TT8222EN

September, 2018
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SUBJECT: P088A/P088B DTC as a Result of TransID (TID) Mismatch

MODELS AFFECTED: 3000 and 4000 Series Product Family Transmissions

Introduction:
WATCH #529 announced the release of a new aluminum main valve body in Allison Transmission 3000 and
4000 SeriesTM Product Family transmissions in the first quarter of calendar year 2018. As stated in the WATCH,
the aluminum main valve body is NOT compatible with 5th Generation Controls 2016 BCD 162 (and earlier)
software. The aluminum hardware is also NOT compatible with 4th Generation Controls systems, including vehicle
installations using the 4th Generation Controls A59 service TCM.

In conjunction with valve body change, the transmission TransID level incremented from TIDA to TIDB. The
former cast iron valve body configuration is designated TIDA. The current aluminum valve body configuration is
designated TIDB. TIDA transmissions using the cast iron components are compatible with all 4th Generation and
5th Generation Controls systems; however, TIDB transmissions are only compatible with 5th Generation Controls
systems using BCD 171 or later software. Refer to Table 1 for compatibility of TCM, software level, and TID Level.

Table 1. TIDA and TIDB Compatibility

Transmission Hardware
TIDA TIDB
4th Generation TCM (including A59) compatible incompatible
5th Generation TCM with Pre-C171 software level compatible incompatible
5th Generation TCM with C171 or later software level compatible compatible

Subsequently, there have been a limited number of occurrences of TIDB transmissions installed in vehicles with
5th Generation Controls TCM’s loaded with pre-C171 level software. This has occurred as the result of OEMs not
properly managing the TransID transition and also as the result of TIDB level swing units being installed replacing
TIDA level units. When this has occurred, two symptoms reported are:
1. DTC P088A Transmission Filter Maintenance Alert
2. Extremely low and high Main Pressure (as high as 700 psi)

Action:
When diagnosing either or both symptoms, it is important to verify the software level to transmission TID level.
The TID level is indicated on the transmission nameplate. It is also indicated by the 20-Way Standoff color (black
= TIDA, tan = TIDB). If a TIDB transmission is installed in a vehicle with symptoms, connect to the vehicle with

MC 4344722
Copyright © 2018 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 TT8222EN
September, 2018
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Allison DOC® diagnostic software and determine the Gen5 software level installed. The first four characters of
the Cal ID indicate software level. Refer to Figure 1.

Figure 1. Software Level from Cal ID

If a mismatch of TIDB transmission to pre-C171 software level has been established, consideration must be given
to any other Diagnostic Trouble Codes present (active or inactive), TransHealth, and transmission fluid condition to
determine if damage may have resulted from the mismatch.

If a TID mismatch has occurred, the concern may be corrected by reflashing the TCM to the current post-C171
equivalent calibration and clearing the P088A/P088B DTC present.

A mismatch of TransID is not considered a defect in materials or workmanship on the part of Allison Transmission.
The C171 level software release occurred in April of 2017 and the TIDB transmission build commenced in the
first quarter of 2018. The CIN on the TCM label indicates the software level installed. It is the responsibility of
the OEM or service provider to ensure TIDB level transmissions are paired with a Gen5 TCM with C171 or
later software installed.

Copyright © 2018 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.