What Is The VLPS?

Chrysler introduced a Variable Line Pressure Solenoid to the existing 41TE (A604) and
42RLE transmission as early as 2007. The addition of this solenoid includes the use of a
transducer to verify line pressure control as feed back to the computer. 41TES and
42RLE-VLP are the new designations for the units equipped with the added solenoid and
transducer.

Its purpose is simple, to improve fuel economy. Typically, factory predetermined line
pressures in drive runs approximately 120-130 psi while reverse is usually in the range
of 180-190 psi. The shift solenoids double as clutch pressure control solenoids
controlling the rate in which a clutch is applied during both a garage shifts into gear and
shifting from one gear to the next. Once into gear, the full predetermined line pressure
is applied to the clutch. This means that at idle in drive or reverse, the engine is driving
the pump through the torque converter at 120 or 180 psi. Lowering line pressure under
these conditions causes the engine to not work as hard increasing fuel economy.

This is what the added line pressure control solenoid does, it lowers line pressure when
it duty cycles. Characteristically, line pressure solenoids are normally applied solenoids
controlling line pressure on the spring side of the pressure regulator valve. The
regulated pressure this type of solenoid generally produces runs from 0 psi at 1 amp to
90 psi at 0.1 amps. The added pressure to the spring side of the pressure regulator
valve is what raises line pressure. The design of the solenoid is that should it turn o,
maximum line pressure will result as a failsafe strategy.

The 41TES/42RLE-VLP line pressure solenoid works entirely dierent. This is a normally
vented solenoid. The regulated pressure this solenoid produces generally runs from 90
psi at 1 amp to 0 psi at 0.1 amps. This regulated pressure works the end of the pressure
regulator valve opposite the spring. As it is energized it lowers pressure. As it turns o it
restores pressure back to predetermined levels (higher pressure).

The operation of the solenoid is important to understand when it comes to diagnosing

problems related to the solenoid and/or transducer.

There are six main codes assigned to this system. They are:

P0868: Line pressure low

P0869: Line pressure high

P0932: Line pressure sensor circuit

P0934: Line pressure sensor circuit low

P0945: Line pressure sensor circuit high

P1745: Transmission line pressure too high for too long

Code P0868 - Line Pressure Low

The PCM continuously monitors Actual Line Pressure (the transducer signal-LPS) and
compares it to Desired Line Pressure (VLPS command). If the Actual Line Pressure is
more than 10 psi below Desired Line Pressure, this DTC will set.
Possible Causes (no specic order):

Check for related DTCs

Low Fluid Level

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit open

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit shorted to ground

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit short to voltage

VLPS control circuit shorted to another circuit

Internal transmission failure

Malfunctioning Transducer (LPS)

Malfunctioning VLPS

Cracked, plugged, or mis-installed Primary Oil Filter

Stuck or Sticking Pressure Regulator Valve

Malfunctioning PCM
Theory of Operation

Line pressure is monitored by the Transducer and regulation is achieved by changing

the duty cycle of the VLPS controlled by the Transmission Control System in the PCM.
5% duty cycle = solenoid OFF which equals maximum line pressure. 62% duty cycle =
solenoid ON which equals minimum line pressure. The Transmission Control System
calculates the desired line pressure based on inputs from both engine load and
transmission.

The Transmission Control System calculates torque input to the transmission and uses it
as the primary input to the desired pressure calculation. This is called Torque Based
Line Pressure. In addition, the line pressure is set to a preset level 827 or 931 kPa (120
or 135 psi) during shifts and in Park and Neutral to ensure consistent shift quality. The
desired line pressure is continuously being compared to the actual line pressure. If the
actual line pressure is consistently lower than the target while driving, the line pressure
low DTC P0868 will set.

Code P0869 - Line Pressure High

The PCM continuously monitors Actual Line Pressure (the transducer signal). If the
Actual Line Pressure reading is greater than the highest Desired Line Pressure (VLPS
command) ever used in the current gear, while the VLPS duty cycle is at or near
maximum value (which should result in minimum line pressure), this DTC will set.

Possible Causes (no specic order):

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit open

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit shorted to ground

Transducer (LPS) ground circuit open

Transducer (LPS) connection faulty

Malfunctioning Transducer (LPS)

VLPS control circuit open

Transmission Control Relay Output Circuit Open

Mechanical failure of the VLPS

Stuck or Sticking Pressure Regulator Valve

Malfunctioning PCM
Theory of Operation

Line pressure is measured by the Transducer and regulation is achieved by changing

the duty cycle of the VLPS controlled by the Transmission Control System in the PCM.
5% duty cycle = solenoid OFF which equals Maximum line pressure. 62% duty cycle =
solenoid ON which equals minimum line pressure. The Transmission Control System
calculates the desired line pressure based on inputs from both engine load and
transmission.

Code P0932 - Line Pressure Sensor Circuit

The PCM continuously monitors Actual Line Pressure (the transducer signal) and
compares it to the Desired Line Pressure (VLPS command). If the Actual Line Pressure
reading is more than 172.4 kPa (25 psi) higher than the Desired Line Pressure, but is
less than the highest Line Pressure ever used in the current gear, DTC P0932 will set.

Possible Causes (no specic order):

Check for related DTCs

Faulty VLPS connector and wiring

Internal transmission failure

Malfunctioning PCM

Theory of Operation
Line pressure is electronically controlled by the Transmission Control System and is
measured by the Transducer (Line Pressure Sensor - LPS). The desired line pressure is
continuously being compared to the Actual Line Pressure and is regulated electronically
changing the duty cycle of the VLPS. 5% duty cycle = solenoid OFF which equals
maximum line pressure. 62% duty cycle = solenoid ON which equals minimum line
pressure.

The Transmission Control System calculates the desired pressure based on inputs from
the transmission and engine. A calculated torque input to the transmission is used as
the primary input of the desired line pressure calculation and is called Torque Based
Line Pressure. In addition, the line pressure is set to a preset level 827 to 931 kPa (120
to 135 psi) during shifts and in Park and Neutral to ensure shift quality.

Code P0934 - Line Pressure Sensor Circuit Low

The DTC will set when the monitored Transducer (Line Pressure Sensor - LPS) signal
voltage is less than or equal to 0.35 volts for 0.18 seconds.

Possible Causes (no specic order):

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit open

Transducer (LPS) 5 volts supply circuit shorted to ground

Transducer (LPS) signal circuit shorted to ground.

Malfunctioning Transducer (LPS)

Malfunctioning PCM

Theory of Operation

Line pressure is electronically controlled by the Transmission Control System and is

measured by the Transducer (Line Pressure Sensor - LPS). The desired line pressure is
continuously being compared to the Actual Line Pressure and is regulated electronically
changing the duty cycle of the VLPS. 5% duty cycle = solenoid OFF which equals
maximum line pressure. 62% duty cycle = solenoid ON which equals minimum line
pressure.
The Transmission Control System calculates the desired pressure based on inputs from
the transmission and engine. A calculated torque input to the transmission is used as
the primary input of the desired line pressure calculation and is called Torque Based
Line Pressure. In addition, the line pressure is set to a preset level 827 to 931 kPa (120
to 135 psi) during shifts and in Park and Neutral to ensure shift quality.
The monitored Transducer (LPS) signal voltage should always be between 0.35 and 4.75
volts. Any monitored voltages outside of these parameters indicate a faulty Transducer
or associated wiring and will cause either DTC P0934 or P0935 to set.
Code P0935 - Line Pressure Sensor Circuit High
The DTC will set when the monitored Transducer (Line Pressure Sensor - LPS) signal
voltage is greater than or equal to 4.75 volts for the period of 0.18 seconds.

Possible Causes (no specic order):

Transducer (LPS) sensor ground circuit open

Transducer (LPS) signal circuit shorted to power

Malfunctioning Transducer (LPS)

Malfunctioning PCM

Theory of Operation
Line pressure is electronically controlled by the Transmission Control System and is
measured by the Transducer (Line Pressure Sensor - LPS). The desired line pressure is
continuously being compared to the Actual Line Pressure and is regulated electronically
changing the duty cycle of the VLPS. 5% duty cycle = solenoid OFF which equals
maximum line pressure. 62% duty cycle = solenoid ON which equals minimum line
pressure.

The Transmission Control System calculates the desired pressure based on inputs from
the transmission and engine. A calculated torque input to the transmission is used as
the primary input of the desired line pressure calculation and is called Torque Based
Line Pressure. In addition, the line pressure is set to a preset level 827 to 931 kPa (120
to 135 psi) during shifts and in Park and Neutral to ensure shift quality.

The monitored Transducer (LPS) signal voltage should always be between 0.35 and 4.75
volts. Any monitored voltages outside of these parameters indicate a faulty Transducer
or associated wiring and will cause either DTC P0934 or P0935 to set.

Code P1745 - transmission line pressure too high for too long
Set Condition: If the transmission has been operating in an open-loop line pressure
control for 3220 kilometers (2000 miles) or 1000 2-3 upshifts.

When Monitored: Continuously with ignition on.

Possible Causes (no specic order):

Mechanical failure of the VLPS

Stuck or Sticking Pressure Regulator Valve

Transducer (LPS) sensor ground circuit open

Transducer (LPS) signal circuit shorted to power

Malfunctioning Transducer (LPS)

Theory of Operation

This DTC is an informational DTC to inform the technician that transmission has been
operating in an open-loop line pressure control for 3220 kilometers (2000 miles) or
1000 2-3 upshifts resulting from a Line Pressure DTC. The 42RLE Transmission is not
designed to operate in open-loop line pressure control for an extended period time. This
DTC is intended to protect the transmission. If the DTC sets, the transmission controller
will place the transmission into limp-in mode.

NOTE: In order to erase this DTC you must reset (erase) the VLP Shift Counter and the
Output tooth counter. This is a single procedure in the scan tool called "Clear Variable
Line Pressure (VLP) counters". If you do not erase this code the vehicle will remain in
failsafe regardless of completing all necessary repairs.