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.
On-Board Diagnostics
The transaxle control module (TCM) monitors its input/output signals (some signals all the time and others under specified conditions). When an irregular signal is initially monitored, the TCM decides that a malfunction has occurred and records the occurrence as a diagnostic trouble code. There are 45 diagnostic items. The diagnostic results can be read with scan tool. Diagnostic trouble codes are kept in memory by direct battery feed. The codes are retained in memory even if the ignition switch is in the "LOCK" (OFF) position. DTCs are not erased even after the battery terminals and the TCM connector are disconnected. In addition, the diagnostic trouble code can also be erased by scan tool.
The 45 diagnostic items are displayed in numeric order.
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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.