What does it mean?
P1769 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: A/T HLR/C Solenoid Valve Circuit Malfunction: .
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine lamp) is on and the transmission enters limp mode
- Reverse is weak, delayed or completely absent
- Harsh or missing engagement of the lowest forward gear
- Slipping and rising engine speed when pulling away from a standstill
- Shudder or a whine from the transaxle under load
- Vehicle may creep only after a long delay when selecting a gear
Likely causes
- Solenoid winding open or shorted, or resistance far from the specified value
- Chafed internal harness or a corroded transmission case connector letting fluid reach the pins
- Short to ground or to battery on the solenoid drive wire in the external harness
- Debris or varnish holding the solenoid valve spool, raising current draw beyond the expected range
- Worn high-low reverse clutch pack or leaking sealing rings, so the circuit never builds the expected pressure
- Contaminated or overdue transmission fluid restricting the solenoid screen
- Failed output driver in the control module
How to fix it
- Check the fluid level, colour and smell, and look for clutch material on the dipstick or in the pan
- Activate the solenoid with a bi-directional scan tool and watch for a change in gear behaviour and current
- Measure the solenoid winding resistance at the case connector against specification and check for a short to the case
- Test the harness from the control module to the case connector for continuity and for shorts to ground and battery
- Run a line pressure test with the selector in reverse and in low to check the hydraulic circuit
- Replace the solenoid or valve body once the fault is proven; if pressure is low with a good solenoid, the clutch pack needs internal repair