Volvo Repair: TCM SW Upgrade and Adaptation, tcm software, transmission control module

Question
On my 2005 S60 (94K miles), the message center reported "Transmission
Service Required".  The dealer charged me $351. to "Diagnosis, Upgrade the
TCM Software and Adaptation Test Drive (7 miles)."  The Diagnosis (1.5 hrs)
reported "DTC in TCM 002E lockup function."  Parts were listed as $27.  The
service representative couldn't explain what all of this meant, other than
saying it was something wrong in the control unit.  Would you be able to
explain what the TCM does and what could have gone wrong?

Answer
  Steve, the TCM is transmission control module. It is the brains of the transmission. Occaisionally, firmware updates are released by Volvo to address a new fault/problem. It IS standard practice to upgrade any TCM that comes in with a trans. complaint to the latest and greatest firmware. That being said, the service writer, if he is worth his salt, should be able to explain it in terms you can understand. If not, vote with your feet and take your vehicle somewhere else. My suspicion is that they replaced the torque convertor lock up solenoid and then did the upgrade? HTH


Merry Christmas!

Mark