GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Perform the transmission adaptive learn procedure after any of the following service procedures:

    • Transmission Control Module (TCM) replacement
    • TCM calibration change
    • Control valve body replacement
    • Transaxle overhaul
    • Transaxle replacement

    Important: Perform all steps of the adaptive learn procedure. Repeat the steps as many times as indicated. Engine flare during shifting or harsh shifts will occur if not done correctly. When performing the up/down shifting during 2-3 and 3-4 up-shifts, small shift flare may occur the first or second time depending on transaxle internal tolerances.

  1. Drive the vehicle to warm the transaxle fluid until 65-110°C (150-230°F). The adaptive learn procedure will not work unless transaxle fluid is the correct temperature.
  2. Reset the transaxle adaptive learns using a scan tool. Go to the Transmission Special Functions then Trans. Output Controls menu and select Reset Transmission Adapts.
  3. Perform the following steps for the garage shifts adaptive learn.
  4. 3.1. Apply the parking brake and the foot brake.
    3.2. Shift from NEUTRAL to REVERSE and keep in REVERSE for 3 seconds.
    3.3. Shift from REVERSE to NEUTRAL.
    3.4. Repeat the above two steps five times.
    3.5. Shift from NEUTRAL to DRIVE and keep in DRIVE for 3 seconds.
    3.6. Shift from DRIVE to NEUTRAL.
    3.7. Repeat the above two steps five times.
  5. Perform the following steps for the Up/Down shifting adaptive learn.
  6. 4.1. Drive the vehicle in DRIVE with light (15-20 percent) throttle until above 50 km/h (31 mph) in 4th gear.
    4.2. Decelerate and apply the brakes until vehicle comes to a stop. Brake the vehicle so that it takes at least 14 seconds.
    4.3. Repeat the above steps five times.

    Important: Depending on vehicle model, the shift indicator positions are labeled P R N D I L and some the positions are labeled P R N D L4 L2. The transaxle operation is same with either label.

    I = Intermediate and L4 = Low four

    L = Low and L2 = Low two

  7. Perform the following steps for 2-1 Manual down shift adaptive learn.
  8. 5.1. Drive the vehicle in I or L4 until over 25 km/h (16 mph) in 2nd with any throttle position.
    5.2. Decelerate, shift from I or L4 to L or L2 manually and stop the vehicle.
    5.3. Repeat the above two steps ten times.

    Important: If shift quality does not improve, ensure the TCM has the correct transmission calibration.

  9. Confirm shift quality.