GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2005 🢒 L300/LW300 🢒 DTC 🢒 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 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.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0604 Transmission Control Module (TCM) Random Access Memory (RAM)

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 engine control module (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 Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • 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 DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Step

Action

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
  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 Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from both the ECM and the TCM.
       • Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

  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 set again?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

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 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. Start the engine.
  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 - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK