If your transmission is not shifting right, and you’re experiencing things like delayed shifts, slipping or your car continues to rev, even when you’re slowing down. These are symptoms of a failing shift solenoid, and a good next step is to do some testing. Today I’ll be doing a bi-directional test on the shift solenoids for my 2017 Honda Accord using the XTOOL A30M. Now let’s get this!
Why to Test
If you’re having any of the symptoms I mentioned earlier, this test could be to decide what the problem is, and your prayer should actually be that this test fails. At least, worst case scenario, that would mean that you have a bad shift solenoid, or a short in the circuit, and not a mechanical issue in the transmission.
The A30M OBD2 Car Diagnostic Tool is not the only scanner that can do this. A lot of other bi-directional scan tools can do this test, just be sure to review the manufacturer’s function coverage for whatever tool you decide on versus your car model it makes.
Testing Shift Solenoids with XTOOL A30M
Plug A30M into the OBD interface, and open the XTOOL app:
Diagnosis >> Asia >> HONDA >> 16PIN Connector >> USA >> System selection >> Automatic Transmission(AT) >> Actuation Test >> Tests of Shift Solenoid
More sense to do this procedure from the engine bay. That way you have a better chance of hearing the engagement of the shift solenoids. This car doesn’t have a “Shift Solenoid Valve A”; At least I didn’t see one while reviewing live data from the transmission.
I’ll select “Shift Solenoid Valve B”.
It tells you to Drive the solenoid valves on and off for 3 seconds, which will check the presence of circuit malfunction.
Press OK.
Conditions of test:
Shift to Park position.
Have the engine stopped.
Start the test by pressing OK.
I’ve already done all of this.
Press OK.
The solenoid valve is driven on and off automatically…
Status of solenoid valve: open
Status of solenoid valve: close
Normal solenoid valve.
We’re listening for a click. And there’s the click. Continues the test. The shift solenoid is normal.
I’ll also do the test for “Operation Of Shift Solenoid Valve”.
Drive the solenoid valve on and off for 3s, which will check the presence of circuit malfunction.
Press OK.
Operation Of Shift Solenoid Valve
Conditions of test:
Shift to Park position.
Have the engine stopped.
Start the test by pressing OK.
The solenoid valve is driven on and off automatically…
Status of solenoid valve: open
Status of solenoid valve: close
Normal solenoid valve.
That clicks as well, telling us the operation of the shift solenoid is normal.
Conclusion
But assuming you get this normal result, despite experiencing shift solenoid issues, then it’s more likely that you’re dealing with an issue with the mechanical side of the transmission, and not an electrical issue.
Hope this has been helpful.
Peace!
