VOLVO
TCM-012A - Neutral check Faulty connection
System
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
This fault code has different meanings depending on model, model year or engine. Select the meaning that applies to your car.
Applies to the following models:
5 modelsS60 (2001–2009), S80 (1999–2006), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (15)
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2001–2002
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2003All transmissions except: M58
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2004–2009Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)1999–2000Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2001–2006Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2000–2002
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2003All transmissions except: M58
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2004–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2001–2002
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2003–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2003All transmissions except: 4T65 AWD
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2004–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2008–2014Transmission AW50/51 AWD only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The neutral check normally disengages the drive part of the gearbox when the car is stationary, the engine is idling and the brake is pressed, to save fuel and reduce vibration. The fault code is set when this disengagement happens incorrectly, which can be caused by a solenoid stuck in the wrong position or a fault in the control module.
Possible causes
- Shift solenoid S1 stuck in the OFF position
- Shift solenoid S2 stuck in the ON position
- Solenoid SLT stuck in the OFF position
- Internal fault in the transmission
- Defective control module
What you can do
- 1Clear the fault code and road test to see whether it comes back
- 2If you have a diagnostic tool: read the neutral check status in live data with the car stationary, the engine idling and the brake pressed
- 3If you have a diagnostic tool: activate solenoids S1 and S2 one at a time and check that each changes between off and on
- 4Have a workshop check solenoid SLT, as this requires a click that is heard with a stethoscope
- 5Have a workshop check the gearbox and control module connectors for contact resistance and oxidation
Symptoms you may notice2
- The orange general warning lamp is lit
- The malfunction indicator lamp is lit
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.