A normal function of the transmission control module (TCM) is to perform an internal test that verifies the integrity of the non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) allocation. This diagnostic detects faults in the allocation of NVRAM that contain the transmission adaptive pressure memory cells by comparing a calculated checksum with a stored checksum. When the TCM detects that the calculated checksum is different from the stored checksum, DTC P0603 sets. DTC P0603 is a type A DTC.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0603 Transmission Control Module (TCM) Long Term Memory Reset
The ignition is ON.
The TCM NVRAM checksums do not match.
| • | The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). | 
| • | The TCM commands maximum line pressure. | 
| • | The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions. | 
| • | The ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame. | 
| • | The TCM stores DTC P0603 in TCM history. | 
| • | The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the sixth consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request. | 
| • | A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC. | 
| • | The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring. | 
| • | The TCM cancels the default actions when the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM. | 
DTC P0603 may set as result of TCM reprogramming.
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step  | Action  | Value(s)  | Yes  | No  | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?  | --  | Go to Step 2  | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information  | ||||
2  | 
 Important: 
 Did DTC P0603 reset?  | --  | Go to Step 3  | Go to Diagnostic Aids  | ||||
Perform the Transmission Control Module Reprogramming Procedure. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up and programming. Is the action complete?  | --  | Go to Step 5  | Go to Step 4  | |||||
4  | Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up and programming. Is the action complete?  | --  | Go to Step 5  | --  | ||||
5  | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair: 
 Has the test run and passed?  | --  | Go to Step 6  | Go to Step 2  | ||||
6  | With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?  | --  | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information  | System OK  |