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Why would you reset your transmission?


As a car owner, you may have heard about resetting your transmission but might not fully understand why it’s necessary or beneficial. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen how a simple transmission reset can make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind resetting your transmission and how it can help your car run more smoothly.


What Does Resetting

As the owner of Kevin's Autos, an auto service shop with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I've seen firsthand the importance of resetting your transmission. In this article, I'll explain why you should consider resetting your transmission and the benefits it can provide.


What is a Transmission Reset?


A transmission reset, also known as a transmission control module (TCM) reset, is a process that clears the computer's memory and resets the transmission's adaptive learning. This process helps the transmission to relearn your driving habits and adjust its shifting patterns accordingly.


Reasons to Reset Your Transmission


There are several reasons why you might want to reset your transmission:



  • Improved Shifting Performance: Over time, your transmission's shifting patterns can become less responsive or even erratic. A reset can help restore smooth, precise shifting, improving the overall driving experience.

  • Increased Fuel Efficiency: When your transmission is not operating at its optimal efficiency, it can lead to increased fuel consumption. A reset can help your transmission operate more efficiently, potentially improving your vehicle's fuel economy.

  • Troubleshooting Transmission Issues: If you're experiencing transmission-related problems, such as delayed or harsh shifting, a reset can help diagnose and potentially resolve the issue.

  • Preparing for Transmission Service: Before taking your vehicle in for a transmission service or repair, a reset can help provide a clean slate for the technicians to work with, making the diagnosis and repair process more accurate.


When to Reset Your Transmission


There are a few key times when you should consider resetting your transmission:



  • After a Transmission Service: Whenever you have your transmission serviced, such as a fluid change or filter replacement, it's a good idea to reset the transmission to ensure it's operating at its best.

  • After a Diagnostic Trouble Code: If your vehicle's check engine light is illuminated and a diagnostic trouble code related to the transmission is present, a reset can help clear the code and potentially resolve the issue.

  • Regularly as Preventative Maintenance: Even if you're not experiencing any immediate issues, resetting your transmission every 30,000 to 50,000 miles can help maintain its optimal performance and longevity.


Remember, while a transmission reset can be a valuable maintenance step, it's always best to consult with a professional technician to ensure it's the right course of action for your vehicle. At Kevin's Autos, our team of experienced mechanics is here to help you keep your car running at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a transmission to relearn?


The fast learn procedure will speed up the adaptive process, but be aware that some measures, such as TCC adapts/relearn after the process is performed, may still take 200–300 miles of driving.



How do you know if your transmission needs to be reset?


When to Reset the Transmission Control Module. Resetting the TCM won't fix severe transmission issues, but it does clear errors. Some scenarios where rebooting the module could be necessary include delayed shifting, stuck gears, and poor fuel economy.



What happens when a transmission control module goes bad?


Bad Transmission Control Module Symptoms
Gear Slippage: Your transmission switches gears without warning or without you shifting. Inability to Shift: You can't shift out of neutral. Or, your transmission can't successfully shift up while you're accelerating or shift down when you're coming to a stop.



Why would a transmission need to be reprogrammed?


New applications aren't the only time programming is necessary, either. For many malfunctions to be corrected, and repairs to be completed, the final step is reprogramming the transmission. On some cars, if a transmission code is thrown for any reason, it must be plugged in and reprogrammed.



What happens if transmission is not programmed?


One of the most common issues is gear slippage. This occurs because the TCM is not giving the correct commands to shift, which can cause sudden shifting or not shifting at all. Another common symptom is failure to accelerate as usual. If your vehicle cannot change gears correctly, your car's acceleration will suffer.



Will disconnecting battery reset transmission?


Yes, if enough time has passed since disconnecting the battery. Once all residual electricity has dissipated from your car's circuits, the volatile memory in your car computer, also known as the Engine Control Unit (ECU), will be cleared, resetting it to its default settings.



Is it good to reset transmission?


Quote: ``The computer reset is required because the transmission learns how much the fluid allows the clutches to slip and compensates for it. Without resetting this it will assume the old fluid characteristics and use pressures/duty cycles based on that which may burn out your clutches quicker.''



What are the symptoms of a bad transmission?


Top Signs Your Transmission May Be Failing

  • Transmission won't engage or stay in gear.
  • Shifts are delayed or missing gear shifts.
  • Transmission slipping or engine is revving high.
  • Transmission fluid is leaking.
  • If there's a burning smell.
  • If there is buzzing, clunking, humming noise.
  • Car has no power.



Why would you reset the transmission control module?


What does resetting the transmission control module do? Resetting the transmission control unit will optimize your vehicle's engine and transmission. In some cases, the transmission control module may need the replacement of a relatively inexpensive part.



How much does a transmission reset cost?


The cost to reprogram a transmission ranges between $75 and $250. Most of the time, you can get this done at your local dealership, but you can also trust a local repair shop, like My Transmission Experts, to get the job done.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.