TCM Programming For Poor Shift Quality (TSB-95-23-002)

TCM PROGRAMMING FOR POOR SHIFT QUALITY

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

TCM PROGRAMMING FOR POOR SHIFT QUALITY

Model(s): 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS & GS

Reference: Automatic Transmission

Bulletin No.: TSB-95-23-002

Date: September 1995

PURPOSE

Some 1995 Eclipses may experience torque converter clutch shudder during shifting, hard shifting, and/or harsh torque converter clutch engagement. This Technical Service Bulletin describes how to reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to improve the shift quality on affected vehicles.

VEHICLES AFFECTED

1995 Eclipse RS and GS models equipped with automatic transmission (VlNs starting with 4A3AK34 or 4A3AK44)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Poor shift quality may be due to the TCM software program. To eliminate this condition, reprogramming cartridge MIT992008 has been designed to modify the TCM program. This cartridge was shipped to dealers during the week of September 18, 1995.

In addition to the above symptoms, if the A/T fluid is not the normal red color or if the vehicle experiences torque converter clutch shudder, also replace the A/T fluid as described in Step 16 of this bulletin.

PROCEDURE

1. Gather the following equipment which is contained in Reprogramming Kit MIT992000-A:
   A/T REPROGRAMMING KIT MIT992000-A CONTENTS
   
   

   Description	I.D. Number
   Reprogramming Unit	Tool No. MIT992000
   Reprogramming Cartridge	Tool No. MIT992008
   EATX II Harness	Tool No. MIT992002
   "Engine Compartment" and "Control Module" Labels	Part No. MSSF-023G-00

   NOTE: Do not install the cartridge into the Reprogramming Unit at this time.
2. Attach the EATX II harness 8-pin connector (See Fig 1 ) to the Reprogramming Unit as described in page 5 of the Reprogramming Unit Instruction Manual.
   NOTE: This harness is not the same one that was used for previous MFI reprogramming procedures.
3. Note the pre-set radio stations.
4. Disconnect and remove the vehicle battery.
5. Disconnect the connector from the vehicle's transmission control module (TCM). See Fig 2 .
6. Connect the EATX II harness connector to the TCM.
   Fig 1: EATX II Harness, Harness Connector & 8 Pin Connector I.D.

   
   Fig 2: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Location I.D.

   
7. Attach the EATX II harness battery clips to the vehicle battery (red clip to the positive terminal; black clip to ground).
   CAUTION: Be sure harness battery clips are securely fastened. The TCM will be damaged if power is interrupted during the reprogramming process.
8. Install Reprogramming Cartridge MIT992008 into the Reprogramming Unit.
   NOTE: If no instructions display on the Reprogramming Unit screen after installing the cartridge, leave the cartridge in and reconnect the EATX II harness clips to the battery.
9. Follow the displayed instructions on the reprogramming unit screen.
10. The display will ask if you want to change the transmission controller part number. Select Yes. Reprogramming will begin.
11. The current and replacement TCM part numbers will display. Record the displayed replacement TCM Part number.
    NOTE: If the TCM cannot be reprogrammed, the displayed current and replacement TCM part numbers will be the same, or the message "BREAK NOT SEEN" will display. If so, do not continue with this reprogramming procedure. Go to Step 16 below. Skip Steps 17 through 20.
12. When completed, disconnect the reprogramming unit and EATX II harness.
13. Reconnect the TCM connector.
14. Reinstall and reconnect the vehicle battery.
15. Reset the radio stations and clock.
16. If the A/T fluid is not the normal red color or if the vehicle experiences torque converter clutch shudder:
    1. Change the A/T fluid and filter as described on page 00-41 of the 1995 Eclipse Service Manual.
    2. Drive the vehicle ten miles, to circulate the A/T fluid.
    3. Change the A/T fluid and filter again as described on page 00-41 of the 1995 Eclipse Service Manual.
17. Using a ball-point pen, enter the replacement TCM part number (noted in Step 11 above), your dealer code, and the current date on the Control Module Label. See Fig 3
    Fig 3: Control Module Label Example

    
18. Affix the Control Module Label to the front side of the TCM. See Fig 4 .
    Fig 4: Control Module Label Application Location

    
19. Using a ball-point pen, enter the replacement TCM part number, this TSB number (TSB-95-23-002), your dealer code, and the current date on the Engine Compartment Label. See Fig 5 .
    Fig 5: Engine Compartment Label Example

    
20. Carefully remove all dirt and oil from the vacant area shown on the underside of the hood. Affix the Engine Compartment Label in the area shown. See Fig 6 .

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Use the following warranty claim information:

TCM Reprogramming Only

Nature Code: 99D

Cause Code: 990

Labor Operation Number: 23850099

Time Allowance: 0.6 hours

Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles

Special Warranty Information:

Transmission control module reprogramming on an as needed basis only. Includes battery removal and reinstallation.

TCM Reprogramming and A/T Fluid Change

Nature Code: 99D

Cause Code: 990

Labor Operation Number: 23850099

Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles Special Warranty Information: Transmission control module reprogramming and A/T fluid replacement (including driving time) on an as needed basis only. Includes battery removal and reinstallation.

Time Allowance: 1.1 hours