Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual Quiz
Automatic Transmission

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Description and Operation

In this manual: Automatic Transmission
General Information — 15Engine Mechanical System — 95Engine Electrical System — 54Emission Control System — 24Engine Control System/Fuel System — 115Automatic Transmission — 91Drive Shaft and Axle — 13Suspension System — 35Steering — 19Restraints — 46Brake System — 43Body (Interior and Exterior) — 51Body Electrical System — 245Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 56
~1min read

Description

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the control unit, or "brain", of the automatic transmission. The module receives and processes signals from various sensors and performs a wide range of transmission controls to provide optimal driving conditions for the driver. The TCM is programmed to respond optimally to any road situation. In the event of a transmission failure or malfunction, the TCM stores malfunction information in memory so that the service technician can refer to the code and quickly repair the transmission. Functions
  • Monitors vehicle operating conditions to determine the optimal gear shift schedule.
  • Performs a gear shift if the current gear setting differs from the determined optimal gear setting.
  • Determines whether to activate the torque converter clutch (D/C) and engages the clutch accordingly.
  • Calculates the optimal line pressure level by continuously monitoring the torque level and adjusting the pressure accordingly.
  • Diagnoses the automatic transmission for malfunctions and failures.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.