The electronic component of your transmission called the transmission control module, is in charge of decoding electrical signals coming from sensors in various areas of the car.
The transmission fluid temperature sensor, the turbine speed sensor, and the throttle position sensor are a few of the sensors that interact closely with the transmission control module. Well, in this reading, we’ll be exploring the four possible symptoms of a bad water pump.
Signs of a Bad Transmission Control Module (TCM)
You’ll experience serious issues with your car if the transmission control module goes bad. Some warning signs you’ll notice include unpredictable shifting, problems shifting into higher gears, struggling with downshifting, getting stuck in the same gear, delays in shifting, poor fuel economy, check engine light illuminates, and limp mode.
Unpredictable Shifting: Since the shifting signals are sent by the TCM, a defective module may result in inaccurate or undesired shifting. For instance, your Honda might abruptly change into a gear it wouldn’t usually shift into, like neutral. It’s at most a minor annoyance. At worst, it might result in a critical accident. As a result, if this occurs, you should get the module replaced right away.
Problems Shifting Into Higher Gears: Your transmission should properly and timely change to higher speeds as you gradually increase your speed. When this doesn’t happen, your engine’s RPM will simply keep rising rather than slightly decreasing when an upshift occurs. If the malfunctioning TCM doesn’t change to a higher gear, you might never reach the specified speed because each gear has a maximum speed it can handle.
Struggling With Downshifting: Problems with downshifting could also be brought on by a defective transmission control module. Your transmission should shift to lower speeds gradually as the speed slows when traveling down a highway and taking an off-ramp. It needs to be in first gear when you stop. You can still be in high gear while stopping if your TCM is poor. Your Honda might not move at all if you accelerate while in gear that is too high.
Getting Stuck in the Same Gear: This typically manifests as being stuck in either neutral or first gear. Simply put, the transmission won’t shift, leaving you either stationary in neutral or constrained to the top speed of the first gear.
Delayed Shifting: Your car’s speed depends on switching between gears at the right moment. If your transmission control module is malfunctioning, it will shift into the next gear far too slowly. This will affect your acceleration, causing you to lose speed instead of increasing it. The shifting performance will be significantly worse as you get closer to a slope.
Poor Fuel Economy: Low fuel efficiency is typically a sign that your transmission system is having issues. To provide you with the best potential fuel economy, an automatic transmission is built with the finest gear selection and timing. If your transmission control module is malfunctioning and has an impact on this timing, your engine will have to work harder than usual. This implies that it will use more gasoline than usual, costing you extra at the pump.
Check Engine Light Appears: The check engine light on your car’s dashboard could represent several problems. The TCM or another component of the transmission system is most likely to blame if the light comes on while you’re experiencing shifting problems. To ascertain the cause of the warning light’s occurrence, a technician can utilize a scan tool to look for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
Limp Mode: Your automobile getting trapped in “Limp Mode” is one extremely clear and annoying sign of a malfunctioning TCM. When the TCM identifies a serious transmission problem, provides erroneous information, or simply ceases communicating with other control modules inside the car, this self-protection feature is usually activated. In essence, Limp mode stops the car from changing into higher ratios, reducing the power and speed of your car.
Bottom Line
To keep the vehicle’s transmission system operating as intended, we must be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of a bad Transmission Control Module (TCM). From unpredictable shifting and decreased fuel economy to warning lights and gearbox stalls, these indications serve as early warnings that must be addressed quickly by a competent repairer.
That is all for this article, where the symptoms of a bad transmission control module (TCM) is discussed. I hope it was helpful, if so, kindly share with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!