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.
Drive Learn
The adaptive values stored in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) must be relearned when certain components are replaced. This can be accomplished with the Drive Learn procedure. This procedure allows the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to learn the baseline flow characteristics of the solenoids and fluid volumes required to operate the clutches for consistent, smooth transmission shifting. The baseline characteristics are used as a starting point for all future adaptation. Once the adaptation is learned, the TCM can continuously adapt to minor differences over time to maintain a consistent shift quality.
The transmission drive learn procedure needs to be performed anytime one or more of the following repairs are made:
- One or more solenoids are replaced.
- The valve body is replaced.
- The TCM is replaced.
- A new transmission is installed.
In order to successfully perform the DRIVE LEARN procedure, be sure that:
- the battery and charging system is functioning correctly.
- the specified transmission oil is used.
- the transmission oil is at the correct level.
- that all transmission DTCs have been diagnosed and repaired.
- the transmission oil temperature must be between 60° - 95° C (140° - 203° F).
DRIVE LEARN PROCEDURE
- Connect the scan tool and clear the adaptive memory.
- Keep the scan tool connected to monitor transmission oil temperature and throttle position while performing the adaptive learn procedure.
- Drive the vehicle forward through all the gears, 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, 4th to 5th, 5th to 6th, with a steady throttle open approximately 15 - 25%.
- Drive the vehicle forward allowing the transmission to downshift from 6th to 5th, 5th to 4th, 4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 several times until there is no objectionable shift harshness experienced.
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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.