Question: My Chevy Tahoe is having some rough shifts. A buddy suggested I reset the TCM, but I’m not a car guy, and I don’t even know what a TCM is. So how do I reset the TCM in a Chevy?
Answer: Resetting the TCM (transmission control module) is usually a great place to start when you’re dealing with transmission trouble in your Chevrolet.
The TCM is the brain that connects all the parts of your transmission system. It takes in information from your throttle, engine, transmission fluid sensors, brakes, and more. Then, it uses that information to send signals to the transmission, telling it when to shift gears and creating a smooth driving experience.
3 ways to reset a Chevy transmission control module
There’s no one sure-fire way to reset the TCM on a Chevy, so you may need to try more than one of these methods to restore your transmission settings.
Start the car and press the gas pedal
- Turn on your car’s ignition.
- Let your car idle until the temperature gauge reaches your normal driving temperature.
- Switch off your air conditioner, radio, lights, and any other accessories.
- Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there for 15 seconds.
- Keep the pedal pressed down and turn off your vehicle.
- Lift your foot slowly off of the accelerator pedal.
- Wait 2–3 minutes, then start the vehicle again.
- Let the car run for at least 15 minutes.
When you press the gas pedal all the way down, it triggers the kickdown switch, which sends a signal to the TCM that the engine needs more power. You must activate this switch if you’re performing a TCM reset using the gas pedal.
Turn on the key but don’t start the car
- Turn your key to the “On” position but don’t start the ignition.
- Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there for 15 seconds.
- Turn the key to the off position.
- Lift your foot slowly off of the accelerator pedal.
- Wait five minutes, then start the car again.
- Test drive the vehicle, being sure the transmission shifts through all gears.
Note:In some Chevy models, you may need to remove the key after you turn off the vehicle but before you take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Disconnect the TCM
- Disconnect your battery, starting with the negative cable first.
- Press your horn to get rid of any electrical energy left in your vehicle.
- Locate your TCM, then carefully unclip any latches or locks holding the cable in place.
- Remove the TCM cable from its port.
- Leave the TCM unplugged for about 10–30 minutes.
- Plug the TCM cable back in.
- Reconnect the battery, starting with the positive cable.
- Crank your vehicle and drive it for about 15 minutes, being sure to take it through all the gears.
Sometimes, disconnecting the battery for around 20 minutes is enough to reset the TCM, even if you don’t unplug the TCM cables.
In most Chevys, you’ll find the TCM on the driver’s side of the engine, near the windshield. In Chevys with a FL60E transmission, your TCM may be located by the engine’s computer or at the back of the transmission case. If you have a 6L80E or 6L90E transmission, your TCM may be connected to the transmission valve body behind the oil pan, and you may need a mechanic to access it.
If you try these methods and the problems aren’t fixed, or if they’re resolved temporarily and then they return, take your vehicle to a certified mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.
How do I know if I need to reset the TCM in my Chevy?
If your Chevrolet’s TCM is malfunctioning, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Engine light with codes like P0613, P0700, or P0706
- Slow shifting
- Vehicle stuck in neutral or first gear
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Burning smell coming from transmission
- Transmission failure
Learn more: Transmission fluid service cost estimate
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
