Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Grade Logic Control Explained (ASN 0603-01)
Reference number: ASN 0603-01
GRADE LOGIC CONTROL EXPLAINED
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| ACURA: | All 1996 and later A/T-equipped vehicles except SLX |
| CATEGORY: | Acura Service News |
| APPLIES TO: | All 1996 and later A/T-equipped vehicles except SLX |
SERVICE INFORMATION
Grade Logic Control (GLC) in the PCM keeps the A/T from making frequent and unnecessary shifts when you're going up or down a hill, or going around corners. This allows the vehicle to ride smoother, have more power available when needed, and makes the car operate more normally.
The PCM adjusts the shift points by comparing actual driving conditions - based on input from the vehicle speed sensor, throttle position sensor, and engine coolant temperature sensor, along with the brake switch signal and the shift lever position signal - to the values stored in the PCM memory.
Ascending Control . When the PCM determines that you're climbing a hill with the vehicle in one of the drive positions, for example D or D5 (shift position names vary by model and model year), GLC may delay upshifting from 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, and from 4th to 5th (if you've got a 5-speed trans), to keep the trans from shifting too soon or too often.
Descending Control . When the PCM determines that you're going down a hill with the vehicle in one of the drive positions, for example D or D5, GLC may delay upshifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, 3rd to 4th, and from 4th to 5th (if you've got a 5-speed trans), to keep the trans from shifting too soon or too often.
This shift pattern and deceleration lock-up help control the speed so you don't need to brake. If you do need to brake, GLC may downshift the trans from 5th to 4th (if you've got a 5-speed trans), 4th to 3rd, or 3rd to 2nd, depending on how steep the hill is, how fast you're going, and how fast you're decelerating.
Deceleration Control . When going around corners, the vehicle needs to decelerate first and then accelerate. GLC anticipates corners when you're braking from speeds above 27 mph and then accelerating. When this is detected, the GLC shifts into 2nd for better acceleration.
Want more info about GLC? Refer to System Description in the A/T section (section 14) of the appropriate S/M.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.