Chrysler Pacifica Transmission Reset Requirements and Cost

Learn in this guide to perform a professional-level Chrysler Pacifica transmission reset at home in just a few minutes. To start, turn on the ignition with the engine off, depress the accelerator for about 15 seconds, switch the ignition off and release the accelerator, wait for 5 minutes, and then drive the car.

We assure you that it’s a very easy procedure. Check out the detailed steps below, including a possible alternative for Chryslers made in 2010 and earlier.

How To Reset Your Chrysler’s TCM in Simple Steps?

To reset your Chrysler’s TCM, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. Once you do that, press the accelerator pedal to the floor for about 15 seconds. After that, turn off the ignition, release the accelerator, and wait about 5 minutes before driving your car.

1. Understand How the TCM Works

A transmission control module (TCM) is an electronic component of your car’s overall transmission system. It comprises several parts, including the kick-down switch, brake light switch, and traction control system. All of these parts work together to facilitate a smooth gear-changing experience. The TCM helps to interpret electrical signals from its various sensors in the vehicle.

The sensors include the gas pedal input, throttle position, and turbine speed sensor. Also, the TCM optimizes your vehicle’s performance and energy use. In other words, it helps your car use power and speed correctly. It controls gear and changes in speed based on onboard computer data.

Whether you shift gears manually or drive an automatic Chrysler, the vehicle requires a properly functioning transmission system. Like any other electronic part in your vehicle, the TCM can malfunction. When that happens, you may experience various problems, including gear slippage (this can also result from low transmission fluid), delayed acceleration, and poor fuel economy. A reset can fix a bad TCM, but what does resetting transmission control module do?

Resetting the TCM helps to delete any error codes and restore the system to the factory settings. That allows it to continue functioning the way it’s supposed to. Continue reading to learn how to reset a transmission control module on your Chrysler.

The Chrysler transmission relearn procedure sometimes depends on the model year you have. Many modern vehicles require dealership-level scan tools to reset the drivetrain modules. However, here are some of the popular ways to reset a Chrysler transmission control (you don’t need any tools).

2. Turn on the Ignition

Put your key into the ignition and turn it in twice. That will turn on your car’s electronics, including the lights on the dashboard but not start the engine.

Ensure you don’t step on any pedal while carrying out this step. If you pay attention, you should hear two clicks then the dashboard lights will turn on.

3. Press the Gas Pedal

Press the accelerator, and don’t remove your foot until the kick-down switch activates. You may hear a click when that happens. Press the accelerator pedal further down past the click all the way to the floor. Keep pressing the pedal for about 15 seconds for a successful reset of your TCM.

4. Turn off the Ignition, Release the Accelerator, and Wait

While still pressing the accelerator, turn the key to the off position. Next, release the pedal. Ensure you’ve put your foot on the accelerator throughout the process and only release it after turning the ignition off.
Now you need to wait without touching anything or opening the doors. Disturbing any of your car’s electrical systems may interrupt the reset process. Wait for up to 5 minutes. You must be very patient to do this successfully.

5. Drive Your Chrysler

Now you need to drive the car to allow the transmission control module and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to reset. The driving should be normal and take about 15-20 minutes, and the TCM and ECU will begin working in harmony as they should. That is, if there’s no other mechanical issue. If the steps don’t work, feel free to repeat them a second time.

As mentioned, your vehicle’s model year can determine how you perform a TCM reset. If your Chrysler model was manufactured before 2010, you might be able to reprogram the transmission control module by disconnecting the battery. The battery reset procedure is not guaranteed, but it’s worth trying. It can help erase many faults on the ECU and consequently reset the transmission.

So you need to open the hood, locate the battery, and disconnect the battery leads. You’ll need a wrench or pliers to loosen the terminals out. Once you do that, short them out and leave them unhooked for about 15-30 minutes. The module may reset once you reconnect the battery.

You might need to reset the radio and other settings in the vehicle. After that, drive your vehicle normally for about 50 miles. Driving will enable the TCM to learn everything again (relearn) before getting the vehicle back in shape.

If none of these methods works for you, you must visit a dealer. The specialists will use special scanners to reprogram the module, check engine, and fix any mechanical issues present. Sometimes the methods won’t work because the TCM is completely damaged. A bad transmission control will most likely need to be replaced.

FAQs

– How Long Will a Specialist Take To Reset a Chrysler Transmission?

An experienced specialist with the right tools will take 30-45 minutes to reset a Chrysler transmission. Regardless of your car model, resetting the transmission will take less than an hour. To know how long need it takes to complete the procedure, take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop.

– Is There a Fuse for the TCM on Chryslers?

Yes, like other vehicles, there’s a fuse for the TCM on Chryslers. The fuse helps to regulate how and when the vehicle shifts gears and changes speeds.

If this fuse blows due to a short circuit, your transmission will malfunction until you replace the fuse.

– What Are the Consequences of Driving With a Faulty Chrysler TCM?

The consequences of driving with a faulty Chrysler TCM include unpredictable gear shifting and ruined fuel efficiency. Getting stuck in the same gear, trouble downshifting, or shifting to a higher gear are other common issues you’re likely to face. All of these will impact your driving experience.

– How Much Will a Professional Chrysler TCM Replacement Cost?

A professional Chrysler TCM replacement cost starts from $800 to $950, depending on your location and car model. Buying the parts alone can be as high as $800. You can expect to pay between $90 and $130 for labor because swapping the TCM can be laborious and time-consuming.

Conclusion

You now know how to reset a Chrysler transmission control module.

Before we leave to do it, here’s a recap:

• Resetting the TCM can help to fix common transmission issues, such as ruined fuel-efficient acceleration and gear shifting malfunctioning.
• The most popular DIY TCM reset method involves turning on the ignition and pressing the accelerator pedal for about 15 seconds.
• You must turn off the ignition before releasing the pedal and wait for about 5 minutes for the reset process to complete.
• Depending on what model year your Chrysler is, you can reset the TCM by disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal for at least 15 minutes.

So go ahead and reset the module. The good news is that you don’t need any tools apart from a wrench if you need to disconnect the battery.