AutoCodes – Pontiac – P1860 Pontiac

P1860 Pontiac Code - TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical

Quick Answer

The Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) solenoid valve controls the fluid acting on the converter clutch valve. Common causes include Faulty Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid, Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid harness is open or shorted, Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1860 Pontiac indicates TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid, Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid harness is open or shorted, Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 7,754
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 26, 2020
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Code P1860 Pontiac Description

The Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) solenoid valve controls the fluid acting on the converter clutch valve. The converter clutch valve controls the TCC application and release. The solenoid attaches to the control valve body within the transmission. The solenoid receives ignition voltage through circuit 239. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the solenoid by providing a ground path on circuit 418. Current flows through the solenoid coil according to the duty cycle (percentage of ON and OFF time). The TCC PWM solenoid valve provides a smooth engagement of the torque converter clutch by operating during a duty cycle percent of ON time. When the PCM detects a continuous open, short to ground or short to power in the TCC PWM solenoid valve circuit, then Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1860 sets. DTC P1860 is a type B DTC.
OBDII Code P1860 Pontiac - TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical - AutoCodes.com
P1860 Pontiac Code - TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1860 Pontiac?

  • Faulty Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid
  • Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid harness is open or shorted
  • Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1860 Pontiac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1860 Pontiac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1860 Pontiac Code

1. What does the P1860 code mean on a Pontiac?

P1860 indicates an issue with the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) solenoid circuit, specifically an electrical fault.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P1860 code?

Symptoms may include poor fuel efficiency, harsh shifting, transmission slipping, or the Check Engine Light being illuminated.

3. What causes the P1860 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty TCC PWM solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors in the solenoid circuit, or issues with the powertrain control module (PCM).

4. Can I drive my Pontiac with the P1860 code active?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, prolonged operation with this issue can lead to increased transmission wear and reduced fuel efficiency. It's best to address it promptly.

5. How do I fix the P1860 code on my Pontiac?

Repairs may involve replacing the TCC PWM solenoid, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or updating/replacing the PCM if necessary.

6. How is the P1860 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, inspect the transmission wiring and connectors, and test the TCC solenoid's functionality.

7. What vehicles are commonly affected by the P1860 code?

This code is most commonly found in Pontiac vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, such as the Grand Prix, Bonneville, or Firebird.

8. Is replacing the TCC PWM solenoid the only solution for the P1860 code?

Not always. The issue could also stem from wiring damage, connector corrosion, or PCM faults, so thorough diagnosis is crucial.

9. What tools are needed to fix the P1860 code?

Essential tools include an OBDII scanner, multimeter for testing electrical circuits, and possibly basic hand tools for solenoid replacement.

10. Will clearing the P1860 code with a scanner fix the problem?

Clearing the code will turn off the Check Engine Light temporarily, but if the underlying issue isn't resolved, the code will return.

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