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.
System Overview: Signals
The table below summarizes the input signals to and output signals from the gearbox control module (TCM). The signal types are divided into directly connected signals, serial communication and Controller area network (CAN) communication. The following illustration displays the same information with the Volvo component designations.
| Input signals | Output signals |
| Directly connected: | Directly connected: (power supply unless otherwise stated) |
| Speed sensor, input shaft
(7/61). Provides information about the gearbox input speed. Used to calculate the shifting process and to run diagnostics for the hydraulic/mechanical functions in the gearbox. Speed sensor, output shaft (7/62). Provides information about the gearbox output speed. Used to calculate the vehicle speed and to run diagnostics for the hydraulic/mechanical functions in the gearbox. Temperature sensor (7/74). Provides information about the gearbox oil temperature. Gear-shift position sensor (3/71). Provides the gearbox control module (TCM) with information about the selected gear position of the gearbox. Enables starting only in position P and N. Four trailing contacts are grounded in a unique pattern for each gear. Pressure sensor Lock-up . Provides the gearbox control module (TCM) with information about the gearbox oil pressure and selected gear. |
Shift solenoids, S1-S2
. The gearbox control module (TCM) checks which gear is active by activating the solenoids in different patterns. Lock-up solenoid, SL . Activates the Lock-up function. Line pressure solenoid, STH . Adjusts the line pressure of the gearbox when shifting. |
| Via serial communication: | Via serial communication: |
| Gear selector module (GSM) (3/156). Provides information about the gear selector position: If the selector is in position D or in the Geartronic mode, or if up or down shifting occurs in the Geartronic position. | Gear selector module (GSM) (3/156). Controls the solenoid for the shift-lock function (8/36). Activated on request by the central electronic module (CEM) (4/56). |
| Via Controller Area Network (CAN) communication: | Via Controller Area Network (CAN) communication: |
| Engine control module (ECM)
(4/46). Accelerator pedal (AP) position, used to calculate the gear-shift timing. Steering wheel module (SWM) (3/130), via the central electronic module (CEM) (4/56). Cruise control, used to calculate acceleration depending on the position of the Resume and Set buttons. Brake control module (BCM) / Anti-lock brake system module (ABS) (4/16). The difference in speed between the right and left-hand wheels. Requests a reduction in torque if the differential speed is too high. Engine control module (ECM) (4/46):
|
Brake control module (BCM) / Anti-lock brake system module (ABS)
(4/16):
Engine control module (ECM) (4/46):
Driver information module (DIM) (5/1):
Rear electrical module (REM) (4/58). The gearbox control module (TCM) transmits a signal via the central electronic module (CEM) to light the reversing lamp. |
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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.
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