Do you want to know how to do a transmission control module reset? If so, you are on the right page.
This article provides an expert guide on how to reset the transmission control module. As you read further, you’ll also learn why the transmission control module needs resetting, the signs of a bad transmission control module, what makes it go bad and how to prevent TCM failure.
Let’s begin!
How to Perform a Transmission Control Module Reset
the steps below explain how to do a transmission control module reset.
Step 1: Turning Key Position
It is important to check your key’s position before you begin the transmission control module resetting process. You have to begin by changing the position of your key to 2 and check if the lights on the dashboard come on.
However, the first step does not require pressing the accelerator or starting the vehicle. When adjusting the key to the right position, be cautious.
Be attentive; you will hear two clicks. The lights on the dashboard will come on simultaneously. The engine should not be turned on yet.
Step 2: Press the Gas Pedal
After doing the first step successfully, you can down press the accelerator. Ensure to apply pressure when stepping on the pedal. Step on the accelerator until it gets so down to activate the kick-down switch. Continue pressing the pedal till you begin the next phase.
Step 3: Keep Waiting
You have to exercise patience if you have plans to reset a car’s TCM.
In this step, your major duty is to keep pressing the pedal for around 15 seconds. This time will help the pedal to begin working towards the complete reset process.
Step 4: Turn the Ignition Off
You have to return the key after pressing the pedal for around 10 to 12 seconds. But, do not release the pressure on the pedals.
Always remember that your foot should be on the accelerator pedal during resetting. From point 2, you will have to take the key back to its original position.
You just have to turn it off. Take the key back to zero. When the key is returned to its prior position, it must remain in that position.
Step 5: Release the Gas Pedal
After turning the key to its correct position, release pressure on the pedal. Ensure your foot was on the accelerator pedal all through the previous process.
The pedal can only be released when the process is finished and your key is back to point zero.
Step 6: Wait Again
Waiting can be a bit frustrating. However, it takes a while to restart the vehicle after the process. Once your foot is off the pedal, you have to allow your Chevy to rest.
Your engine has to remain off for about 5 minutes. Confirm your ignition key remains in an off position. The key should not be changed. Don’t be in a hurry.
Step 7: Ready
The procedure is practically completed. While doing the Transmission Control Module reset, you have also successfully performed the Engine Control Unit process.
Congratulations, your vehicle is ready for driving! Drive your vehicle for around 20 minutes after the ECU and TCU programming. After that, the TCU reset, and the ECU will work jointly. They will pay attention to your driving method and pattern and learn it.
Check out this video for more tips on how to perform a transmission control module reset
Transmission Control Module Location
You can find the TCM underneath the cover at the back of your transmission case. It can be found beneath the ECM. Also, it can be located under the bonnet beside the battery or below the interior center console in some car models.
There are three cast aluminum alloy components in the recent generation 4160-E transmission: rear cover, good and main body. The package was reduced to 21.9″ long by GM, comparable to a manual transmission of 15.4″.
There are 30 slots in the input shaft. The cooling inlet of the automatic transmission is on the right with an oil reservoir.
The ‘6 hex bolts’ of the back cover or rear output is the major distinction between the 4L69E automatic transmission of 1997-2006 and early 4L60E of 1992 to 1997 or 4L60 of 1990 to 1992 or 700R4 from 1982 to 1989.
You can find the 4L60E at the rear of nearly all the GM applications; you can equally find the 4L60E transmission module there, including Camaro, Firebird, Bravada, Blazer, Silverado, Suburban, Safari, Astro, Yukon, Tahoe, Jimmy, Sonoma, Corvette, and C/K Truck.
Also Read: 700R4 Transmission – Everything You Need To Know
Why Do You Need a Transmission Control Module Reset
Resetting your Transmission Control Module frequently is important in keeping your transmission performance in excellent condition. Before a reset, the transmission makes an automatic calibration check; if any error is found, the reset will take place automatically.
The reasons you need a transmission control module reset are:
- Changes in your transmission or engine fluid.
- Replacement of a sensor.
- Wrong programming of TCM during initial installation.
- Changes in the car wiring.
In an automatic transmission, the TCM controls the shifting of gears. You need to reset the TCM if your vehicle has been out of use for a while or if you experience issues while driving.
If you are experiencing issues with your transmission, it is not only the TCM that needs resetting. You may also need to reset other components, depending on the vehicle’s specific problem.
Also Read: Car Won’t Move in Any Gear Automatic Transmission (Causes & Solutions)
What Makes a Transmission Control Module Go Bad?
Causes of damage in the TCM include:
- Thermal stress and/or Vibration
- Voltage overload
- Short-circuit in solenoid circuits or the actuator.
- Short circuits in the circuits
- Water in the circuitry leads to a Short circuit.
Also Read: How Long Does it Take to Rebuild a Transmission? [+ Cost]
Signs of a Bad Transmission Control Module
Common signals of a faulty TCM include:
- Downshifting trouble
- Unpredictable shifting
- Being stuck in a particular gear
- Difficulty in shifting into a higher gear
- Illumination of the check engine light
- Bad fuel economy
- Unpredictable Shifting
Because the TCM sends the shifting signal, a faulty module can lead to an unintended or incorrect shifting.
Let’s consider Honda as an example; it can shift to another gear or neutral without any warning. This could create a nuisance or, worse, cause an accident. So, you should get a module replacement immediately if this occurs.
1. Issues Shifting Into Higher Gears
While driving down the freeway, the transmission is responsible for shifting into a higher gear if you gradually increase your speed.
If this fails to happen, the RPM of your engine will keep increasing instead of dropping slightly as an upshift occurs; this could limit your speed level.
2. Struggling With Downshifting
A faulty TCM could also cause problems with downshifting. While driving, if your speed decreases, your transmission has to go down gradually into a lower gear. Immediately after you stop your vehicle, the transmission has to be in the first gear.
If your TCM is faulty, you may stop, but your gear is still high. If your gear is too high before acceleration, your Honda vehicle may have a hard time moving.
3. Getting Stuck in the Same Gear
The problem could occur in the form of getting stuck in first or neutral gear. The transmission will fail to shift, and either you use the first gear’s speed, or you use another vehicle.
4. Poor Fuel Economy
The automatic transmission has been programmed to provide effective gear selection and timing, resulting in an extremely fuel-efficient vehicle.
5. Check Engine Light Appears
There are various reasons your check engine light will appear. However, when the light comes on while you have a shifting problem, it could be from either the Transmission Control Module or other components in the transmission system. You can contact a professional to check out for Diagnostic Trouble codes using a scan tool to know the exact reason behind the light pop-up.
Frequently Asked Questions – Transmission Control Module Reset
How do you reset a Chevy TCM?
You can reset your TCM by turning your key to an ‘ON’ position, pressing your pedal for about 10 seconds, switching off your engine, taking your leg off the pedal, and waiting for 5 minutes to enable the restarting of your engine.
How do I reset my Chevy ECM?
Use a wrench or a socket wrench to take off the negative battery wire bolt. Remove and set aside the battery wire. Turn on the headlight switch to drain out the power remaining from the Engine Control Unit. After 10 minutes, turn it off.
Will disconnecting the battery reset TCM?
The TCM will not return to default settings after the disconnection of the battery; you will have to use the transmission scan technique. A simple disconnection of the batteries will neither complete the phase nor rectify the shift in gear problem.
How long does it take to reprogram a transmission control module?
An ultimate solution to reprogram a TCM is to do a battery disconnection and allow the system to drain for about 5 to 30 minutes. If the batteries are reconnected, there should be a reset in the TCM.
What happens when a transmission control module fails?
Your car takes some time before picking up speed. Inability to Shift: Difficulty in shifting out of neutral. Gear Slippage: The transmission changes gear without warning.
How much does it cost to reset a TCM?
You have the option of repairing the TCM. Repairing a TCM will be cheaper than the cost of replacement in all cases. The average cost of repair is about $300.
Do you have to reprogram a transmission control module?
A Mercedes TCM rarely needs replacing. If the TCM is faulty, reprogramming or an immediate replacement will be important. You can simply say, the TCM is a computer device that shares information within the car with other computer devices.
Conclusion – Transmission Control Module Reset
You now know how to reset a TCM, and you will have no problem using your gearbox! The techniques pointed out by our experts are extremely easy. You only have to do your best while keeping the vital points in mind.
Using this method, you can get the work done within 10 minutes. After that, test runs the vehicle for about 15 minutes, and you are done. This will be of help if you are choosing the transmission.
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