Fault Code 52: Gear Position Sensor
J1587: MID 130 PID 59 FMI 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11
J1939: SA 3 SPN 59 FMI 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11
Overview
The UltraShift PLUS X-Y Shifter is equipped with a Gear Position Sensor. The X-Y Gear Position Sensor reports fore-and-aft movement of the Shift Finger to the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) as a voltage signal. The X-Y Gear Position Sensor is connected to the TECU via the Transmission Harness.
The TECU performs continuous diagnostics on the circuit to detect a shorted circuit, open circuit or incorrect position reading. Fault Code 52 is set when TECU has detected either an electrical failure of the X-Y Gear Position Sensor circuit or a mechanical failure within the X-Y Shifter.
Detection
The TECU monitors both the 5-volt X-Y Gear Position Sensor supply and the return voltage signal from the X-Y Gear Position Sensor. If the system detects that either the supply voltage or return voltage is out of range, the fault code is set Active.
Conditions to Set Fault Code Active
FMI 2 – Data Erratic: TECU detects the X-Y Gear Position Sensor return voltage signal is outside of the 0.5–4.5-volt range for 1 second or longer.
FMI 3 – Voltage Above Normal or Shorted High: TECU detects the X-Y Gear Position Sensor supply voltage has exceeded 5.25 volts for 1 second or longer.
FMI 4 – Voltage Below Normal or Shorted Low: TECU detects the X-Y Gear Position Sensor supply voltage is below 4.75 volts for 1 second or longer.
FMI 7 – Mechanical System Not Responding: The reported X-Y Gear Position Sensor return voltage signal is outside of the operating range physically allowed for 1 second or longer.
FMI 10 – Abnormal Rate of Change: The reported X-Y Gear Position Sensor return voltage signal changed by more than ±0.2 volts, or finger position moved by more than ±0.093 inches, while the transmission is engaged in gear.
FMI 11 – Mechanical System Not Responding: The X-Y Gear Position Sensor voltage is out of range.
Fallback
All FMIs:
- “F” flashes in gear display.
- Service light flashes (if equipped).
- Transmission remains in current gear.
- Until the fault becomes Inactive, driver may have to shut off engine with transmission in gear.
Conditions to Set Fault Code Inactive
FMI 2: X-Y Gear Position Sensor return voltage signal stays within the 0.5–4.5-volt range for 1 second.
FMI 3, 4: Supply voltage stays within the 4.75–5.25-volt range for 1 second.
FMI 7: X-Y Gear Position Sensor return voltage signal returns within the physical operating range of the Shift Bar Housing.
FMI 10: X-Y Gear Position Sensor return voltage signal remains consistent (within ±0.2 volts) while the transmission is in gear.
FMI 11: X-Y Gear Position Sensor voltage in range.
Possible Causes
2, 4, 7, 10, 11:
- Transmission Harness
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Wiring shorted to ground, shorted to power or open
- X-Y Shifter
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Wiring shorted to ground, shorted to power or open
- Gear Position Sensor damaged
- TECU
- Internal failure
FMI 3:
- TECU
- Internal failure
- Transmission Harness
- Bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals
- Wiring shorted to power
Component Identification
 |
1. X-Y Shifter 2. 3-Way Gear Position Sensor (A) 3. 3-Way Gear Position Sensor (B) 4. 3-Way Gear Position Sensor Connector 5. Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) 6. 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector |
 |
1. Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) 2. 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector 3. 3-Way Gear Position Sensor Connector 4. 3-Way Gear Position Sensor (A) 5. 3-Way Gear Position Sensor (B) |
 |
Fault Code 52 Troubleshooting
Record the transmission fault codes, FMIs, occurrences, and timestamps from the Service Activity Report created during the Diagnostic Procedure.
If Fault Code 52 FMI 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 is Active, Go to Step C
If Fault Code 52 FMI 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 is Inactive, Go to Step B
If Fault Code 52 FMI 2 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step D
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 Active fault codes exist.
Wiggle wiring and connections of the Transmission Harness between the Gear Position Sensor 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 any fault codes set Active while wiggling the Transmission Harness, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If no fault codes set Active while wiggling the Transmission Harness, Go to Step C
Key off.
Disconnect 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 Transmission Harness Connector Pin 10 and ground. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If connector is damaged, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If readings are in range, Go to Step E
If readings are out of range, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to Ground | Open Circuit (OL) |
Key off.
Disconnect 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector from the TECU.
Verify the connector is free from contamination and corrosion; the terminals are not bent, spread or loose; and there is no damage to the connector body.
Inspect the TECU side of the 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector for contamination and corrosion; the terminals are not bent, spread or loose; and there is no damage to the connector body.
If no contamination or damage is found, Go to Step E
If contamination or damage is found, replace the Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
Inspect 3-Way Gear Position Sensor, reference image below.
If equipped with a 3-Way Gear Position Sensor (A), Go to Step F
If equipped with a 3-Way Gear Position Sensor (B), Go to Step J
Key off.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 10 and Pin 11. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 10 and Pin 12. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If all readings are in range, Go to Step G
If either reading is out of range, Go to Step H
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to 11 | 150 – 200 ohms | |
| 10 to 12 | 5.5k – 6.5k ohms |
Determine which FMI set for Fault Code 52.
If FMI 2, 7, 10 or 11 set, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If FMI 3 or 4 set, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) and Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
Key off.
Disconnect 3-Way Transmission Harness Connector from the 3-Way Gear Position Sensor.
Inspect 3-Way Connector body for damage and bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
Measure resistance between 3-Way Gear Position Sensor Body Pin A and Pin B. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 3-Way Gear Position Sensor Body Pin A and Pin C. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If the connector is damaged, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If all readings are in range, Go to Step I
If either reading is out of range, replace the X-Y Shifter. Go to Step V
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| A to B | 150 – 200 ohms | |
| A to C | 5.5k – 6.5k ohms |
Determine which FMI set for Fault Code 52.
If FMI 2, 7, 10 or 11 set, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If FMI 3 or 4 set, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) and Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
Key off.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 10 and Pin 11. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 38-Way Transmission Harness Connector Pin 10 and Pin 12. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If all readings are in range, Go to Step K
If either reading is out of range, Go to Step L
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to 11 | 150 – 200 ohms | |
| 10 to 12 | 180 – 230 ohms |
Determine which FMI set for Fault Code 52.
If FMI 2, 7, 10 or 11 set, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If FMI 3 or 4 set, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) and Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
Key off.
Disconnect 3-Way Transmission Harness Connector from the 3-Way Gear Position Sensor.
Inspect 3-Way Connector body for damage and bent, spread, corroded or loose terminals.
Measure resistance between 3-Way Gear Position Sensor Body Pin A and Pin B. Record reading(s) in table.
Measure resistance between 3-Way Gear Position Sensor Body Pin A and Pin C. Record reading(s) in table.
Compare reading(s) in table.
If the connector is damaged, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If all readings are in range, Go to Step M
If either reading is out of range, replace the X-Y Shifter. Go to Step V
| Pins | Range | Reading(s) |
|---|---|---|
| A to B | 150 – 200 ohms | |
| A to C | 180 – 230 ohms |
Determine which FMI set for Fault Code 52.
If FMI 2, 7, 10 or 11 set, replace Transmission Harness. Go to Step V
If FMI 3 or 4 set, replace Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU) and Transmission Harness. 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 52 sets Active during the test drive, Go to Step A
If a fault code other than 52 sets Active, troubleshoot per Fault Code Isolation Procedure Index.