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.
Torque Monitor
The torque monitor resides within the TCM as both software and as a redundant safety processor. The torque monitor detects certain computer concerns of the TCM. The torque monitor also detects if the overall powertrain torque delivered to the output shafts of the vehicle is excessive to what the driver is requesting.
The torque monitor detects three gross errors that are present for some calibrated amount of time:
- unintended vehicle motion - the powertrain accelerates the vehicle when it should not (such as in NEUTRAL) or provides torque in the wrong direction.
- excess acceleration - vehicle accelerates at greater rate than the driver or the cruise control requests.
- excess powertrain deceleration - vehicle powertrain braking exceeds driver demand.
When any of the gross errors are detected, the torque monitor communicates it to the TCM, which initiates appropriate action such as LOS mode. The torque monitor requested LOS mode can be cleared when the concern is no longer present, and the ignition is cycled to the OFF position for about 10 seconds.
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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.