transmission control module

How to use Kess3 and ECM to reset the transmission control module?

How to use Kess3 and ECM to reset the transmission control module?

To reset the Transmission Control Module (TCM) using Alientech’s Kess3 and ECM Titanium, follow these steps, which combine diagnostic functions and parameter adjustments:

1. Prepare the Tools and Vehicle

  • Kess3 Device: Ensure it is connected to your computer and has an active software subscription 14.
  • ECM Titanium Software: Installed on your computer and linked to your Alientech account 19.
  • Vehicle Setup: Park the vehicle on a flat surface, turn off the engine, and disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10 seconds (to clear residual power) 26. Reconnect the battery afterward.

2. Connect Kess3 to the Vehicle

  • OBD Connection: Plug the Kess3 OBD cable into the vehicle’s OBD port (usually located under the dashboard).
  • Power On: Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine).

3. Diagnose and Clear DTCs with Kess3

  1. Launch Alientech Suite: Open the software associated with Kess3.
  2. Select Vehicle: Navigate to the Vehicle Selection menu and choose the make, model, and TCM type (e.g., BMW 5 Series F10 8AT) 14.
  3. Access DTC Menu:
    • Click Extra > DTC to view diagnostic trouble codes.
    • Confirm whether to view the manual, then proceed to View/Delete DTCs 14.
  4. Diagnose and Clear Codes:
    • Follow the prompts to turn the ignition on, check connections, and start diagnostics.
    • After retrieving DTCs, click Erase to clear them. Turn off the ignition when prompted 14.

4. Adjust TCM Parameters with ECM Titanium

  1. Read TCM File:
    • In ECM Titanium, click File > Read to extract the TCM calibration file from the vehicle using Kess3 1920.
    • Save the file to your computer for backup.
  2. Reset TCM Settings:
    • Open the saved TCM file in ECM Titanium.
    • Navigate to Transmission Control Unit (TCU) settings. Depending on the vehicle, this may include:
      • Adaptive Values: Clear learned shift patterns by resetting adaptation tables.
      • Factory Defaults: Restore original TCM parameters (e.g., shift timing, torque limits) 511.
    • Modify parameters as needed (e.g., reducing shift times or adjusting RPM thresholds) 419.
  3. Write New Settings:
    • Click File > Write to send the modified TCM file back to the vehicle via Kess3.
    • Ensure the ignition remains on during the write process to avoid power interruptions 1419.

5. Verify and Test

  1. Reconnect Battery: If disconnected earlier, reconnect the negative battery terminal.
  2. Start the Vehicle: Let the engine idle for 5–10 minutes to allow the TCM to relearn baseline settings 221.
  3. Road Test: Drive the vehicle to verify smooth shifting and absence of warning lights. The TCM will adapt to your driving style over time 511.

Important Notes

  • Vehicle Compatibility: Kess3 and ECM Titanium support a wide range of vehicles, but procedures may vary (e.g., VAG Group DQ200 transmissions require specific protocols) 414.
  • Safety Precautions:
    • Ensure the vehicle battery is fully charged to prevent data corruption during writes 4.
    • Avoid interrupting the write process, as this could brick the TCM 9.
  • Technical Support: For complex issues or rare vehicle models, contact Alientech’s official support or an authorized dealer 12.
By combining Kess3’s diagnostic capabilities with ECM Titanium’s parameter tuning, you can effectively reset and optimize TCM performance. Always consult the latest user manuals or tutorials for your specific vehicle and tool version 

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