Transmission Adaptation

Transmission Adaptation

In addition to the construction, the deciding factor for good and constant shift quality is the precise control of the shifting elements. To maintain a consistent shift quality throughout the entire transmission service live, various control and regulation parameters must be adapted continuously and the determined adaptation values must be stored. These adaptations or this programming process are called adaptation.

The goal of a transmission adaptation is to compensate for production tolerances of the transmission components and their changes throughout the service life. The adaptation values act as corrective values or offsets which are added to or subtracted from the values (applied values) stored permanently in the Transmission Control Module (TCM).

When should the adaptation values be read, evaluated or erased and when should an adaptation drive be performed?

• If the customer indicates there is rough or hard shifting behavior.

• After replacing the ATF.

• After repairing the clutches.

• After replacing the valve body

• After replacing the Transmission Control Module (TCM) (J217)

• After replacing the transmission

• After a software update.

• After certain engine repairs such as replacing the Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor.

- Follow the instructions, procedures and requirements in "Guided Functions" exactly. The vehicle diagnostic tester is connected, then select and perform 02 - Transmission Electronics 0C8 I J217 and then J217 - Transmission Control Module, Adaptation Drive (Repair Group 38) using Guided Functions.

• After erasing the adaptation values, perform an adaptation drive using "Guided Functions or Fault Finding". If the adaptation drive cannot be performed for various reason, complete an extensive test drive. Be sure to keep to the adaptation conditions as much as possible.

General Adaptation Conditions

The adaptation can only take place when the appropriate defined adaptation conditions are met.

The following information provides an overview of the criteria that must be met during an adaptation:

• The ATF must be within a certain temperature range.

• A certain gear or selector lever position must be engaged.

• The engine load must be within a certain range. Generally a very low engine load or very light pressure on the accelerator pedal is required.

• There must be no Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries in the TCM.

• Certain vehicle conditions must be present such as acceleration or deceleration, constant driving, vehicle stopped with the engine running at idle, etc.

• There must be good road conditions, optimum road surface, no steep inclines or declines and the road must be as level as possible.