{"id":1835,"date":"2022-04-03T21:22:10","date_gmt":"2022-04-03T21:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=1835"},"modified":"2022-04-03T21:22:11","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T21:22:11","slug":"diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/","title":{"rendered":"Diagnosing &#038; Fixing a Bad Transmission Control Module"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A transmission control module is an electrical control unit or computer that is used to control electronic automatic transmissions. Transmission control modules, or TCMs, use sensors in the vehicle and data from the engine control unit to determine when to shift gears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#Car_TCM_Overview\" title=\"Car TCM Overview\">Car TCM Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#How_to_Check_and_Test_a_TCM\" title=\"How to Check and Test a TCM\">How to Check and Test a TCM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#What_Are_the_Symptoms_of_a_Bad_Transmission_Control_Module\" title=\"What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Control Module?\">What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Control Module?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#What_Causes_a_Transmission_Control_Module_to_Fail\" title=\"What Causes a Transmission Control Module to Fail?\">What Causes a Transmission Control Module to Fail?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#How_to_Replace_a_Bad_Transmission_Control_Module\" title=\"How to Replace a Bad Transmission Control Module\">How to Replace a Bad Transmission Control Module<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#How_Much_Does_It_Cost_to_Replace_a_Transmission_Control_Module\" title=\"How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission Control Module?\">How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission Control Module?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#Where_to_Get_Your_TCM_Repaired\" title=\"Where to Get Your TCM Repaired\">Where to Get Your TCM Repaired<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/#TCM_FAQs\" title=\"TCM FAQs\">TCM FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_TCM_Overview\"><\/span><a><\/a>Car TCM Overview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The TCM allows your vehicle to determine the best time to shift to maximize fuel economy, shift quality, and reduce wear and tear. For a more detailed explanation of how TCMs work, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/ieeexplore.ieee.org\/abstract\/document\/8023189\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>What Does The Transmission Control Module Do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The transmission control module determines the best time for your vehicle to change gears. Based on data it receives from the rest of the vehicle, the TCM tells your transmission when to upshift or downshift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>What Does A Transmission Control Module Look Like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transmission control modules vary in size and shape depending on the make and model of the vehicle you drive. Generally, they look like small metallic or plastic external hard drives, with a data port on one side. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/itm\/224675489559?hash=item344fb3e717:g:B9AAAOSwwC9hg7RN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Here\u2019s an example<\/a> of a transmission control module for a Mazda 3. Generally, they are flat, square, metallic, or plastic and have ridged edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Where Is the TCM Located in the Car?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The location of the transmission control module will also vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, you can generally expect it to be located somewhere in, on, or close to the engine because it needs to be connected to the vehicle\u2019s computer via its data port. The TCM is typically found on or near the transmission itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Check_and_Test_a_TCM\"><\/span><a><\/a>How to Check and Test a TCM<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to check and test a transmission control module is to observe how your vehicle is driving. If your car is having problems, the TCM could be involved. Here is a list of possible symptoms that could indicate that your transmission control module has gone bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Symptoms_of_a_Bad_Transmission_Control_Module\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Control Module?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What are some of the things that can go wrong with a TCM? Let\u2019s discuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Check Engine Light Is On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The check engine light indicates a problem with your vehicle, including transmission control module problems. If the check engine light is on, take your vehicle to your local mechanic so they can run a diagnostic scan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Erratic Shifting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle shifts when you did not intend it to, or shifts into gears that you did not want it to, you may very well have problems with your transmission control module. For example, if you are driving at a low speed and your vehicle suddenly shifts into neutral for no reason, there could be something wrong with your TCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Delayed Shifting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle is delayed when shifting, you could certainly have a problem with the transmission control module. If you are accelerating and your engine is revved up high, but it stays there, and your transmission doesn\u2019t shift right away, that could mean there\u2019s something wrong with your TCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Stuck In One Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle gets stuck in one gear and won\u2019t shift regardless of how much you accelerate or decelerate, your TCM could be faulty, which typically means your vehicle is stuck in neutral or first gear. If this is the case, you should have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Problems Upshifting or Downshifting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the transmission control module is supposed to determine the best time to shift gears and tell the transmission when to shift, if that isn\u2019t happening, there could be something wrong with the TCM. To understand more about how automatic transmissions should work, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientific.net\/AMM.643.42\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_a_Transmission_Control_Module_to_Fail\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Causes a Transmission Control Module to Fail?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What can cause a TCM to stop functioning properly? Let\u2019s discuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>General Wear and Tear From Use and Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The older your vehicle is and the more mileage you put on it, the more things begin to wear out and fail. Weather, road conditions, corrosive foreign substances, and lack of maintenance contribute to wear and tear. The longer you have your car, the more things will degrade and fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Heat From Engine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The transmission control module is a computer made up of electronic parts and therefore is vulnerable to damage from heat. Heat is never good for electronics, and this includes TCMs. Your TCM\u2019s metallic and plastic encasing is designed to protect it against heat, but this can fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Bad Soldering in TCM Circuit Board<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the circuitry of the transmission control module was not soldered correctly, the TCM could fail prematurely. As with any such problem, if your vehicle is brand new or still under warranty, you could ask the manufacturer to pay for fixing the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Faulty Wiring From TCM to Other Control Modules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Faulty wiring between the TCM and other vehicle control modules can cause the TCM to short, meaning it was overloaded and burnt out. Vehicle electronics systems are very sensitive, and an overload of voltage or amperage can certainly cause components of this type to fail. Keep an eye out for any frayed, decayed, or severed wires around the TCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Vibration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vibration isn\u2019t good for electronics either, and cars vibrate a lot. The engine itself creates vibration and increases as speed and RPMs increase. Bumps in the road cause your vehicle to vibrate. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sae.org\/publications\/technical-papers\/content\/2020-01-0194\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This scholarly article<\/a> discusses why vibration is so bad for the TCM and its bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1837\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/What-is-a-Transmission-Control-Module2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Replace_a_Bad_Transmission_Control_Module\"><\/span><a><\/a>How to Replace a Bad Transmission Control Module<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, you can&#8217;t fix transmission control modules. If they\u2019re faulty, they simply need to be replaced. If the TCM is the problem, you will need a new TCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>What You Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on your vehicle, the TCM may be easy to reach, and you can remove it by hand; for others, you may need a screwdriver, socket wrenches, and a towel to wipe off any debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Buy the Correct TCM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you purchase the correct transmission control module for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. So, if you drive a 2017 Honda Accord, you shouldn&#8217;t buy a TCM for a 2009 Chevy Silverado. TCMs are not universal, one-size-fits-all parts; please buy the one that fits your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Open the Hood and Locate Your TCM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As was mentioned above, your transmission control module will likely be on or very near the transmission. It will have wiring attached to its data port which connects it to the engine control module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Remove the Old TCM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the old transmission control module by unscrewing any bolts or screws that hold it in place or by simply lifting the plastic tab that holds it in place in some vehicles. Remove the wire attached to the TCM\u2019s data port. Don\u2019t lose those bolts or screws because you\u2019ll need them to install the new TCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Install New TCM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Install the new transmission control module by doing the opposite of what you did to remove the old one. You should use the same bolts and screws and ensure they are tight and snug to install correctly. Attach the wiring to the data port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Does_It_Cost_to_Replace_a_Transmission_Control_Module\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission Control Module?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do the work yourself, the only cost involved will be the cost of the new transmission control module itself. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this could range from as low as $40 at a junkyard to $300 to $500 online. If you go to a mechanic, the additional cost could be anywhere from $50 to $200 for their labor and shipping costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Get_Your_TCM_Repaired\"><\/span><a><\/a>Where to Get Your TCM Repaired<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For any car repair work that involves the transmission or things relating to the transmission, AAMCO is a great choice. They specialize in engine and transmission repair and have locations all over the United States and Canada. Check out<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamco.com\/Auto-Repair-Center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> www.aamco.com\/Auto-Repair-Center<\/a> to find the AAMCO nearest you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TCM_FAQs\"><\/span><a><\/a>TCM FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about transmission control modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Can you drive with a bad transmission control module?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, not safely. If your vehicle isn\u2019t shifting properly, this could lead to serious problems, including fatal accidents. If you\u2019re flying down the freeway and your car suddenly shifts to neutral or doesn\u2019t downshift when you need to slow down, it\u2019s clear how that could end badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Can a bad TCM cause a car not to start?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, not likely. The transmission control module regulates when the transmission shifts gears, but if it is faulty it should not have any impact on the vehicle starting. If your vehicle won\u2019t start, it is probably a different problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>How long does it take to replace a transmission control module?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do the work yourself and have the necessary tools, it shouldn\u2019t take you more than 10 to 20 minutes to replace your TCM, depending on how many other engine parts are in the way and if they need to be removed for you to get to the TCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Does a transmission control module need to be programmed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, it does not. The manufacturer has already programmed it. If you bought the correct TCM for the year, make, and model of your vehicle, then it should work fine without any additional programming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A transmission control module is an electrical control unit or computer that is used to control electronic automatic transmissions. Transmission control modules, or TCMs, use&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transmission","wpcat-20-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1835"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1835"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1843,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1835\/revisions\/1843"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}