GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transaxle - AF23-5 🢒 DTC P0604

Circuit Description

A normal function of the transmission control module (TCM) is to perform an internal test that verifies the read and write capability of the random access memory (RAM). This diagnostic detects faults in the RAM by writing test data to the RAM, reading back the same data, and then comparing the two data sets. When the TCM detects that the data that was read from the RAM is different from the test data that was written to the RAM, DTC P0604 sets. DTC P0604 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Running The DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting The DTC

The data read from RAM does not match the test data written to the RAM.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM turns the Trans. Protection Mode ON. When the Trans. Protection Mode is ON, the following conditions occur:
      • The transmission will operate in 5th gear when the transmission is shifted into D or I range and 2nd gear when shifted into L range.
      • The line pressure is at maximum.
      • The torque converter clutch (TCC) is disabled.
      • The TCM freezes the transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record.
    • 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 P0604 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the third 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.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: 

       • Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the ECM Freeze Frame and the TCM Failure Records. Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the ECM and the TCM.
       • Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases stored DTCs in both the ECM and TCM.

  3. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.
  5. Turn OFF the ignition for at least 30 seconds.
  6. Turn ON the ignition.

Did DTC P0604 reset?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

Replace the TCM. Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition for at least 30 seconds.
  4. Turn ON the ignition.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0604.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 2

5

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 in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

System OK