GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transaxle - AF23-5 🢒 DTC P0601

Circuit Description

A normal function of the transmission control module (TCM) is to perform an internal test that verifies the integrity of the ROM memory allocation. This diagnostic detects faults in the allocation of flash memory that contain the program and calibration by comparing a calculated checksum with a stored checksum. When the TCM detects that the calculated checksum is different from the stored checksum, DTC P0601 sets. DTC P0601 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Running The DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting The DTC

The TCM ROM checksums do not match.

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 P0601 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.

Diagnostic Aids
    • This DTC may be stored as a history DTC without affecting the operation of the module. If stored as a history DTC and not retrieved as a current DTC, do not replace the module.
    • If this DTC is retrieved as both a current and history DTC, replace the module.

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 P0601 reset?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

Replace the TCM. Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

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Go to Step 4

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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 P0601.

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?

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Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

System OK