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.
Module, Electronic Shift (ESM): Description
The Electronic Shift Module (ESM) is part of the Shift Lever Assembly (SLA). The SLA is located in the Instrument Panel. If it is necessary to service the ESM, the SLA must be replaced.
Gear range selection on the transmission is accomplished by the SLA. The shifter is connected to the manual lever of the transmission using a shifter cable. The ESM communicates the shifter position over the Controller Area Network-Chassis (CAN-C) Bus. The ESM controls the shifter position indicator lighting and communicates desired upshift (+) or downshift (-) when in manual Mode. The SLA also incorporates the TOW/HAUL mode switch. When activated, the transmissions utilizes modified shift maps to optimize vehicle performance when heavily laden or towing a trailer.
With the ignition on and the brake pedal applied, the driver can use the shift level to select either P ark, R everse, N eutral, or D rive positions. When in the D rive Position, if the shift lever is moved to the left, it is placed in the manual mode position. When in manual mode, the driver can choose when the transmission upshifts or downshifts moving the shift lever.
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.