Fault Code 250: Linear Clutch Actuator (LCA) Position Sensor

J1939: SA 3 SPN 33 FMI 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 31

Overview

The Endurant HD transmission is equipped with a Linear Clutch Actuator (LCA) Position Sensor to monitor clutch position. The LCA is mounted in the Mechatronic Transmission Module (MTM) and pneumatically controls the clutch position. The LCA is equipped with a magnet that the position sensor uses to detect the proximity of the LCA to determine clutch position. The LCA Position Sensor is located in the MTM and connected to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) at the 74-Way Transmission Harness Connector.

Detection

The TCM monitors the LCA Position Sensor signal. If a system failure or uncommanded movement is detected, the fault is set Active.

Conditions to Set Fault Code Active

FMI 0 - Data Valid But Above Normal (Most Severe): Clutch position signal indicates uncommanded movement toward engagement position for 2 seconds.

FMI 1 - Data Valid But Below Normal (Most Severe): Clutch position signal indicates uncommanded movement toward disengagement position for 2 seconds.

FMI 2 – Data Erratic: LCA position out of range for 1 second.

FMI 3 – Voltage Above Normal or Shorted High: LCA Position Sensor circuit shorted to power for 1 second.

FMI 4 – Voltage Below Normal or Shorted Low: LCA Position Sensor circuit shorted to ground for 1 second.

FMI 5 – Current Below Normal or Open Circuit: LCA Position Sensor circuit open for 1 second.

FMI 6 - Current Above Normal or Grounded Circuit: LCA Position Sensor reference voltage not between 4.75V to 5.25V for 1 second.

FMI 7 - Mechanical System Not Responding: During the clutch calibration the expected fully engaged (closed) clutch position was not achieved.

FMI 8 – Abnormal Frequency: LCA Position Sensor signal abnormal pulse width for 1 second.

FMI 9 - Abnormal Update Rate: LCA Position Sensor magnet not detected for 1 second.

FMI 12 – Bad Intelligent Device: LCA Position Sensor internal self-check failure for 1 second.

FMI 13 – Out Of Calibration: LCA Position Sensor calibration required.

FMI 14 – Special Instructions: Incorrect LCA position command relative to torque command.

FMI 15 - Data Valid But Above Normal (Least Severe): During the clutch calibration the expected Torque Transfer Touch Point clutch position was not achieved.

FMI 16 – Data Valid But Above Normal (Moderately Severe): During the clutch calibration the expected Torque Transfer Touch Point clutch position was not available.

FMI 17 – Data Valid But Below Normal (Least Severe): During the clutch calibration the expected 10 Nm torque transfer clutch position was not achieved.

FMI 18 – Data Valid But Below Normal (Moderately Severe): During the clutch calibration the expected 10 Nm torque transfer clutch position was not available.

FMI 20 – Data Drifted High: LCA Position Sensor incorrectly reports the clutch is released (opened).

FMI 31 – Condition Exists: LCA Position Sensor incorrectly reports clutch is disengaged near engine idle when torque is elevated and parking brake is applied.

Fallback

FMI 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 31:

  • Amber warning lamp on
  • Non-Neutral Modes prohibited
  • PTO Mode prohibited

    Note: If vehicle is moving:

  • Red warning lamp on
  • Upshifts prohibited

FMI 14:

  • Clutch engagement prohibited

Conditions to Set Fault Code Inactive

FMI 0, 1: LCA position values match commanded values for 10 seconds.

FMI 2: LCA position in range for 10 seconds.

FMI 3, 4, 5, 6, 8: LCA Position Sensor in range for 10 seconds.

FMI 12: LCA Position Sensor has no self-check failures for 10 seconds.

FMI 13: Successful Clutch Calibration performed.

FMI 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 31: Key cycle.

FMI 20: Condition no longer exists.

Possible Causes

FMI 0, 1:

  • LCA
    • Air leak
    • Self-adjustment mechanism
  • MTM
    • Air leak
  • Valve Pack C
    • Stuck open clutch exhaust valve(s)
  • Clutch Release System
    • Release Yoke
    • Release Bearing
  • LCA Position Sensor
    • Internal failure

FMI 7:

  • LCA
    • Self-adjustment mechanism
  • Valve Pack C
    • Stuck open clutch fill valve(s)
  • Clutch Release System
    • Release Yoke
    • Release Bearing
  • LCA Position Sensor
    • Internal failure
  • Incorrect engine flywheel housing
  • Flywheel machined during clutch replacement

FMI 16, 17, 18:

  • LCA
    • Self-adjustment mechanism
  • Valve Pack C
    • Stuck open clutch fill valve(s)
  • Clutch Release System
    • Release Yoke
    • Release Bearing
  • LCA Position Sensor
    • Internal failure

FMI 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 20, 31:

  • LCA Position Sensor
    • Internal failure
    • Damaged
  • 74-Way MTM Harness
    • Wiring shorted to power, shorted to ground or open
  • TCM
    • Internal failure

FMI 9:

  • LCA
    • Magnet Loose
    • Magnet Detached
  • LCA Position Sensor (MTM)
    • Loose
    • Damaged
  • Incorrect engine flywheel housing
  • Flywheel machined during clutch replacement

FMI 12, 14:

  • TCM
    • Software issue
    • Internal failure

FMI 13:

  • Clutch Calibration required

FMI 15:

  • LCA
    • Self-adjustment mechanism
  • Valve Pack C
    • Stuck open clutch fill valve(s)
  • Clutch Release System
    • Release Yoke
    • Release Bearing
  • LCA Position Sensor
    • Internal failure
  • Incorrect engine flywheel housing
  • Flywheel machined during clutch replacement

Additional Tools

  • Endurant HD Service Manual TRSM0950
  • Eaton Breakout Box with 74-Way Eaton Diagnostic Adapter - RR1029TR
  • Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM)

Component Identification

_Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC250_ComponentID.png

1. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Cover

2. Transmission Control Module (TCM)

3. 74-Way Transmission Harness Connector

4. TCM Side of 74-Way TCM Transmission Harness Connector

5. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Seal

6. MTM Air Inlet Port

7. Linear Clutch Actuator (LCA)

Fault Code 250 Troubleshooting

A
Purpose:Check for active or inactive fault codes.
  1. Set vehicle parking brake and chock wheels.

  2. Record the transmission fault codes, FMIs, occurrences, and timestamps from the Service Activity report created during the Diagnostic Procedure.

    Note: If the engine flywheel housing was just replaced and Fault Code 250 set immediately after repair, contact OEM and/or engine manufacturer and ensure the correct housing part number was installed based on the transmission model. Refer to TAIB-0878 Engine Flywheel Housing Requirements and Fault Code 250.

  • If clutch assembly was just replaced and Fault Code 250 FMI 7, 9 and/or 15 is Active, reference TRSM0950 Clutch Service Procedure - Special Instructions. Go to Step V.

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 13 is Active, perform the Clutch Calibration with ServiceRanger. Test complete, Go to Step V.

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 13 is Inactive, Clutch Calibration already performed. Test complete, Go to Step V

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 20, 31 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step B

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 7 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step G

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 9 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step E

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 0, 1, 15, 16, 17, 18 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step D

  • If Fault Code 250 FMI 12, 14 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step F

B
Purpose:Verify TCM and 74-Way Harness Connector condition.
  1. Key off.

  2. Remove the TCM from the MTM with the 20-Way TCM Vehicle Harness Connector and 20-Way TCM Body Harness Connector connected.

    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC511_Check74WayTCM.png
  3. Inspect the TCM side of the 74-Way Transmission Harness Connector, 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.

  4. Inspect the TCM Seal, verify the seal is properly installed and not damaged.

C
Purpose:Verify TCM LCA Position Sensor internal resistance and power supply.
  1. Key off.

  2. Connect the Eaton Breakout Box with 74-Way Eaton Diagnostic Adapter to the TCM side of the 74-Way Transmission Harness Connector.

    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_BreakoutBoxtoTCM.png
  3. Measure resistance at the Eaton Breakout Box between Pin 22 and Pin 23. Record reading in table.

    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC250_Pin22and23-Ohms.png
  4. Key on.

  5. Measure voltage at the Eaton Breakout Box between Pin 22 and Pin 24. Record reading in table.

    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC250_Pin22and24.png
  6. Compare reading(s) in table.

Ignition StatePinsRangeReading(s)
Key off22 to 237.5k- 22k Ohms
Key on22 to 244.75-5.25 V
D
Purpose:Verify condition of the vehicle air system supply line and MTM air inlet port.
  1. Key off.

  2. Refer to OEM guidelines and vent the vehicle air supply line to the MTM.

  3. Refer to OEM guidelines and remove the vehicle air supply line at the MTM.

  4. Inspect the vehicle air supply line and the MTM air inlet port for contamination, moisture, corrosion and/or debris.

    Note: Verify the MTM inlet screen is installed and free of contamination and/or debris.

    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC511_MTMAirInletPort.png
E
Purpose:Inspect LCA Magnet, Seal and Position Sensor.

    Note: Fault Code 250 FMI 9 sets Active if the LCA is removed with the key on (TCM powered up).

  1. Key off.

  2. Disconnect 20-Way TCM Vehicle Harness Connector.

  3. Remove the LCA.

    Notice
    Ensure the key is off and 20-Way TCM Vehicle Harness Connector is disconnected prior to removal of the LCA from the MTM.
  4. Inspect the LCA Position Sensor Magnet.

    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC250_LCAmagnet.png
  5. Inspect LCA to MTM Seal.

  6. Inspect the LCA to MTM sealing surface on the MTM.

  7. Inspect LCA Position Sensor in the MTM through the LCA mounting opening and verify the LCA Position Sensor is properly secured.

F
Purpose:Verify TCM software.
  1. Key off.

  2. Allow TCM to perform a complete power down.

  3. Key on with engine off.

  4. Connect ServiceRanger.

  5. Go to “Programming”.

  6. Under "Software Information", record TCM software in table.

  • If a TCM software update is available, update TCM software. Go to Step V

  • If the TCM is at the latest available software, Contact Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies for further diagnostic instructions. For Help Line phone numbers, go to Contact Information. Go to Step V

TCM Software
G
Purpose:Measure Distance from Release Yoke to LCA Mounting Surface.
  1. Key off.

  2. Disconnect 20-Way TCM Vehicle Harness Connector.

  3. Remove the LCA.

    Notice
    Ensure the key is off and 20-Way TCM Vehicle Harness Connector is disconnected prior to removal of the LCA from the MTM.
  4. Using steel ruler or suitable measurement device, measure distance from Release Yoke to LCA mounting surface.

    Notice
    Ensure end of measurement device is resting on flat face of Release Yoke.
    _Graphics/LineArt/TRTS0950_FC250_MeasureYoke.png
  5. Record measurement in table.

  • If reading is less than 9 3/4 inch (247 mm), contact OEM and/or engine manufacturer and ensure the correct engine flywheel housing part number was installed based on the transmission model. Go to Step V

  • If reading is greater than 10 1/4 inch (260 mm), replace the Clutch Assembly. Go to Step V

  • If reading is exactly 9 3/4 – 10 1/4 inch (247 – 260 mm), Contact Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies for further diagnostic instructions. For Help Line phone numbers, go to Contact Information. Go to Step V

Release Yoke to LCA Mounting Surface Distance RangeMeasurement
9 3/4 – 10 1/4 inch” (247 – 260 mm)
V
Purpose:Verify repair.
  1. Key off.

  2. Reconnect all connectors and verify that all components are properly installed.

  3. Key on with engine off.

  4. Connect ServiceRanger.

  5. Go to “Fault Codes”.

  6. Select “Clear All Faults”.

  7. Operate vehicle and attempt to reset the fault code or duplicate the previous complaint.

  8. Check for fault codes using ServiceRanger.