Z32 Automatic Transmission Fault Codes

If your automatic is shifting too hard, too early or too late, run the transmission's self-diagnosis before you start replacing parts. Like the engine computer's self-diagnosis, it flashes a code when it sees a sensor or circuit that is out of the factory range. It only checks the electrical side: a mechanical problem inside the transmission won't show up, but an electrical one will point you to the circuit to check first.

Before You Start

• Drive the car until the engine is at normal operating temperature.
• Park it in P with the overdrive switch ON.
• Watch the A/T indicator light on the instrument panel: that is where the codes flash.

Reading the Codes

1. Start the engine. The A/T light should come on and go out after about 2 seconds.

   

2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Move the selector to D, using the shift lock release button (or by pressing the brake pedal on cars without one).

   

4. Set the overdrive switch to OFF.
5. Wait 2 seconds, then turn the ignition ON (don't start the engine).
6. Wait 2 seconds, then move the selector to 2.
7. Set the overdrive switch to ON.
8. Move the selector to 1.
9. Set the overdrive switch to OFF.
10. Press the accelerator pedal all the way down and release it.
11. The A/T light starts flashing the codes.

What the Flashes Mean

Each sequence starts with one long flash, followed by 10 short flashes, and then repeats. If one of the 10 flashes is longer than the others, its position tells you which circuit has a fault. More than one can be long.

For the wiring checks behind each code, see the AT section of the factory service manual for your year in the Z32 factory service manuals.