Signs of a Bad Transmission Control Module


If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, then it would have a transmission control module (TCM). This component is what the transmission uses to choose the ideal gear at any given time.

If there’s an issue with the TCM, your vehicle’s fuel economy and driving performance as a whole can be compromised. If this happens, it could leave you without a properly working vehicle near Atlantic City or Egg Harbor. Some common signs of a bad transmission control module include:

  • Unpredictable shifting
  • Trouble shifting into higher gear
  • Trouble downshifting
  • Getting stuck in the same gear
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Check engine light comes on

We’ll cover all these signs in more detail below with this informative guide. Then, you can contact Boardwalk Honda to schedule a TCM repair or replacement.

1. Unpredictable Shifting

Since the TCM sends the shifting signals, a bad module can cause incorrect or unintended shifting.

For example, your Honda may shift to neutral or another gear that it wouldn’t normally shift into without warning. At best, it’s a bit of a nuisance. At worst, it could cause a serious accident. Therefore, if this happens, you’ll want to have the module replaced as soon as possible.

2. Issues Shifting into Higher Gears

When you gradually drive faster down the freeway, the transmission should shift into higher gears at the right time.

If this doesn’t happen, the engine’s RPM can just keep increasing rather than slightly dropping as an upshift occurs, which could lead to you never reaching your intended speed.

3. Struggling with Downshifting

A bad transmission control module could cause issues with downshifting as well. When driving down a highway and taking an off-ramp, your transmission should be going into lower gears gradually as the speed decreases. Once you come to a stop, it should be in first gear.

With a bad TCM, you might still be in high gear when coming to a stop. If you’re in too high of gear before accelerating, your Honda may not move at all.

4. Getting Stuck in the Same Gear

This issue could happen in the form of being stuck in neutral or first gear. The transmission won’t shift and you either won’t go anywhere or be limited by the maximum speed of that first gear.

5. Poor Fuel Economy

An automatic transmission is engineered to give you optimal gear selection and timing, resulting in a highly fuel-efficient automobile.

6. Check Engine Light Appears

When the check engine light pops up on your car’s dash, it could mean a couple of different things.

However, if the light appears while you’re having issues with shifting, then it’s most likely from the TCM or some other part inside the transmission system. A professional can use a scan tool to check for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes to determine the reason for the warning light’s appearance.


Get Help with Your Transmission Control Module

As you can see, there are several indicators of a bad transmission control module in your Honda. To help keep you safe on the road, you’ll want to address any of these issues right away.

If you notice any of these signs as you’re driving around Atlantic City or Egg Harbor, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule service with Boardwalk Honda today!

 



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