1. Safety Precautions:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle's battery. This is crucial for preventing electrical accidents.
- Allow your vehicle's engine to cool down if it was running recently.
2. Locate the TCM:
- The TCM is usually located in one of two places in your Stratus:
- Inside the engine compartment, near the transmission or
- Under the dashboard, on the passenger side footwell area (under the carpet)
3. Accessing the TCM:
- If the TCM is in the engine compartment, identify it as a small black box with electrical connectors attached.
- If it's located under the dashboard, you'll need to remove the lower dashboard panel to access it.
4. Disconnect Electrical Connectors:
- Carefully disconnect the electrical connectors attached to the TCM by pressing on their release tabs and pulling them straight out.
- Label these connectors so you know which one goes where when you reinstall the new TCM.
5. Remove Mounting Bolts (If Any):
- If the TCM is secured by mounting bolts, use a socket wrench to loosen and remove them. Set them aside safely.
6. Remove the Old TCM:
- Once the electrical connectors and bolts (if applicable) are removed, you can carefully lift the old TCM out of its place.
7. Install the New TCM:
- Place the new TCM into its designated location, making sure it's seated correctly.
8. Reattach Mounting Bolts (If Any):
- If you removed any mounting bolts in Step 5, reattach them now using the socket wrench.
9. Reconnect Electrical Connectors:
- Carefully reconnect the electrical connectors that you labeled earlier, ensuring each one is securely plugged into its corresponding socket on the TCM.
10. Test the TCM:
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal and start your vehicle. Verify if the transmission shifts smoothly and as intended.
11. Reinstall Dashboard Panel (if applicable):
- If you had to remove the dashboard panel to access the TCM, reinstall it now.
12. Test Drive:
- Take your vehicle out for a brief test drive to confirm if the TCM is functioning correctly and that there are no issues with the transmission's operation.
Remember, working with electrical components and transmission systems can be complex, so if you're uncomfortable with any of these steps or don't have a solid understanding of automotive electrical work, it's advisable to consult with a qualified mechanic to assist you with the TCM replacement process.
