Q: My engine light came on approximately 10 months ago. I had a diagnostic test ran on it. It stated that I needed a TCM.

asked by on October 11, 2016

I have driven the car very little. My dilemma is I don't have big lump sums of funds. I have been researching the issue trying to pursue a reasonable ave. As I discover more about the TCM, I see that it is part of the ECM engine control module. My main question is how would you advise me to get this problem corrected in a fairly affordable manner? And do you think a pick and pull part is feasible at all? Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for listening

My car has 228000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there, thanks for writing in. The traction control module is a part of the ECM, but usually is a separate component from the main control module. The best way to solve the issue is to have a professional mechanic install a NEW TCM. Installing a used one from a pick-and-pull is NOT a good idea; as it may not fit correctly or have communication errors with your vehicles ECM. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect your check engine light for you, and help you make any necessary repairs needed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Battery keeps blowing fuse.
It sounds like there is an electrical short in your starting system. The power needed to start your vehicle is not traveling its intended path. This power may also be traveling to a circuit not meant to handle that much...
Why is my key not coming out of the ignition unless I disconnect the battery?
Your issue is very likely related to a component called a "shift lock". It's a switch placed by the shift lever that only allows the key to be removed if the car is in park or neutral. This switch has...
How do I rewire under the dash pad? Many of the wires are just there disconnected and some are damaged.
Hello. If you were to purchase an entirely new harness that is made for your vehicle, it should a simple plug and play. I would not recommend tearing everything out. But instead, if I were to do it I would...
One month ago cel came on I changed spark plugs to after market plugs. One month later cel on again with misfire code.
If the spark plugs hadn't been changed until 130k, it was time for the to be replaced anyway. This is probably why the dealer went with that repair as worn spark plugs can cause misfires. Ignition coils are another part...
White smoke coming from left side of engine. Lost a lot of coolant
The smoke is from the coolant leak when it hits a hot exhaust manifold. The leak may be from the thermostat housing. You should have the cooling system pressure tested to verify the leak in the system at the thermostat...
Ck. eng. lt. on Had it checked. replaced fuel filler cap. worked ok for a while. now lt. back on
Hi there. Typically when a check engine light is illuminated, and a repair is made, the code needs to be cleared by a professional mechanic. This could be the reason why the light periodically comes on. However, it's also possible...
Transmission gets stuck when I shift it out of 1st gear sometimes and it takes a lot of force for me to move the shifter 2013 Dodge Viper
Hi there - your Viper uses the Tremec TR-6060 transmission, which handles the torque from the Vipers engine reliably, but is a bit balky in the shifting department. Using synthetic transmission fluid will help, especially in colder climates, and moving...
DVD system has no sound through speakers or wireless headphones when playing.
Typically if the unit is functioning and the wiring harness is solid, the sound should come from the speakers without any customization or reloading any software. If you didn't replace the original wiring harness, this is likely the source of...
White sweet smelling smoke out the exhaust and a little cooler dripping front front
White, sweet smelling smoke coming out of the exhaust means you're burning coolant. It could be that an intake gasket is leaking in a place where coolant can be drawn into the engine. Or it could be that a...

Related articles

P2126 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Range/Performance
Diagnostic Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): P2126 P2126 code definition Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Range/Performance Related Trouble Codes: P2120: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit P2121: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Range/Performance P2122: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Low Input P2123:...
P2453 OBD-II Trouble Code: Particulate Matter Trap Differential Pressure Sensor Signal Performance
P2453 P2453 code definition Particulate Matter Trap Differential Pressure Sensor Signal Performance What the P2453 code means This trouble code will only appear on diesel engines and it indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a voltage reading from...
P2229 OBD-II Trouble Code: Barometric Pressure Circuit High
P2229 P2229 code definition Barometric pressure circuit high What the P2229 code means This trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a pressure that exceeds the manufacturer’s threshold of acceptance in the barometric pressure circuit. What are...