SAE Standard Definition

U0101

Lost Communication With TCM

A module has lost communication with the Transmission Control Module.

Serious Issue- Drive with caution, repair soon
Serious
Safe to drive advanced Fix within 3 days
Estimated Cost (USD)$10 - $1,500
BudgetMajor
Estimated Labor~2 hours

The TCM is not responding on the CAN bus. This typically means the transmission is in limp mode (stuck in one gear) because other modules cannot send or receive data from the TCM.

Symptoms

Transmission stuck in gear (limp mode)
Harsh or no shifting
Check Engine Light on
Transmission warning light

Common Causes

TCM power/ground fault

HIGH

Lost power or ground to the transmission control module.

TCM failure

MEDIUM

Internal TCM hardware failure.

CAN bus fault

MEDIUM

CAN wiring issue between the TCM and other modules.

Blown fuse

HIGH

Fuse to the TCM is blown.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1

Check TCM fuses

easy

Find and test all fuses related to the TCM.

Tools:Fuse tester
2

Verify TCM power/ground

medium

Check for voltage and ground at the TCM connector.

Tools:MultimeterWiring diagram
3

Inspect TCM connector

medium

Check for corrosion, bent pins, or water damage at the TCM connector (often located on the transmission).

Tools:Basic tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational and reference purposes only. ErrorCodes is not a substitute for professional automotive diagnosis or repair. Diagnostic trouble codes indicate areas for further investigation and do not definitively identify the failed component. The same code can have different causes depending on your specific vehicle, its history, and conditions. Always consult a qualified, certified mechanic before performing repairs. ErrorCodes assumes no liability for any repairs made based on information found on this site.