|
|
|
Transmission Control Module
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Mattyg89
New User
Aug 27, 2012, 3:31 PM
Post #1 of 6
(10230 views)
|
|
Transmission Control Module
|
Sign In
|
|
I have a 2002 Kia spectra 1.8 L 4Cyl. My car would accelerate but around 30 MPH it wouldn't anymore. It was stay caught at 30 for a few moments then after about 30 seconds it would catch and continue to increase speed. My check engine light threw a code P1780 and when I got it checked at autozone their definition was "transmission controlled spark advance." the guy said the probable cause was a failed TCM, but when I go online to look for the part, I can only find a transmission control solenoid. Is this is same part? and is it something I can do myself by getting under the car? I have experience working on cars but I have never had to work on a transmission before.
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 27, 2012, 5:17 PM
Post #2 of 6
(10188 views)
|
|
Re: Transmission Control Module
|
Sign In
|
|
Are you positive that is the code that you got from the PCM? That code doesn't exist on that Kia.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 27, 2012, 5:17 PM)
|
|
| |
|
|
Mattyg89
New User
Aug 28, 2012, 4:10 PM
Post #3 of 6
(10148 views)
|
|
Re: Transmission Control Module
|
Sign In
|
|
Yes positive. I'm looking at the ticket the guy gave me from autozone and it says:
Troubleshooting: P1780
OEM Brand: Kia
Definition: Transmission controller spark advance
Probable cause:
1. Open or short circuit condition
2. Poor electrical connection
3. Failed TCM.
The guy told me he was almost certain it was the TCM and not a short circuit or poor connection.
|
|
| |
|
|
nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 28, 2012, 4:15 PM
Post #4 of 6
(10146 views)
|
|
Re: Transmission Control Module
|
Sign In
|
|
He told you that because he wanted to sell you a TCM. The people at parts stores, especially Autozone, are just salesmen. They aren't mechanics or they'd be in a shop making twice what the parts store pays them. You cannot diagnose a failed TCM without a series of tests on the circuits and components, which he didn't do. Never take repair advice from a parts guy. If he knew what he was talking about he wouldn't be behind the counter.
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 28, 2012, 4:22 PM
Post #5 of 6
(10145 views)
|
|
Re: Transmission Control Module
|
Sign In
|
|
I'm not showing that code in service information.
Another thing I don't understand is why would it set some type of code that has to do with spark advance. You going way back on some transmissions that had vacuum controlled spark advance in last gear. Vacuum control spark advance doesn't exist on newer vehicles.
How did Autozone come to the conclusion the TCM is the culprit? Did they run circuit checks to confirm the TCM is actually the problem. I doubt it. My personal opinion is that Autozone has no business diagnosing transmission and drive-ability concerns. Just because their code reader has a description of a code doesn't mean the component that is mentioned in the description is the actual problem.
I suggest you get a second opinion and have a repair shop check it out.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 28, 2012, 4:23 PM)
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 28, 2012, 4:42 PM
Post #6 of 6
(10140 views)
|
|
Re: Transmission Control Module
|
Sign In
|
|
Ok, I am showing that code on the KIA service website on a 2003 Specta. That is a torque reduction signal malfunction.
All the circuits concerning powers and ground to the TCM have to be checked and verified. It is very important the wiring from the ECM to the TCM and their connectors are inspected for loose terminals, which KIA was known for, that can cause intermittent connection problems. If the wiring and connections are good, clear the code and see if it returns. If it comes back and everything has checked out then the TCM should be replaced.
I suggest you have a shop that does drive-ability check this out. You don't want to replace an $800 module because some sales guy behind a counter said so and find out later it wasn't the problem.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 28, 2012, 4:57 PM)
|
|
| |
|
| | |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no start
