Allison Electronic Controls
Introduction
Allison Electronic Controls work
with the hydraulic system to
control and continually refine
shifts.
This module uses Allison 4th
Generation Controls as an
example of Electronic Control
operation.
Systems evolve over time but use
similar operating principles.
Reference the General Description
section of the appropriate
Troubleshooting Manual for details.
1 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
The transmission control module
(TCM) communicates with a variety
of components through wiring
harnesses.
The TCM is sometimes called an
Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
TCMs are available in 12 and 24-volt
configurations.
The TCM makes operating decisions
based on inputs, then sends outputs
to control the transmission and
vehicle components.
TCM programming varies and includes
input and output functions to control
specific vocational features.
2 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Shift Selector
1000 & 2000 Product Families
use a mechanical shift selector
to position the selector shaft and
valve in the transmission.
Allison 4th Generation Controls
include an Internal Mode Switch
(IMS) to provide selector position to
the TCM.
Previous electronic control versions
used an external Neutral Start
Backup (NSBU) switch to
communicate selector position.
3 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Shift Selector (cont’d)
3000 & 4000 Product Families
use electronic shift selectors that
connect to the TCM via a wiring
harness.
Allison 4th Generation Controls
electronic shift selectors can be
interfaced using J1939.
A variety of pushbutton and lever
selectors are available.
4 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Speed Sensors
Individual sensors provide the
TCM with engine, turbine and
output speed signals.
Engine speed is sometimes referred
to as “input” speed.
The 3000 Product Family turbine
speed sensor is located on the
control valve body.
5 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Solenoids
Allison Electronic Control
solenoids are electromagnetic,
mechanical devices used to
control the flow of hydraulic fluid.
Solenoids are located in the control
valve body.
Fluid flow is controlled by energizing
and de-energizing solenoids.
Solenoid types vary between control
systems but use a similar operating
theory.
6 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Additional Valve Body Components
The TCM reads signals from
pressure switches to verify range
attainment and for diagnostic
purposes.
1000 and 2000 Product Families use
a pressure switch manifold mounted
on the control valve body.
3000 & 4000 Product Families use a
diagnostic pressure switch (PS1)
located in the control valve body.
7 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Additional Valve Body Components (cont’d)
Transmission fluid temperature is
communicated by a temperature
sensor signal.
1000 and 2000 temperature sensor
is located on the pressure switch
manifold.
3000 & 4000 temperature sensor is
part of the internal wiring harness.
3000 and 4000 models can
include an oil level sensor on the
control valve body.
8 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Vehicle/Engine Communication Links
Communication between the
TCM and other vehicle
controllers occurs over a network
sometimes called a “datalink” or
Controller Area Network (CAN).
Allison 4th Generation Controls
use the SAE J1939 standard for
vehicle communication and
diagnostics which is much faster
and more robust than previous
J1708 and J1587 standards.
A variety of items can be
communicated on the datalink
including throttle position.
9 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Vehicle/Engine Communication Links (cont’d)
The TCM considers throttle
position signal when controlling
shifts.
An analog throttle position
sensor is used when throttle
signal is not interfaced on the
J1939 datalink.
10 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Inputs and Outputs
Inputs and outputs are often called
Vehicle Interface Connections.
Interface wiring connects the TCM to
the vehicle.
Mandatory and Communication
Interface connections are required
for basic system operation.
Optional TCM-programmed features
are interfaced using Input and
Output wiring.
An optional Vehicle Interface Module
(VIM) is available to simplify wiring
procedures and includes relays
which are often required to control
circuits.
11 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Inputs and Outputs (cont’d)
Reference the Vehicle Interface
training module and Allison Tech
Data (on the Allison Extranet) for
additional information.
12 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Wiring Harnesses
Electronic control components
are connected and communicate
through wiring harnesses.
External harnesses are not typically
Allison-supplied, but Allison provides
specific configuration
recommendations.
13 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Additional Electronic Control Features
TCMs include diagnostic
capabilities.
The TCM records and stores
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
and other diagnostic information.
1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Product
Families 4th Generation Controls
share the same DTC structure.
3000 & 4000 WTEC II and WTEC III
use a unique DTC structure.
14 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Additional Electronic Control Features (cont’d)
TCMs include adaptive
capabilities to analyze and adjust
shifts to match an ideal “profile”.
Autodetect allows the TCM to
search for the presence of
certain transmission components
and inputs during engine start.
TransID allows the TCM to
recognize transmission hardware
configurations and select an
appropriate software calibration.
15 of 16
Allison Electronic Controls
Wiring Schematics
Each Troubleshooting Manual
includes a detailed system wiring
schematic.
16 of 16
