Transmission Control Module
TCM may receive signal data in 2 ways: directly from a sensor or component, or through a twisted-pair bus circuit which connects all of the vehicle computer systems. This modulated bi-directional bus system is referred to as Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) bus on LH body or Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) bus on Prowler. Bus system allows the various vehicle control modules to share signal data. If a bus failure is present, default values are substituted by TCM, allowing continued, but limited operation.
Direct battery voltage is supplied to TCM. If TCM looses battery voltage, transaxle will enter limp-in mode. For additional information on limp-in mode, see LIMP-IN MODE . When TCM receives an ignition run signal from ignition switch, it performs a series of circuit and relay checks. If no problem is found, TCM provides voltage to transmission control relay, causing contacts to close which supplies voltage to solenoid assembly.
TCM contains a self-diagnostic system which stores a DTC if a transaxle failure is present. DTCs can be retrieved to identify transaxle problem areas. If malfunction goes away after DTC is stored in TCM memory, TCM will erase DTC after ignition has been cycled at least 40 times.
TCM contains an adaptive control program which learns application and release rates of transaxle components for smooth operation. TCM also learns the rate at which applied elements build pressure sufficient for a speed change.