Resetting the transmission control module (TCM) on a Ford vehicle can be a useful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing transmission issues, or if you’ve recently replaced the transmission or performed transmission repairs. In this article, you will learn how to reset transmission control module for Ford cars.
To reset the transmission control module, turned off then, turn the key ON but not to start the engine, and wait for at least 10 seconds then, turn the key to “OFF” for 10 seconds then back to “ON” again, and finally start the car. This method is a very fast way to get it done but does not work for all Ford cars so let me explain in detail.
What is Transmission Control Module
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The transmission control module (TCM), is an electronic component of a car’s transmission, that is responsible for collecting and processing within the transmission system to regulate gear shifting and other activities. One of its functions is to calculate which gear needs to be engaged in order for there to be a smooth change of gears.
Another function is to measure road speed and vehicle speed and send this information back to the Engine Control Module, which determines how many revolutions are needed for the engine in order for it not to overheat. This is typically a device that is mostly present in cars with an automatic transmission system.
However, some vehicles with manual transmissions may have a TCM or a similar electronic control module that is responsible for controlling certain aspects of the transmission or the engine. For example, the TCM may be responsible for controlling the torque converter lockup or the shift points in the transmission.
In these cases, the TCM may be used in conjunction with a manual transmission to improve performance or fuel efficiency. Most importantly, without these pieces of electronic device, your transmission would not be able to shift gears effectively and consistently.
How to Reset Ford Transmission Control Module
Before we begin, it’s important to note that resetting the TCM is not a substitute for proper diagnosis and repair of any transmission issues. If you’re experiencing transmission problems, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or dealership for proper diagnosis and repair.
The transmission control modules problem is commonly experienced by users of the Ford Fiesta (2011-2016 year model) and the Ford Focus (2012-2016 model) that are equipped with a Powershift transmission.
Now, let’s take a look at the steps for resetting the TCM on a Ford vehicle:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. This will reset all of the vehicle’s onboard systems, including the TCM. To do this, locate the negative battery terminal (it will have a minus sign on it) and use a wrench to loosen the cable clamp. Then, gently pull the cable away from the terminal.
- Wait for at least five minutes before reconnecting the negative battery cable. This allows the TCM to reset completely.
- Start the vehicle and allow it to idle for a few minutes. This gives the TCM time to relearn the transmission’s operating characteristics.
- Shift the transmission into each gear and hold it there for a few seconds before shifting back into park. This helps the TCM to recalibrate itself to the transmission.
- Drive the vehicle for at least 20 minutes. This gives the TCM time to fully reset and adjust to the transmission.
It is a good idea to perform a reset of the Ford PCM for basic troubleshooting. This can often resolve small issues that you may experience with the Ford.
It’s important to note that the process for resetting the TCM may vary slightly depending on the specific make and model of your Ford vehicle. If you’re unsure of the exact steps, it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for guidance.
Video Guide to Reset Ford transmission control module
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Why Transmission Control Module Needs Resetting
There are several reasons why you might need to reset the transmission control module (TCM) on your Ford vehicle:
- After performing transmission repairs or replacing the transmission: If you’ve recently performed repairs on your vehicle’s transmission or replaced the transmission entirely, resetting the TCM can help it to learn the new operating characteristics of the transmission and adjust accordingly.
- If you’re experiencing transmission problems: If you’re experiencing issues with your transmission, such as shifting problems or slipping gears, resetting the TCM can sometimes help to resolve these issues. However, it’s important to note that resetting the TCM is not a substitute for proper diagnosis and repair of any transmission problems.
- If you’ve disconnected the battery: If you’ve disconnected the battery on your vehicle, the TCM may need to be reset in order to function properly.
- If you’ve recently installed a performance chip or other aftermarket device: If you’ve installed a performance chip or other aftermarket device that modifies the vehicle’s transmission or engine performance, resetting the TCM can help it to adjust to the new operating parameters.
It’s important to note that resetting the TCM is not a magic solution for all transmission problems. If you’re experiencing issues with your transmission, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or dealership for proper diagnosis and repair.
Ford Adaptive Learning Transmission Reset With Scan Tool
The Ford Adaptive Learning Transmission (ALT) reset procedure is a process that is used to reset the transmission’s adaptive learning data to its default state. This process may be necessary if the transmission is behaving abnormally, such as shifting gears erratically or not shifting at all.
To perform an ALT reset on a Ford vehicle, you will need to follow these steps:
- Connect a diagnostic scan tool to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and access the transmission control module (TCM) data.
- Locate the “Reset ALT Data” function in the diagnostic scan tool and select it.
- Follow the prompts on the diagnostic scan tool to reset the ALT data.
- Disconnect the diagnostic scan tool and start the vehicle.
- Test drive the vehicle to see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to have the transmission professionally diagnosed and repaired.
It’s important to note that the ALT reset procedure may also not always fix the issue and may only temporarily resolve the problem. If you are experiencing transmission issues, it’s best to have the vehicle professionally diagnosed and repaired to ensure that the problem is properly addressed.
How do you reset your car’s computer?
Gone are those days when vehicles are fully manually operated. Modern vehicles are now equipped with tons of electronic systems and sensors that make repair easier and faster.
All the electronic components and mechanical components are connected to a computer device that processes all dated collected from different parts of the car. The car computer system makes it possible to easily identify and diagnose when there is problems with the use of OBD in the car.
Sometimes this computer can become faulty itself and would need to a reset to make it work properly again. To reset your car’s computer, also known as the engine control module (ECM), you will need to follow these steps:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. This will reset the ECM and erase any stored fault codes.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds before reconnecting the negative battery cable.
- Start the vehicle and let it idle for at least five minutes. This will allow the ECM to complete its startup self-test and initialize itself.
- Test drive the vehicle to see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to have the ECM professionally diagnosed and repaired.
It’s important to note that resetting the ECM may not always fix the issue and may only temporarily resolve the problem. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, it’s best to have it professionally diagnosed and repaired to ensure that the problem is properly addressed.
This process will help you in resetting your car’s computer system without having any complicated issues. Now that you have successfully learned how to reset the transmission control module for ford, I am sure you also know that is not a good idea to leave the problem unattended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resetting the transmission is a simple task but it is important to note that, the process might be different for different models of Ford and for different car makes. So, is important that you always consult your owner’s manual for help if you are not familiar with the step for your car.
Ultimately, you should by now know that resetting the TCM on a Ford vehicle can be a useful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing transmission issues. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a substitute for proper diagnosis and repair of any transmission problems.
If you’re experiencing transmission issues, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or dealership for proper diagnosis and repair. This article has covered all you need to know about how to reset the transmission control module for Ford, if you have any more questions please ask us using the comment section.
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