A car’s transmission is made from several different parts, all of which are essential when it comes to changing gear. Whether you drive an automatic car or shift gears manually, your vehicle needs a functioning transmission system.
One of the key components of a car’s transmission is the transmission control module. The TCM is an electronic part of the overall transmission and is responsible for interpreting electrical signals from the sensors in other vehicle parts, including the throttle position sensor, gas pedal input, and the turbine speed sensor.
If your car shifts beautifully between gears and you haven’t noticed any issues linked to the gearbox, then there’s no need to reset the transmission control module. However, like any part of your car, the transmission control module can malfunction or become damaged over time.
If you need to reset the ford transmission control module keep reading this article, we have a detailed step-by-step guide and provide the answers to many frequently asked questions.
The transmission control module is a key component in your car’s transmission system. If you haven’t noticed any issues while driving your car, it’s not necessary to reset the TCM. However, you may want to consider resetting the transmission control module if you experience any of the following problems:
If you’re experiencing any of the above problems, you might want to consider resetting your transmission control module. Don’t panic. This doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip to the mechanic, you can easily reset the TCM yourself.
Resetting the transmission control module is a simple process and can be completed in just a few minutes. Here is our step-by-step guide, providing you with all the information you need on how to reset the Ford transmission control module.
Put the key into the ignition or use the starter button to turn the car on.
Make sure you put the gearbox into the neutral position (often displayed as an N)
Turn the car off and wait for approximately 20 seconds.
Now shift the car into the park mode (P on the gearbox).
Turn the car on again but do not fully start the engine.
Wait another 20 seconds
Turn the car off and quickly turn it back on again.
Shift the gear to the Shine setting (S)
An alarm should sound to indicate the TCM reset process has been completed.
You can now drive your car as normal or you may wish to relearn the TCM.
As you can see, resetting the TCM in your Ford is a quick and easy process. You don’t need any expensive tools or need to be a programming expert, just follow the step-by-step guide above and you will hopefully see an improvement in your gearbox’s performance.
If you’re experiencing issues with your gearbox then there may be a problem with your transmission control module. Signs your vehicle’s transmission control module may be an issue include poor fuel economy, slow acceleration, gear slippage, and difficulty shifting smoothly between gears.
The transmission control module is an essential part of the transmission system. If your TCM is malfunctioning, you may end up causing serious damage to your car if you continue to drive it.
If your TCM is preventing you from shifting in and out of gear, driving your car is going to be all but impossible. If you are not in gear, you’re not going anywhere! If you think your TCM is not working correctly, try to reset it or see a mechanic as driving with a damaged transmission can result in expensive repairs further down the line.
Following a TCM reset, you may need to also relearn the Ford transmission. To relearn the transmission control module, you’ll need to drive at various speeds and allow the transmission to relearn the CVI numbers (clutch thickness values) and process when and how the gears need to shift.
The TCM can relearn the correct settings in a matter of minutes but you’ll need a long stretch of road to be able to perform the relearn to the best standard.
To reset the transmission control module in a 2013 Ford Focus, all you need to do is follow the step-by-step guide in this article. However, the process can vary slightly between models, and for a 2013 Focus, you should see a message that says ‘transmission ready’ with a progress bar after you have put the car into neutral without the car running.
It takes only a matter of minutes to reset a transmission control module. Following the steps in this article, the whole process of resetting the TCM should only take a few minutes. However, if you also need to relearn the transmission this can take a little longer as you’ll have to drive your car up and down all the gears.
If you’re having trouble with your gearbox, your TCM may be failing. TCM failure can be caused by water shorting a circuit, a voltage overload, or stress caused by vibrations and high temperatures. If your TCM is damaged you will need to get it repaired or replaced as driving with a broken TCM can be dangerous.
Whether your car is taking a long time to accelerate, burning through fuel, or changing gear just isn’t as smooth as it should be, your transmission control module could be to blame.
Fortunately, resetting a Ford transmission control module is a quick and easy process. Follow our simple step-by-step guide and your gearbox grumbles will be a thing of the past.
