The Chevy Silverado has the feel of an old-school truck before onboard computers and “control modules.” But, it’s still a modern vehicle, so you may have computer issues every once in a while.
Luckily, resetting your transmission control module is pretty easy.
How do you reset the transmission control module in your Chevy Silverado?
Turn the key, press the gas, wait, turn the key off, release the gas, wait, and you’re ready to go. More often than not, this procedure is going to do the trick.
Below, we’ll go into a little more detail on resetting your transmission control module. We’ll also let you know exactly what this component is all about and how it helps your truck live a long, healthy life on the road. Read on.
What Exactly is a Transmission Control Module?
To know what you’re dealing with, you’ve got to know what you’re dealing with. So, what is a transmission control module, anyway?
This is a computer module that collects data from your brake, engine, transmission fluid temperature sensor, turbine sensor and throttle. It then uses that data to make real-time adjustments as it coordinates gear shifts.
If the module isn’t working correctly, your gears aren’t shifting correctly, and your transmission is going to pay the price. In the long run, that’s going to cost you a lot of miles you could have run before a major breakdown.
How to Reset Your Transmission Control Module
The method for resetting your module is easy, but there are a lot of steps.
So, grab your keys and let’s get started.
- First, turn your key to “on.” Make sure your dash lights are visible. You should hear two clicks as the lights turn on.
- With the car on, but the engine not yet started, press the gas pedal all the way down.
- Hold the pedal down for about 10 seconds.
- Turn the key off, but don’t remove it.
- Release the gas pedal.
- Wait 2 1/2 minutes while your engine rests.
- Go for a drive. Stay on the road for about 10 to 20 minutes, and all your modules should go back to normal.
If this doesn’t work, you might have to remove the key on step 4. It varies from Chevy to Chevy, but most Silverados will have you leave the key in the ignition. If you’re still having trouble, a hard reset might help.
- Turn the truck off and disconnect your battery, negative cable first.
- Press your horn to drain any excess energy lingering in the system.
- Reconnect your battery, positive cable first.
This method works for just about every vehicle that has a battery in it, but it resets the entire electrical system: ECU, radio, the works. So, this is a last resort. You probably don’t want to spend the afternoon punching in all your settings again.
Alternately, you can check your owner’s manual and find the right fuses to pop out and back in.
Easy Fixes
When selecting a vehicle, it’s not a bad idea to look up the common problems and, more importantly, find out how easy they are to fix. At Vehicle History, you can find everything you need to know about your Silverado or anything else you drive.
