Fault Code 46: Splitter Solenoid Valve
J1587: MID 130 SID 37 FMI 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 18
MID 130 SID 38 FMI 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 18
J1939: SA 3 SPN 770 FMI 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 18
SA 3 SPN 771 FMI 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 18
Overview
The UltraShift PLUS LSE, MHP, MXP, VCS, VHP, VMS and VXP series transmissions are equipped with a 2-speed splitter system in the auxiliary case. The splitter system uses a reduction gear to increase the total number of gear ratios available to the transmission. It also reduces the gear ratio step-sizes between shifts by using the main case gearing once in auxiliary low split and then again in auxiliary high split. The system can use the reduction gear to allow the transmission to operate at very low speeds (or creep) applications.
The splitter system is equipped with a Splitter Solenoid Valve. The Splitter Solenoid Valve is an electric-over-air solenoid that is controlled by the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU), replacing the Shift Knob-Splitter Button system found on Eaton Cummins Automated Transmissions.
During operation, the solenoid directs air pressure to either port in the Splitter Cover based on the need to activate the auxiliary low split or high split gearing. The applied air pressure directs the fore-and-aft movement of the Splitter Piston within the Splitter Cylinder, facilitating the mechanical engagement of either low or high split position. Fault Code 46 indicates an electrical fault within the Splitter Solenoid Valve circuit.
Detection
The TECU can detect an open circuit or a short to ground when the Splitter Solenoid Valve is on. The TECU can detect a short to power when the Splitter Solenoid Valve is off.
Conditions to Set Fault Code Active
FMI 3 – Voltage Above Normal or Shorted High: With the solenoid off, the TECU detects high voltage in the Splitter Solenoid Valve high side driver circuit for 1 second.
FMI 4 – Voltage Below Normal or Shorted Low: With the solenoid on, the TECU detects low voltage in the Splitter Solenoid Valve low side driver circuit for 1 second.
FMI 5 – Current Below Normal or Open Circuit: With the solenoid on, the TECU detects an open in the Splitter Solenoid Valve circuit for 1 second.
FMI 6 – Current Above Normal or Shorted Circuit: TECU detects a short to power on the Splitter Solenoid Valve circuit.
FMI 8 – Abnormal Frequency: Splitter Solenoid Valve out of normal operating frequency.
FMI 12 – Bad Intelligent Device: Splitter Solenoid Valve driver internal failure.
FMI 18 – Data Valid But Below Normal (Moderately Severe): Splitter Solenoid Valve circuit current low and battery voltage below 9.2V when the solenoid is on.
Fallback
All FMIs
- “F” flashes in gear display.
- Service light flashes (if equipped).
- Engine cranks and starts.
- High side coil failure (SID 37/SPN 770).
- If the failure occurs in high split, the transmission shifts through all high-split gears and shifts to low split when vehicle speed is appropriate; however, the transmission is then restricted to shifting in all low split gears only.
- If the failure occurs in low split, the transmission shifts through all low split gears but does not shift to high split.
- Low side coil failure (SID 38/SPN 771).
- If the failure occurs in high split, the transmission shifts through all high split gears but will not shift into low split.
- If the failure occurs in low split, the transmission shifts through all low split gears but once it shifts to high split, the transmission will not engage any low split gears.
Conditions to Set Fault Code Inactive
FMI 3, 4, 5, 6: Splitter Solenoid Valve circuit in range for 2 seconds.
FMI 8, 12, 18: Condition no longer exists.
Possible Causes
FMI 3
- Transmission Harness
- Wiring shorted to power
- TECU
- Internal short to power
FMI 4
- Transmission Harness
- Wiring shorted to ground
- Splitter Solenoid Valve
- Internal short to ground
- TECU
- Internal short to ground
FMI 5
- Transmission Harness
- Open circuit
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
- Splitter Solenoid Valve
- Internal solenoid coil failure
- TECU
- Internal open circuit
FMI 6
- TECU
FMI 8
- Vehicle Power Supply
- Poor power or ground supply to TECU (may be in conjunction with Fault Codes 33 or 34)
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Wiring shorted to ground, shorted to power or open
- Vehicle Batteries
- Internal failure
- Vehicle 30-amp Battery Fuse
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Fuse missing or improperly seated
- TECU
- Internal failure
FMI 12
- Driver Behavior
- Driver induced ignition key cycles not allowing TECU to fully power down
- TECU
FMI 18
- Vehicle Power Supply
- Poor power or ground supply to TECU (may be in conjunction with Fault Codes 33 or 34)
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Wiring shorted to ground, shorted to power or open
- Vehicle Batteries
- Internal failure
- Vehicle 30-amp Battery Fuse
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Fuse missing or improperly seated
Component Identification
 |
1. 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector 2. Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) 3. Splitter Solenoid Valve (MHP / VHP / MXP / LSE / VXP) 4. Splitter Solenoid Valve (VCS / VMS) 5. 4-Way Diagnostic Connector |
 |
1. Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) 2. 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector 3. 3-Way Splitter Solenoid Valve Connector 4. 3-Way Splitter Solenoid Valve 5. 4-Way Diagnostic Connector |
 |
Fault Code 46 Troubleshooting
Record the transmission fault codes, FMIs, occurrences, and timestamps from the Service Activity Report created during the Diagnostic Procedure.
Note: If Fault Code 46 is Inactive, and there are other Active fault codes, troubleshoot all Active fault codes first.
If Fault Code 46 FMI 3, 4 or 5 is Active, Go to Step C
If Fault Code 46 FMI 3, 4 or 5 is Inactive, Go to Step B
If Fault Code 46 FMI 6 is Active or Inactive, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU). Go to Step V
If Fault Code 46 FMI 12 is Active, Go to Step K
If Fault Code 46 FMI 12 is Inactive, test complete. Go to Step V
If Fault Code 46 FMI 8 or 18 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step H
Set parking brake and chock wheels.
Place transmission in PD Mode. See more about Product Diagnostic (PD) Mode.
Note: Transmission does not enter PD Mode when there are Active fault codes.
Wiggle wiring and connections of the Transmission Harness between the Splitter Solenoid Valve and the TECU. Look for signs of pinched or chafed wiring. Verify all connections are clean and tight.
Exit PD Mode by powering down.
Notice
If Fault Code 46 or any other fault became Active while wiggling the Transmission Harness, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If no fault codes became Active while wiggling the Transmission Harness, Go to Step C
Key off.
NoticeDisconnect 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector from the TECU.
Inspect 38-Way Connector body for damage and bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Connector Pin 26 and Pin 4. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Connector Pin 32 and Pin 4. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If readings are in range, Go to Step D
If readings are out of range, Go to Step F
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 to 4 | 9–16 ohms | |
| 32 to 4 | 9–16 ohms |
Key off.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 26 and ground. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Connector Pin 32 and ground. Record reading(s) in table.
Disconnect 3-Way Splitter Solenoid Valve Connector.
Inspect 3-Way Connector body for damage and bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If any reading is out of range, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If all readings are in range and FMI 4 or 5 is set, Go to Step G
If all readings are in range and FMI 3 is set, Go to Step E
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 to Ground | Open Circuit (OL) | |
| 32 to Ground | Open Circuit (OL) |
Key off.
Remove connector cover of 4-Way Diagnostic Connector.
Inspect 4-Way Connector body for damage and bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 4 and 4-Way Connector Pin A. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 4 and 4-Way Connector Pin B. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If any reading is out of range, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If all readings are in range, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU). Go to Step V
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to A | Open Circuit (OL) | |
| 4 to B | Open Circuit (OL) |
Key off.
Disconnect 3-Way Splitter Solenoid Valve Connector.
Measure resistance between 3-Way Splitter Solenoid Valve Pin A and Pin C on the valve body. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 3-Way Splitter Solenoid Valve Pin B and Pin C on the valve body. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If all readings are in range, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If any reading is out of range, replace the Splitter Solenoid Valve. Go to Step V
| Pins | Resistance Range | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| A to C | 9–16 ohms | |
| B to C | 9–16 ohms |
Key off.
Reconnect all connectors and verify that all components are properly installed.
Connect ServiceRanger.
Key on with engine off.
Retrieve and record the transmission fault codes and FMIs, and their occurrences and timestamps.
If Fault Code 46 is now Inactive, replace Transmission Harness and Splitter Solenoid Valve. Go to Step V
If Fault Code 46 is now Active, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU). Go to Step V
Key off.
Set parking brake and chock wheels.
Load test each vehicle battery per OEM specifications. Record reading(s).
If any battery does not pass the Load Test, refer to OEM guidelines for repair or replacement of batteries. Go to Step V
If all batteries pass the Load Test, Go to Step I
| Battery | Voltage Drop | Load Test Status (Pass/Fail) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 |
Key off.
Verify TECU battery power and ground supply from the Vehicle Harness is connected properly and not corroded, damaged or loose.
Disconnect 38-Way Vehicle Harness Connector from TECU.
Inspect 38-Way Connector body for damage and bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
Load test the Vehicle Power Supply Harness with an external load source. Use a sealed beam headlamp or blower motor attached to Pin 38 (power) and Pin 36 (ground). Load Test for 5 minutes to verify the harness will carry a load with the 30-amp fuse installed.
Wiggle the harness during the Load Test from vehicle batteries to TECU.
If issues are found with the power supply or connectors, refer to OEM guidelines for repair or replacement of OEM wiring and continue Load Test.
If the power supply does not carry a load, refer to OEM guidelines for repair or replacement of OEM wiring. Go to Step V
If no issues are found with the power supply or connectors and the power supply carries a load, Go to Step J
Determine which FMI set for Fault Code 46.
If FMI 8 set, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU). Go to Step V
If FMI 18 is Inactive, no problem was found. The intermittent nature of the fault makes it likely that the problem is in TECU Power Supply Harness and/or battery/charging system. Contact OEM for further help troubleshooting the wiring and/or battery/charging system. Go to Step V
Key on with engine off.
Connect ServiceRanger.
Go To Programming.
Under "Software Information", record TECU software version.
If TECU software is less than 5570065, update TECU software to 5570065 or greater. Go to Step V
If TECU software is 5570065 or greater, replace the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU). Go to Step V
Key off.
Reconnect all connectors and verify that all components are properly installed.
Key on with engine off.
Clear fault codes using ServiceRanger.
Drive vehicle and attempt to reset the code or duplicate the previous complaint.
Check for fault codes using ServiceRanger.
If no fault codes set Active and vehicle operates properly, test complete.
If Fault Code 46 FMI 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 18 sets Active during the test drive, Go to Step A
If Fault Code 46 FMI 12 sets Active during the test drive, contact Eaton at (800) 826-4357.
If a fault code other than 46 sets, troubleshoot per Fault Code Isolation Procedure Index.