System Operation

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) continuously checks for electrical problems and some hydraulic problems.

- Some circuits are tested continuously.

- Others are checked only under certain circumstances.

TROUBLE CODES
Setting Codes
- Each monitored circuit has a corresponding Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), assigned to it.

- If the on-board diagnostic system senses that one of the circuits is malfunctioning, it stores the corresponding DTC message in memory.

- If the malfunction goes away after the fault is stored, the fault message will be erased after 75 key cycles.

NOTE: For explanations of specific trouble codes, SEE TROUBLE CODE DESCRIPTIONS.


Reset Counter
- The reset counter counts the number of times the vehicle has been started since DTC's were last set, erased, or the battery was disconnected.

- The reset counter counts up to 255 starts.

Hard and Soft Codes
The number of starts determines whether a trouble code is hard or soft (intermittent).

- If the reset counter reads less than 3, the code is a hard code.

- If the reset counter reads 3 or more, the code is an intermittent (soft) code, meaning the engine has been started three or more times without the code reoccurring.

LIMP-IN MODE
Entering Limp In Mode
All but 12 transaxle codes cause the transaxle to go into a default mode called "Limp-In".

Operation in Limp-in Mode:
In Limp-in mode, the TCM, de-energizes the transmission control relay, and the solenoid pack.

The position of the manual valve alone allows the three ranges that are available.

- Park and Neutral

- Reverse

- Second Gear

- No upshifts or downshifts are allowed.

Although engine performance is seriously degraded while in this mode, it allows the owner to drive the vehicle in for service.