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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Inputs and Outputs (cont’d)

Reference the Vehicle Interface
training module and Allison Tech
Data (on the Allison Extranet) for
additional information.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Wiring Schematics
Each Troubleshooting Manual
includes a detailed system wiring
schematic.

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