Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A wide array of sensors and modules control your transmission, but what exactly do they do and how do
they lead to symptoms of transmission failure?
In many cases, there may be at least ten different modules that directly or indirectly control and provide
feedback to your transmission. The number of modules that vehicles use depends on their complexity.
Below is a list of various modules and sensors that regulate your automatic transmission. Please note that
problems and their causes vary relative to specific makes and models – these are simply the most common.
A powertrain control module also controls engine and transmission functions. It is responsible for timing
shifts, shift feel, and engaging the clutch. When your PCM fails, your transmission is likely to stop shifting,
shift too soft or harsh or cause complete transmission failure.
Bad transmission control module symptoms:
Improper downshifts while stopping at a traffic light
Delayed shifting response from lower gears while accelerating
The transmission automatically to neutral gear without warning
Inability to shift from neutral gear
Random shifting between gears
Slow acceleration
Getting stuck while driving uphill
BRAKE SWITCH
The Brake Switch measures brake pedal position. Its primary function is to release the converter clutch while
braking. When it fails the converter clutch won’t apply, or it may chuggle while coming to a stop.