Emergency Program
When a malfunction occurs within the transmission, the Emergency program (fail-safe mode) will be initiated. The Emergency Program will prevent unintended gear engagement and ensure driver safety. The following will occur during Fail-safe Operation:
- All shift solenoids are de-energized via TCM internal relay.
- The pressure regulation solenoid is de-energized resulting in maximum line pressure.
- The Torque Converter Clutch is de-activated.
- The Reverse Lockout function is cancelled.
- Shift lock solenoid is de-energized.
- Fault indicators are active.
The fault indicator varies depending upon model, year and cluster type etc. High version instrument cluster will display a message in the matrix display. Vehicles with low version clusters will display a fault symbol in the cluster.
During fail-safe mode the transmission will be shifted into a higher gear to allow the vehicle to be driven to a service location. Depending upon application, the transmission will shift into 3rd or 4th gear (on a 4spd) and 4th or 5th gear (on a 5 spd). For example the A5S360R transmission will go into 5th gear when there is a malfunction and 4th when there is a power failure to the TCM. Since pressure regulation ceases, the shift to fail-safe mode will be abrupt or harsh, unless the transmission is already in the fail-safe gear.
On newer OBD II compliant vehicles, the MIL light will also be illuminated by the ECM (DME).