oil level data as follows:
CORRECT FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “oK.” The “oK” display indicates the fluid is within the correct fluid level zone. The sensor display and the transmission dipstick may not agree exactly because the oil level sensor compensates for fluid temperature.
LOW FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “Lo” (“Lo” represents “Low Oil Level”) and the number of quarts the transmission fluid is low.
Example: oL Lo 2
HIGH FLUID LEVEL
– “oL” is displayed (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “HI” (“HI” represents “High Oil Level”) and the number of quarts the transmission fluid is overfilled.
Example: oL HI 1
“1” indicates 1 quart of fluid above the full transmission level.
INVALID FOR DISPLAY
– If any of the above conditions are not met, the shift selector will display “oL” (“oL” represents “Fluid (Oil) Level Check”) followed by “–” and a numerical display. The numerical display is a fault code and indicates conditions are not proper to receive the fluid level information, or that there is a system malfunction. The fault codes that may be encountered are shown below:
Display Fault Codes and Descriptions
o, L, –, 0, X* Description: Setting time too short
o, L, –, 5, 0 Description: Engine speed too low
o, L, –, 5, 9 Description: Engine speed too high
o, L, –, 6, 5 Description: Neutral must be selected
o, L, –, 7, 0 Description: Sump fluid temperature too low
o, L, –, 7, 9 Description: Sump fluid temperature too high
o, L, –, 8, 9 Description: Output speed high
o, L, –, 9, 5 Description: Oil level sensor failed**
*A number between 8 and 1 that flashes during countdown period. **Report sensor failure display to Reaction Force LLC.
CAUTION: A low or high fluid level can cause overheating and irregular shift patterns. Incorrect fluid level can damage the transmission.
To exit the oil level function
Pushbutton selector: Press the NEUTRAL button or simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows two times.
Lever selector: Press the DIAGNOSTICS button two times or momentarily move the shift selector to any range and back to neutral.
Diagnostic Codes
To enter the diagnostic code function
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Apply the parking brake.
2. Using a pushbutton shift selector, simultaneously press the UP and DOWN arrows two times.
Using a lever shift selector, press the DIAGNOSTICS button two times.
To read the digital display codes
Diagnostic codes will appear one digit at a time on a lever or pushbutton selector.
When the diagnostic function is entered, the first code (position d1) is displayed as follows:
Example Code: 13 12
Code Position: d1 – indicates that this is the first diagnostic code listed in the TCM memory.
Main Code: 13 – (two digits displayed one at a time) is listed first and provides the general condition or area of a fault detected by the TCM.
Sub Code: 12 – (two digits displayed one at a time) is listed second and provides specific areas or conditions within the main code that caused the fault. This subcode indicates the problem is caused by low voltage.
For a detailed list of Diagnostic Transmission Codes for 3rd Generation Shift Selectors, visit the Allison Trouble Codes page.
To clear diagnostic codes
Press and hold the MODE button for approximately three seconds until the MODE INDICATOR (LED) flashes. Release the MODE button and active indicators will not be illuminated. To clear inactive codes, press and hold the MODE button for 10 seconds. Some codes are self-clearing and others require ignition cycles to clear.
Be sure to record all codes displayed before they are cleared. This is essential for troubleshooting. Begin operating as normal.
Drive the vehicle and check for code recurrence. If codes continue to recur, bring the vehicle to Reaction Force LLC to diagnose and repair the problem causing the codes.
Questions? Contact us!
Allison parts are built like tanks, but even tanks need good diagnostics.
Let Reaction Force LLC help you fix it right the first time.