Mechanic Troubleshooting - Allison Transmission Wiring

Our fleet has absolutely zero manual transmissions, school bus drive trains are unless requested differently come standard with Allison MD 3000 electronic transmissions. Once they get a few years use there are electrical glitches that occur.

In this case the code pointed to the C3 pressure switch. This switch reads the clutch pack #3 oil pressure in the transmission module. It activates at around 37 psi when pressure is operating the clutch release and engagement.

If it fails, a code 32 will pop up. Most times the wiring is at fault so we will check the continuity from the ECU to the Trans. Module. (shown in the photo above)
At the front end the blue connector has to be disconnected from the ECU where the appropriate terminals have to be probed and checked for resistance. The Allison troubleshooting manual is a "must have" for this procedure. For newer units the WTEC 3 is required(world transmissions electronic controls). These manuals are available at an Allison dealer.

You can tell if the system is in the 3rd generation from the 3 connectors at the ECU. In this case the ECU is located under the driver side floorboard attached to the body(Thomas 1999 Saf-t-liner).

The resistance read 25 ohms which is excessive. As with other codes replacing wiring has become a common occurrence. We use shielded wiring which we run front to back to eliminate the defective wire. Many times if transmissions act up and shift awkwardly in wet weather there's a good chance you have a wiring issue.

How To Manually Check for Transmission Codes

Press the 2 arrows on the shift pad with key on and read the 4 digit code that comes up. Record the first 4 number code then press mode which will bring up a second code(if any) . I hope this mechanic information has helped you out.