The transmission is one of the most vital parts of your vehicle. It contains numerous crucial parts, and the transmission control module (TCM) is one of them. The efficient working of the transmission control module is very important for the efficient working of the vehicle. When the transmission control module (TCM) goes bad, it produces different signs. This article mainly explains the bad transmission control module symptoms, causes, and how to test it.
What is a Transmission Control Module?
The transmission control module (TCM) is a crucial component of your car’s transmission system that controls the transmission system and plays a vital role in determining gear selection. The transmission control module is also known as a Telematics control unit (TCU).
It acts as a computer that utilizes the data of various sensors (such as the fluid temperature sensor, turbine speed sensor, and throttle position sensor) along with input from the engine control unit (ECU) to determine the optimal timing and gear shifts for the vehicle.
Additionally, the TCM also uses the data of the wheel speed sensors, enabling it to make decisions similar to engaging the clutch in a manual transmission car.
However, like any other part of your vehicle, the TCM can experience issues. When any of the sensors becomes bad, wrong data is delivered to the TCM, resulting in improper adjustments and a rougher driving experience.
Therefore, it is important to quickly address the TCM or its sensors issues to ensure smooth performance, fuel efficiency, and overall shift quality in your automatic transmission vehicle.
Symptoms Of a Bad Transmission Control Module
When the transmission control module goes bad, it produces one or more of the following symptoms:
- Check Engine Light
- Transmission Warning Light
- Erratic Shifting
- Stuck in Gear
- Transmission Overheating
- Delayed Shifting
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Engine Stalling While Shifting Gears
- Transmission Gear Slipping
- Limp Mode
1) Check Engine Light
An illuminated check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard is one of the most common symptoms of a faulty transmission control module. However, this light may also indicate many other issues.
However, if you experience shifting issues alongside the illuminated engine light, it means that there is something wrong with your transmission control module or transmission system.
Regardless of the specific cause, it is crucial to promptly have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic or utilize a scanner to check for a stored trouble code. If the code P0700 appears, it suggests a potential issue with your TCM.
Read More: Causes of Check Engine Light Flashing
2) Transmission Warning Light
An illuminated transmission warning light is one of the clear signs of a bad transmission control module.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the light can also signify other issues, i.e., worn transmission parts, transmission overheating, or insufficient transmission fluid. Some of these issues can manifest alongside the illuminated transmission warning light, causing similar signs.
3) Erratic Shifting
The TCM of your vehicle has the responsibility to send the signals for the shift. When the transmission control module (TCM) of your car malfunctions, it can result in incorrect or inaccurate signals for shifting.
For instance, your vehicle may shift into inappropriate gear like Neutral or any other gear that is not suitable. This can lead to issues with both upshifting and downshifting.
When the vehicle is in high gear while attempting to accelerate from a stop, it may struggle to move forward properly or fail to respond altogether. Furthermore, being in the wrong gear can be hazardous, especially if your car exhibits bucking and jerking movements, potentially leading to accidents.
4) Stuck in Gear
Although less common, a surprising situation can occur where the car gets stuck in a particular gear. This situation typically occurs when the transmission control module of your vehicle experiences severe issues and malfunctions.
While being stuck in 1st or 2nd gear may cause inconvenience, it is usually manageable to drive the vehicle. However, if it gets stuck in a higher gear, driving the vehicle to a service station for repairs can become challenging.
5) Transmission Overheating
Transmission overheating is one of the major symptoms of a bad transmission control module (TCM). However, your transmission may overheat due to many other reasons.
Factors such as aggressive acceleration, towing heavy loads, or the transmission being stuck in a lower gear while attempting to reach higher speeds can contribute to overheating.
When your transmission overheats, its internal parts and transmission fluid don’t work efficiently, potentially leading to further complications.
It is advisable to have both the TCM and the transmission fluid examined by a qualified mechanic. Additionally, changing the transmission fluid can help address any issues caused by overheating.
6) Delayed Shifting
The transmission and TCM of your vehicle are installed to shift gears based on specific ground speed and engine RPM parameters. If you notice that the transmission shifts gears slowly, resulting in a loss of momentum or even a decrease in speed while changing gears, it is a cause for concern.
This delay in gear shifting can be particularly hazardous when attempting to overtake another vehicle. In such situations, if the car fails to respond promptly due to the delay, it can lead to serious accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to take the delay shifting issue seriously and promptly address and resolve it to ensure safe driving conditions.
7) Poor Fuel Economy
The fuel economy holds significant importance in today’s world due to two primary reasons.
- Firstly, poor fuel economy translates to increased expenditure, putting a strain on finances.
- Secondly, considering the rapid depletion of fuel resources, a vehicle with lower fuel efficiency is deemed environmentally unfriendly.
The engine and the automatic transmission of your vehicle are closely interconnected. Any gear selection or timing issues directly impact the engine’s performance and well-being.
When the transmission is forced to work harder, it demands more energy, thereby increasing fuel consumption. This leads to a decline in fuel economy.
To monitor fuel consumption, you can utilize a fuel mileage calculator. By being aware of your vehicle’s typical fuel efficiency, you can easily identify any significant drops in performance.
8) Engine Stalling While Shifting Gears
A stalling engine while shifting gears is one of the most common symptoms of a bad transmission control module (TCM).
The inability to shift gears properly may lead to the engine stalling. If your TCM selects a gear that is either too low or too high, it may result in engine stalling. This is analogous to what happens with manual transmissions, where attempting to pull out in third gear would cause the engine to stall.
9) Transmission Gear Slipping
During acceleration, if your transmission unexpectedly shifts back to a lower gear, it specifies transmission or gear slippage. This issue can be attributed to factors such as a bad transmission control module (TCM) or insufficient transmission fluid.
In such a condition, it is advisable to avoid driving for a long distance or placing heavy loads on the vehicle, especially when experiencing gear slippage. Climbing steep grades can also worsen the problem.
In such instances, achieving highway speeds may become difficult or even impossible, potentially creating hazardous situations when sharing the road with faster-moving traffic. Additionally, continued gear slippage can lead to damage to the internal parts of your transmission.
10) Limp Mode
Limp mode is a safety feature found in cars. This mode activates when the PCM or TCM of your vehicle detects a dangerous issue.
The limp mode is designed to safeguard critical vehicle parts. When it is activated, you may experience restrictions on speed as the vehicle’s speed becomes governed. Furthermore, the vehicle may remain in a single gear.
The purpose of limp mode is to enable you to safely drive the car home or to a nearby repair shop. However, it is important to activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation.
Read More: Limp Mode Symptoms and Causes
Causes of Bad Transmission Control Module
The TCM of your vehicle goes bad due to one or more of the following causes:
- Manufacturing Defects
- Electrical Issues
- Contaminated Fluid
- Overheating
- Voltage Surges
- Age and Wear
1) Manufacturing Defects
In some conditions, the TCM of your vehicle may have inherent manufacturing defects. These issues may include poor part quality, weak solder joints, or bad circuitry.
2) Electrical Issues
An issue with your vehicle’s electrical wiring or connection is one of the leading causes of bad TCM. There are different causes of an electrical issue, such as a blown fuse, corroded connections, or damaged wiring.
3) Contaminated Fluid
The contaminated transmission fluid may cause TCM failure. However, if you don’t change the transmission fluid on time, it becomes contaminated with metal shavings, dirt, or debris, which may badly affect the performance of your TCM.
4) Overheating
The transmission overheating may lead to the failure of the transmission control module. However, the transmission of your vehicle may overheat due to different reasons, such as a bad thermostat, a bad cooling fan, or insufficient transmission fluid.
5) Voltage Surges
A sudden change in the voltage of the electrical system may affect the functionality of your TCM. These sudden changes in the voltage usually occur due to a bad battery, a bad alternator, or an issue with the charging system.
6) Age and Wear
The TCM of your vehicle may degrade and wear out with time. The inner parts of the transmission may weaken, deteriorate, or become loose over time. With time, your powertrain control module (TCM) becomes more prone to failure and can exhibit symptoms of malfunction.
TCM Replacement Cost
The replacement cost of a transmission control module depends on your vehicle model, labor cost, and the type of part brand. The average replacement cost of the TCM is between $480 and $920. In this cost, the cost of the parts is from $430 to $730, while the labor costs from $50 to $190.
Transmission Control Module Location
The location of the transmission control module (TCM) can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the vehicle. The transmission control module is most commonly located on the transmission itself, situated in an unexpected location under the hood, or even positioned under the dashboard.
To determine the exact location of the TCM in your specific car, consulting the service manual is essential. The manual will provide schematics and diagrams indicating the TCM’s whereabouts. Additionally, it should offer step-by-step instructions on how to remove the TCM if necessary.
How to Test the TCM
Troubleshooting the issues related to the transmission control module (TCM) can be challenging without adequate knowledge and expertise due to the complexity of this unit. Therefore, it is recommended to initially inspect other transmission components since TCM failures are relatively uncommon.
But if you want to test your transmission control module, here are a few steps you can take without extensive knowledge:
- Begin by visually inspecting the TCM for any noticeable connectivity problems, such as loose connections or corrosion.
- Properly check the condition of your car’s battery. Low voltage levels can sometimes cause TCM problems. Test the battery to ensure it is fully charged and supplying the required voltage to the TCM.
- Utilize a compatible code scanner to check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might indicate TCM-related issues.
While there are additional methods to check the TCM, such as using a voltmeter, it is important to exercise caution. Inaccurate handling could potentially lead to further damage. It is advisable to follow the procedure outlined in the service manual, allowing you to compare the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure accurate testing procedures.
FAQ Section
What is the function of the TCM?
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is a computer system that plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient operation of your vehicle’s transmission. Similar to the Engine Control Module (ECM), the TCM constantly collects and analyzes real-time data to make precise adjustments to the transmission’s functions, ensuring optimal performance and a smooth driving experience.
Can I drive with a bad transmission control module?
Driving with a bad TCM is not recommended. Whether you experience shifting issues or the vehicle is in limp mode, it is crucial to immediately stop driving the vehicle. Driving with a bad transmission control module may cause potential damage to both the engine and the transmission, resulting in expensive repairs.
What does a transmission control module do?
The TCM plays a vital role in the transmission system as it receives signals from input speed sensors and wheel speed sensors to shift gears and monitor the temperature of the transmission system. It serves as the central hub for making transmission-related decisions. If the sensors provide wrong information, the TCM will make wrong adjustments that can negatively impact the overall performance of the car.
How do I reset my transmission control module?
In some cases, a TCM that is not damaged may be reset instead of replaced. It is advisable to consult online resources for detailed instructions for your specific vehicle model on how to reset the TCM. Resetting the TCM can potentially save you money on transmission repair costs. Repairing a faulty transmission or engine is typically one of the most expensive repairs of a car.
How do I know if my TCM is failing?
When the TCM becomes faulty, it produces different symptoms such as transmission light illuminating, erratic shifting, stuck in gear, delayed shifting, transmission overheating, poor fuel economy, and transmission gear slipping.
How long does a TCM last?
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) of your vehicle is built to function flawlessly throughout its entire lifespan. However, certain factors such as manufacturing errors, vibrations, moisture, high temperatures, and wear and tear may potentially impact its durability and longevity. These external elements have the potential to reduce the service life of the TCM.
What are the causes of the TCM failure?
- Manufacturing Defects
- Age and Wear
- Contaminated Fluid
- Overheating
- Electrical Issues
- Voltage Surges
Can a car run without a TCM?
Without TCM, your car won’t be able to run efficiently. The TCM is responsible for managing and controlling the transmission system, including torque converter lockup, gear shifting, and other major functions. Without a TCM, the transmission of your vehicle will not get the desired information to work properly, rendering the vehicle undrivable.
Can a bad TCM damage transmission?
When the vehicle’s TCM goes bad, it fails to regulate the fuel/air mixture correctly and leads to various transmission issues. These problems can have a significant impact on your car’s responsiveness, resulting in unexpected jumps or kicks.
What are the signs of a bad TCM?
- Check Engine Light
- Transmission Warning Light
- Engine Stalling While Shifting Gears
- Erratic Shifting
- Stuck in Gear
- Limp Mode
- Transmission Overheating
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Delayed Shifting
- Transmission Gear Slipping