shoptalk

by Dennis Madden

JR403E Code Retrieval And Testing

Figure 1

he Isuzu NPR is a heavy-duty truck chassis with a diesel engine. There are several body styles that are available from many custom manufacturers. Regardless of the look of the vehicle, the powertrain is the same. It uses the JR403E transmission: a fully computer-controlled unit, which includes all shift timing and shift feel characteristics. To looks just like a Nissan RE4R01A only larger. And thats exactly what it is. The only real difference in rebuilding one of these is the parts are larger. The computer system used with these transmissions is very similar to the Nissan system. Code retrieval on 1988 through 91 models is also very similar to the Nissan procedure. The system uses the ECONO light (figure 1) on the dash to indicate a problem. Normally, the ECONO light will come on once then go out. But if the computer recognizes a problem, it will flash the ECONO light sixteen times. Code retrieval on the early system is
March 1998 GEARS

CODE DEFINITION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Figure 2

Vehicle speed sensor--transmission circuit open or shorted. Vehicle speed sensor-- speedometer circuit open or shorted. Throttle position sensor circuit open or shorted. Shift solenoid A circuit open or shorted. Shift solenoid B circuit open or shorted. Over-run clutch solenoid open or shorted. Lock-up clutch solenoid open or shorted. ATF temperature sensor circuit is open or the computer power source is insufficient. Engine RPM signal circuit open or shorted. Line pressure solenoid open or shorted.

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Figure 3

Figure 5

CoDe DIaGNosIs Item No

11 24 13 15 *17 21 31 32 33 34 35 Vehicle speed sensor "1" Vehicle speed sensor "2" Engine speed sensor ATF thermosensor or battery back-up voltage Inhibitor switch Throttle position sensor Shift solenoid A Shift solenoid b Over-run clutch solenoid Lock-up duty solenoid Line pressure duty solenoid

The system uses the ECONO light on the dash to indicate a problem. Normally, the ECONO light will come on once then go out. But if the computer recognizes a problem, it will flash the ECONO light sixteen times.
easy and has only six steps. But there's a brief precheck you should follow before beginning the code retrieval routine. 1. Turn off the ignition. 2. Put the shift selector in D. 3. Set the mode switch to Normal. This precheck is simply to make sure the shifter and mode switch are in their proper position before starting the code retrieval routine. Follow the next six steps to get the codes. 1. Turn on the key, engine off.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Move the shifter to 2. Move the Mode switch to Economy. Move the shifter to 1. Move the Mode switch to Normal. Hold the throttle to the floor.

* 1994 and later only

Figure 4

The computer will now display any codes stored by flashing the ECONO light on the dash. The light will flash eleven times: The first flash is about two seconds long, and is simply used to identify the beginning of the code. Each of the next ten flashes represent a component of the computers input or output. A short flash (0.1 seconds in length) indicates that circuit is okay. A long flash (0.6 seconds in length) indicates that circuit has failed; usually its disconnected or shorted. Sound confusing? Its really very simple. The illustrations in figure two show examples of codes being flashed, as well as the list of codes. 1992-and-later vehicles use a different method for retrieving codes. Instead of moving the shifter, mode switch and throttle, you simply short the diagnostic connector located under the brake fluid reservoir (figure 3). It still reports codes through the ECONO light and monitors the same ten devices (eleven on 1994 and later vehicles), but now it uses two-digit codes and flashes the light just like a General Motors vehicle (figure 4). To erase any stored trouble codes, simply remove the number eleven fuse located in the glove box (figure 5). Once the codes have been erased, check
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The precheck is simply to make sure the shifter and mode switch are in their proper position before starting the code retrieval routine.
the codes again. If the component checks okay, but the code comes back, check the circuit at the computer. The computer is located under the dash on the drivers side. Figure six illustrates the pins, and their functions. Figure seven provides testing parameters. Working on the NPR computer system is a breeze. Anyone who has had any experience with the Nissan system will feel right at home.

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

March 1998

GEARS

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