TCM Adaptive Learning Procedure DIY Guide

DISCLAIMER

As always, follow all safety protocols. Don't undertake this task if you aren't comfortable with it, fully understand it, and are capable of completing it. The information provided may be incomplete or inaccurate. You are ultimately responsible for anything you do. Neither Redpants, LLC or myself is responsible or liable for anything that may occur.

WARNING

Full completion of this DIY Guide includes driving at speeds up to 50 mph (80 kmh) and bringing the car to a full stop under specific circumstances. Do not attempt this where these conditions are not safe or legal.

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While the Misfire Correction Learn Procedure, AKA Coast Down Procedure, is common knowledge amongst DIYers in the Aston Martin community at this point, another process is similar but probably much less-known: the Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learn Procedure. Both procedures are outlined in Service Bulletin SB-30-0313.

The Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learn Procedure is meant for an automatic transmission to learn an initial level of gearshift adaptive data, so it’s primarily meant to be used after major work has been done on the engine or transmission of a car equipped with an automatic transmission. As the Service Bulletin states: Learning of transmission adaptive data is never fully completed as the Transmission Controller Module (TCM) continuously adapts to parameters that change.

This procedure needs to be done if:

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been replaced or reprogrammed *(see Note below)
The “Keep Alive Memory” was lost after a battery replacement or disconnection *(see Note below)
If any of the following where replaced:
- The Transmission Control Module (TCM)
- The Engine Management System (EMS)
- The flywheel, clutch, or auto flex plate
- The engine speed sensor (just the rear sensor on V12 engines)
- The transmission
- The Mechatronik unit in the transmission
- The engine or important engine hardware like the crankshaft, pistons, camshafts or cylinder head

Note: Vehicles from MY10.5 onward will not lose their misfire correction factors if:

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been reprogrammed, or,
The PCM has lost its “Keep Alive Memory” after a battery replacement or disconnection.

This procedure is specifically for automatic transmissions. If you have a Sportshift, that's not an automatic transmission, it's a robotized manual, so this DIY Guide doesn't apply. Check out my Transmission Info Page if you want more info about the transmissions themselves.

Needed

Long, open, flat road
About 30-40 minutes

Before you begin

This procedure needs to be done on a flat road. It involves slow acceleration and coming to a complete stop. Make sure the road you use is safe, legal, and appropriate for this procedure.

There are two versions of this procedure. Which one you should use depends on your vehicle. Read each section intro to see which version applies to which cars.

For DB9 up to MY2008 (VIN range x0001 through x10562)

Step 1

Fully warm up the vehicle to normal operating temperatures. The engine coolant should be at least 185F (85C) and transmission fluid should be between 122F and 212F (50C to 100C).

Step 2

Make sure the transmission is in Normal mode (not Sport or Touchtronic).

Step 3

Accelerate from a stop with light throttle until reaching 50 mph (80 kph) in 5th gear.

The transmission must shift through each gear from 1st to 5th without skipping any gears.
Engine speed should be between 1500 and 1800 rpm while accelerating.

Step 4

Lightly brake to a complete stop and continue holding the brake for 15 seconds.

Step 5

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 at least five more times. The Service Bulletin recommends 5-10 times.

If done correctly, the TCM will have learned an initial level of gearshift adaptive data.

For DBS (VIN E00001 and up), DB9 from MY2009 onwards (VIN 10557 and up), and Rapide (VIN F0001 and up)