Signs of a Failing Transmission Control Module (TCM)

What About Manual Transmissions?

If you are one of the lucky ones who drives a manual vehicle, you don’t have to worry about any problems with this component. Since its primary function is to handle the timing of gear shifts, any manual drivers shift the gears on their own, the TCM is not necessary. You, the driver, would be considered the transmission control module!

How to Identify Warning Signs of a Failing TCM

The chances that you will need to replace this part during the lifespan of your vehicle is low. Although this mechanism is critical to your vehicle’s ability to drive, the part itself has been built to last through the years, the miles, heat, and friction. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as driving habits and vehicle mileage, but it is possible for extreme temperature fluctuations or overuse to leave the TCM compromised and vulnerable to damage.

Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of a bad TCM include:

• Check Engine Light – You thought we wouldn’t mention this again? This light is easy for most people to ignore, but it serves an important purpose… to alert you to an issue. An ODB-II scanner will tell you which codes are being thrown. These codes determine what system requires attention. Some error codes specific to a faulty TCM include p codes: P0613, P0700, P0706, etc.
• Erratic Shifting – The automatic transmission relies on the TCM to shift smoothly. Unless your vehicle has a manual override option, and it is engaged, your car should be shifting effortlessly. If your car has the hiccups, you need to get to the shop right away.
• Stuck in Gear – As you drive along, you shouldn’t notice much of a transition between speeds, but you’ll certainly notice if your car isn’t shifting at all. If your car is stuck in neutral or first gear, you may be dealing with a bad TCM.
• Poor Fuel Economy – It is important to note this is a good baseline for identifying a variety of issues under the hood. Anytime you notice a change in MPG, you should be on alert. A faulty TCM will affect the way your engine shifts, therefore decreasing fuel efficiency.

If you have noticed changes in your vehicle’s performance, or have experienced any of the signs above, your attention to detail could save you a small fortune. AAMCO Minnesota’s multi-point inspection & diagnostics service can help identify any problems by reviewing every major system in your car, head to tail. You’ll have a comprehensive overview of your vehicle’s health.

What if the module is damaged or broken?

Don’t stress out, we can help! In the event the TCM is damaged, or completely broken, you should be prepared to have the entire module replaced. The cost and labor associated with replacement differs depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but the peace of mind you’ll receive knowing the problem is solved is invaluable. If you think there may be an issue with your transmission control module, don’t gamble on your safety and schedule an appointment now!