Code
P0C1C
Generic
P — Powertrain
Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Failed internal temperature sensor in the pump control module
- Open or shorted sensor wiring (harness chafe, connector damage)
- Corroded/loose connector or pins at module/sensor
- Water intrusion or contamination of connector or module
- Faulty pump control module (internal electronics)
- Intermittent fault due to heat, vibration, or intermittent short to battery/ground
Symptoms
- MIL/Check Engine or Transmission warning lamp illuminated
- Transmission may enter limp-home mode or limit shift strategy
- Auxiliary/electric pump may not run or run incorrectly
- Erratic shifting, harsh engagement, or reduced transmission cooling
- Stored DTC(s) related to temperature sensor or pump control
- Possible reduced fuel economy or drivability changes under load
What to check
- Read DTC(s) and freeze-frame data with a capable scan tool; note related codes and occurrence conditions
- Inspect pump control module connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out, or water intrusion
- Backprobe connector and monitor sensor signal voltage and reference voltage with key ON, engine OFF
- Measure sensor circuit resistance (if serviceable) and compare to specification or expected range
- Perform wiggle test on harness while monitoring live data for intermittent changes
- Check module power and ground circuits for proper voltage and continuity
Signal parameters
- Reference supply: typically a 5 V reference from module/controller (verify exact spec for vehicle)
- Typical sensor output range: ~0.5–4.5 V across operating temperature (sensor type dependent); out-of-range or implausible voltages indicate fault
- Open-circuit indication: high resistance or infinite Ω between sensor signal and module (often >10 kΩ)
- Short indication: very low resistance to ground or battery (often < 5–50 Ω) depending on circuit
- Trigger thresholds (generic): signal below ~0.2–0.3 V or above ~4.7–4.9 V, or sudden erratic changes, commonly set fault criteria — verify vehicle-specific thresholds
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all codes and freeze-frame data. Note when fault occurred (engine temp, ambient temp, pump commanded).
- Inspect module and harness visually for damage, corrosion, fluid intrusion, rodent chew, or loose connectors.
- With connector connected, monitor live data for the transmission pump/module temperature sensor while commanding pump ON/OFF. Observe for sensible temperature changes and stable signal.
- With key OFF, disconnect connector and inspect pins for corrosion, bent pins, or water. Repair or clean as needed.
- Measure sensor circuit resistance (if externally serviceable) or backprobe signal with key ON; verify 5V reference and good ground at module connector.
- Perform continuity checks from sensor signal pin to module and from ground to chassis ground to detect opens/shorts.
- Wiggle harness and heat/cool test (if safe) while monitoring live data to reproduce intermittent faults.
- If wiring and connector are good but sensor signal remains out of range, test pump control module power/ground and signal processing; substitute known-good module if available or consult OEM procedures.
- After repair or component replacement, clear codes, perform functional tests (pump operation and temperature readings), and road test to confirm code does not return.
- If fault is intermittent and not reproducible, advise extended road test and monitor with datalogging; consider harness replacement or module replacement per OEM guidance.
Likely causes
- Defective internal temperature sensor inside the pump control module
- Connector corrosion or poor terminal contact at the pump control module
- Open circuit in sensor signal or ground wire (broken wire, pin out)
- Short to voltage or ground in sensor circuit
- Pump control module internal failure
Fault status
Status
Electric/auxiliary transmission fluid pump control module internal temperature sensor circuit fault — sensor signal out of range, open, short, or intermittent.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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