Quick Answer
P0922 means: P0922 indicates a range or performance issue with the Transmission Control Module.
Can I drive with P0922? Immediate attention is needed to prevent potential transmission damage.
Common Questions
What does P0922 mean and how does it affect my car?
The P0922 code signifies a problem with the Transmission Control Module's performance. This can lead to poor shifting and reduced vehicle efficiency, impacting your driving experience and safety.
What are the most common causes of P0922 and how much does it cost to fix?
Common causes include a faulty TCM, damaged wiring, or low transmission fluid. Repair costs can range from $100 for wiring repairs to $1,500 for a complete TCM replacement.
Can I drive my car with P0922 or should I stop immediately?
While it might be possible to drive the vehicle for a short time, it is advised to stop and address the issue as continued driving can lead to severe transmission damage.
How can I diagnose P0922 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port, read the P0922 code, and review freeze frame data to see when the error occurred, helping to pinpoint the issue.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by P0922?
Vehicles like the 2015-2018 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima frequently experience the P0922 code due to their specific transmission control systems.
How can I prevent P0922 from happening again?
Regular maintenance, including fluid changes and electrical inspections, can help prevent P0922. Ensure that you use quality transmission fluid and keep an eye on wiring integrity.
What is P0922?
The DTC P0922 code indicates a range or performance issue within the Transmission Control Module (TCM) circuit. This is a critical error that suggests the TCM is not communicating properly with the transmission system, which could lead to transmission slipping, erratic shifting, or even complete transmission failure if left unaddressed. Understanding this code is vital for vehicle owners, especially those with models like the 2015-2018 Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, which are particularly prone to this issue. A faulty TCM can disrupt the vehicle's ability to shift gears smoothly, potentially causing the engine to rev excessively without the vehicle accelerating as expected. Additionally, you may notice the check engine light illuminating on your dashboard. If your vehicle is experiencing erratic shifting behavior or a complete loss of power during acceleration, it may be time to investigate this code further. Ignoring this issue can lead to more severe transmission damage, resulting in costly repairs and decreased vehicle performance over time. Thus, timely diagnosis and repair are crucial for maintaining vehicle integrity.
System: P - Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, Emissions)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when P0922 is present:
- The check engine light stays on constantly, indicating a fault in the transmission system.
- You may feel the engine hesitating or stuttering during acceleration, making it difficult to maintain speed.
- Fuel economy may decrease by 10-15%, as the transmission struggles to shift efficiently.
- Unusual shifting patterns, such as harsh or delayed gear changes, may occur as the TCM fails to manage the transmission properly.
- In severe cases, the vehicle may go into 'limp mode,' restricting speed and power to protect the transmission.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of P0922 (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause of P0922 is a faulty Transmission Control Module, which may occur 60% of the time due to wear and tear or electrical issues.
- Another potential cause is damaged wiring or connectors in the TCM circuit, which can affect communication between the TCM and transmission, occurring in about 25% of cases.
- A third cause could be low transmission fluid levels or poor-quality fluid affecting performance, which is easily preventable with regular maintenance checks.
- Less common but serious causes include a failing transmission solenoid, which controls fluid flow within the transmission, potentially leading to a full transmission rebuild.
- Rarely, this code may result from software issues within the TCM itself, necessitating a software update or reprogramming.
P0922 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Transmission Control Module Replacement
Replacing the faulty TCM with a new or refurbished unit to restore normal operations.
- Total: $800 - $1,500
- Success rate: 85%
Wiring Repair
Repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors in the transmission circuit.
- Total: $100 - $300
- Success rate: 75%
Transmission Fluid Change
Changing low-quality or contaminated transmission fluid to improve shifting performance.
- Total: $150 - $250
- Success rate: 70%
Money-Saving Tips for P0922
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional P0922 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose P0922. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Conduct an initial visual inspection - Look for obvious signs of damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in the TCM area (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Conduct an initial visual inspection - Look for obvious signs of damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in the TCM area (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: Use the GeekOBD APP to perform an OBD2 scan - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context better (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: Use the GeekOBD APP to perform an OBD2 scan - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context better (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Perform component testing - Utilize a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test the TCM and associated circuits (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Perform component testing - Utilize a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test the TCM and associated circuits (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: Conduct a system function test - Verify proper operation after making repairs and clear codes to reset the system (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: Conduct a system function test - Verify proper operation after making repairs and clear codes to reset the system (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Execute a road test - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm that the issue has been resolved and that the transmission operates smoothly (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Execute a road test - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm that the issue has been resolved and that the transmission operates smoothly (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: Transmission Control Module Replacement in a 2016 Honda Accord
Vehicle: 2016 Honda Accord, 75,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported harsh shifting and check engine light illuminated.
Diagnosis: After scanning with the GeekOBD APP, P0922 was confirmed. Wiring was intact, but the TCM was unresponsive during testing.
Solution: Replaced the TCM with a new unit and performed a transmission fluid change.
Cost: $1,200 (parts: TCM $900, fluid $150, labor $150)
Result: The vehicle shifted smoothly post-repair, and the check engine light remained off.
Case Study 2: Wiring Repair on a 2017 Nissan Altima
Vehicle: 2017 Nissan Altima, 60,000 miles
Problem: Customer experienced delayed shifts and check engine light on.
Diagnosis: GeekOBD APP revealed P0922. Inspection found frayed wiring in the TCM circuit.
Solution: Repaired the damaged wiring and checked all connections.
Cost: $200 (parts: wiring $50, labor $150)
Result: The vehicle's transmission performance improved significantly, with no further issues reported.