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Home >> Volvo >> 2008 >> XC70 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Engine Control Systems >> Electrical Modules And Components - Design And Function - 5 Of 5 >> Transmission Control Module (TCM) (2008-2010) >> System Overview >> Signals
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System Overview: Signals

The table below summarizes the input and output signals to and from the transmission control module (TCM). The signal types are divided into directly connected signals, serial communication and CAN communication. Fig 1 below displays the same information with Volvo component designations.

Input signals Output signals
Directly connected:  Directly connected:  (supply voltage unless otherwise specified)
  • Speed sensor, input shaft (7/61).  Provides information on transmission input speed. Used to calculate shift process, check lock-up and diagnose the hydraulic/mechanical function in the transmission.
  • Speed sensor, output sensor (7/62).  Provides information on transmission output speed. Used to calculate vehicle speed and diagnose the hydraulic/mechanical function in the transmission.
  • Fluid temperature sensor (7/74).  Provides information on transmission fluid temperature. This information is used to adjust shift times and fluid pressure.
  • Gear position sensor (4/28)  (integrated in transmission control module (TCM)). Provides information on selected gear position to the transmission control module (TCM). Only allows start in P or N. Consists of a permanent magnet that moves two Hall elements to create a specific voltage for each gear position.
  • Solenoids S1-S2 (8/38-39).  The transmission control module (TCM) activates the solenoids during engine braking on 1st gear.
  • Lock-up solenoid, SLU (8/40).  Adapts system pressure to a lock-up pressure. Also used during certain shifts.
  • Linear pressure solenoid, SLT (8/71).  Adapts linear system pressure during shifting.
  • Linear pressure solenoid, SLC1 (8/143).  Adapts system pressure to a shift pressure to clutch C1 and is activated during certain shifts.
  • Linear pressure solenoid, SLC2 (8/144).  Adapts system pressure to a shift pressure to clutch C2 and is activated during certain shifts.
  • Linear pressure solenoid, SLC3 (8/145).  Adapts system pressure to a shift pressure to clutch C3 and is activated during certain shifts.
  • Linear pressure solenoid, SLB1 (8/142).  Adapts system pressure to a shift pressure to brake band B1 and is activated during certain shifts.
  • Gear selector module (GSM) (3/156).  Controls the shiftlock solenoid of the shiftlock function in the gear selector assembly.
  • Engine control module (ECM) (4/46).  Start inhibitor. Provides engine control module (ECM) a signal as to whether the engine has authorization to start.
Via serial communication:  Via serial communication: 
  • Gear selector module (GSM) (3/156).  Provides information that gear selector is locked in P. Also provides a control signal during Geartronic shifting and information on fault status in the gear selector module (GSM) in order to generate diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for faults in the control module.
  • Gear Selector Module (GSM) (3/156): 
    • Transmission control module (TCM) gives Gear selector module (GSM) signal about which diodes that are to be lit on the lever carrier's panel, depending on selected gear position. Also sends signal via LIN for deactivation of shiftlock (override) in case of short-circuited direct cable.
    • Transmission control module (TCM) controls the light intensity in the diodes.
    • Geartronic gives Gear selector module (GSM) information on manual gearshifting position.
Via Controller Area Network (CAN) communication:  Via CAN communication: 
  • Central electronic module (CEM) (4/56): 
    • Ignition position, used to initiate the transmission control module (TCM).
  • Brake control module (BCM) (4/16): 
    • Vehicle speed and the difference in speed between the right and left wheels. Prevents upshift if the speed difference exceeds 40 km/h (25 mph) in order to protect the differential in the transmission.
  • Engine control module (ECM) (4/46): 
    • Brake light switch OFF/ON, used with torque converter lock-up.
    • Engine temperature, used to diagnose the transmission temperature sensor and with the catalytic converter start function (Cat-start).
    • Engine speed, more than 400 RPM = engine running. Used to start transmission fluid pressure and diagnostic function.
    • Engine speed. Used to check torque converter slipping speed and pressure build-up, which increases gearshift comfort.
    • Kickdown, if the accelerator pedal is depressed and the throttle is fully open then the engine control module (ECM) sends a signal to the transmission control module (TCM) on kickdown.
    • Current engine torque, used to check transmission system pressure.
    • Throttle opening, used to calculate gearshifts. Sport mode and kickdown.
    • Accelerator pedal position, used to calculate gearshift timing.
  • Forward sensing module (FSM) (4/80): 
    • Calculated speed. The signal is used to calculate how long it take to match the speed of the vehicle in front when the adaptive cruise control function (ACC) regulates to the vehicle in front. This prevents frequent shifting.
  • Steering wheel angle sensor module (SAS) (3/130): 
    • Current steering wheel angle. Used to adapt the shift strategy for different road loads.
  • Brake control module (BCM) (4/16): 
    • Current gear, used to provide the signal for no control when gearshifting.
    • Vehicle speed, used as back-up.
  • Central electronic module (CEM) (4/56): 
    • The transmission control module (TCM) transmits a signal via the Central Electronic Module (CEM) to light the reversing light.
    • Gear selector locked in P. Used to lock the remote k in the start control unit (SCU) until the gear selector is in P.
  • Engine control module (ECM) (4/46): 
    • Transmission temperature, used to compensate increased load at low oil temperatures.
    • Selected gear, used by the engine so that the engine can compensate for different loads.
    • Lock-up, used by the engine so that the engine can compensate for different loads.
    • Next gear planned by transmission control module (TCM), used by the engine so that the engine can compensate for different loads.
    • Request for reduction in engine torque when gearshifting, the engine reduces the engine torque when gearshifting.
    • Request on torque limitation. The engine limits torque based on the current gear.
  • Driver information module (DIM) (5/1): 
    • Current gear selector lever position. Used to indicate lever position in the Driver Information Module (DIM).
    • Via Central Electronic Module (CEM), checking of warning lamps. Lights the general warning lamp in the event of a fault.
    • Via Central Electronic Module (CEM), text message in Driver Information Module (DIM). The driver can obtain different fault messages from the transmission control module (TCM).
    • The transmission control module (TCM) transmits a signal via the CAN network to the engine control module (ECM) to light the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) in the Driver Information Module (DIM) in the event of an emission related fault.
  • Forward sensing module (FSM) (4/80): 
    • Position of gear selector assembly.
  • Headlamp control module (HCM) (4/114): 
    • Position of gear selector assembly.
  • Park brake module (PBM) (4/115): 
    • Position of gear selector assembly. Used by parking brake module (PBM) to release the parking brake at the right moment.
    • Engaged gear. Used by parking brake module (PBM) to release the parking brake at the right moment.
    • Park / neutral position (PNP) function status. Used by parking brake module (PBM) to deactivate (release) the parking brake.
  • Closing velocity module (CVM)  (4/125):
    • Position of gear selector assembly.
Fig 1: Identifying Input And Output Signals To And From Transmission Control Module (TCM)
GLL165975Courtesy of VOLVO CARS CORPORATION