A/T - Poor Shift Quality
No: TSB-98-23-003 REVDATE: April, 1998
MODEL: 1996-97 Eclipse A/T
SUBJECT:
POOR A/T SHIFT QUALITY (1996-97 MODELS)
This bulletin supercedes TSB-98-23-003, issued April, 1998, to correct the EATX III/Engine harness switch setting for reprogramming the TCU.
PURPOSE
The following possible shift concerns can be corrected by reprogramming the transmission control unit (TCU) with new software contained in reprogramming cartridge MIT992014 as described in this bulletin.
^ When the gear shifter is moved between the forward gears (D, 2, L), the transaxle stays in the original gear.
^ DTCs 21-27, 31-33 and/or 50-58 may be set. The transaxle may enter limp-in mode (stays in 2nd gear) if any of these DTCs are set.
^ Vehicle starts up in second gear and does not shift until after driving for a few minutes. DTC 74 (Calculated Oil Temperature in Use) may set. This condition is due to the thermistor circuit sending false temperature signals to the TCU, resulting in the TCU changing the shift schedule. The new TCU software in reprogramming cartridge MIT992014 will cause the TCU to check other temperature readings to verify whether the thermistor circuit signal is correct before changing the shift schedule.
^ Delayed upshifts when driving uphill.
^ Poor mid-throttle shift performance on 1996 models.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1996-97 Eclipse 2.0L DOHC non-turbocharged automatic transmission models
PROCEDURE
1. Using the MUT-II scan tool, check to see if any DTCs other than DTC 21-27, 31-33 and/or 50-58 are set. If necessary, perform the appropriate troubleshooting steps and repairs described in Group 23A in the service manual. Then go to Step 2 for TCU reprogramming instructions.
2. Gather the following equipment which is contained in Reprogramming Kit MIT992000-A:
Do not install the cartridge into the Reprogramming Unit at this time.
3. Attach the EATX III/Engine harness to the Reprogramming Unit. Refer to page 6 of the Reprogramming Unit Instruction Manual.
4. Set the switch on the harness black box to the side labeled EATX III.
5. Connect the EATX III/Engine harness 16-pin and 12-pin connectors to the vehicle's data link connector.
6. Install Reprogramming Cartridge MIT992014 into the Reprogramming Unit.
7. Follow the displayed instructions on the Reprogramming Unit screen.
CAUTION:
DO NOT DISTURB THE HARNESS CABLES OR CONNECTIONS. INTERRUPTION DURING THE PROGRAMMING PROCESS COULD CAUSE THE TCU TO LOSE DATA OR PREVENT FUTURE TCU REPROGRAMMING.
8. The display will ask if you want to change the controller part number. Select Yes. Reprogramming will begin.
NOTE:
If the TCU has already been reprogrammed for this condition, the displayed current and replacement part numbers will be the same, or the message "BREAK NOT SEEN" will display. If so, do not continue with this procedure.
9. Current and replacement TCU part numbers will display. Replacement part numbers will be:
1996 models - M05100096AA
1997 models - M05293114AC
Record the replacement part number displayed.
10. When completed, disconnect the reprogramming unit and the EATX III/Engine harness.
11. Using a ball-point pen, enter the replacement TCU part number (noted in Step 9), your dealer code, and the current date on the Control Module Label.
12. Remove the center console side cover to access the TCU. Affix the Control Module Label to the side of the TCU. Then reinstall the console side cover.
13. Using a ball-point pen, enter the replacement TCU part number, this TSB number (TSB-98-23-003), your dealer code, and the current date on the Engine Compartment Label.
14. Carefully remove all dirt and oil from the vacant area shown on the underside of the hood. Affix the Engine Compartment label in the area shown.
WARRANTY INFORMATION