PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

[JSM]

Now that I have my own truck up and running and done some work with it I thought it would be a good time to review it and try to give an honest eval. Having done the GM ecm, Older TCI, and now 2 PCS should help.

http://www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com/content-4.html

So start with the

downside

cost. Yes it is $700 for computer, another $150 or so for the wiring harness. Not the cheapest route to go.

Software at first can be a bit overwhelming. It isn't bad once you figure out how it is laid out, just confusing at first on where things are.

Benefits:

Very few wires to tap into the stock ecm. They include.

Description / Wire Color / What terminal to tap into on syty harness

• Sensor ground........BLACK/WHITE .........B6
• RPM...................ORANGE/BLACK.........D8
• TPS..................YELLOW/BLACK...........F13
• MAP..................YELLOW/RED..............F15
• CLT..............YELLOW/LT.GREEN..........E16
• 12 Volt Ignition source
• Ground

When you turn on the ecu and hook up your laptop it "should" automatically connect and find the right com port. So far it has done that perfect on the 2 laptops I have used on my truck without much if any hassle. Once connected its live, so changes you make are uploaded instantly. No update key to hit, etc.

The first time you turn it on you can select to create a new file from the wizard. It will ask you a few questions, not that hard at all takes maybe a minute and will create a base tune for you. I will say the base tune is fairly good. My truck was very drivabable just with this. I did change it now, but more for my own liking.

One gotcha to watch for, when it asks for redline know that is the rpm you want to shift at. I "assumed" at first it was just as a setup for the gauges, etc. It uses this # to determine WOT shift points and all the part throttle shifts from there. Carefully select this #.

That is the guts to get it working, not difficult at all. Anybody can download the software and look around. Lots of features such as paddle shifters, 2 calibrations, dyno mode (force 3rd gear and convertor lockup), aux outputs to control just about anything you would want.

If anybody notices also, the "new" TCI is this same box painted red, and the software is simplied somewhat so the user isn't as confused. I heard you can interchange the softwares between them.

I would also like to publicaly thank George Blake for the work he did on the transmission. It is working flawlessly and I know extra effort was done on my build to make it all happen. Thanks George.

 

[Quickstop [UK]]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

How do you select driving modes? Can you do it whilst at a traffic light like the MOATES/OSTRICH setup or do you need to select it with a laptop?

Have you made it work with the meth setup yet?

I have mine waiting for me when I get back but haven't played with it yet.

Great info - thanks!

 

[JSM]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

There are 2 calibrations A and B. You can choose to change them via a switch if you want done through another digital input. No need for laptop to change.

Have not played with alky yet, 1 bug at a time, want to get tune dialed in first.

 

[dentdude]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

is it possible to use a paddle shifter set up with this controller? im intrested in tryin this combo.

 

[skwayb]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

Yep, You can use a paddle shifter with it. Don't remember which one but if you use it with the TCI unit you can use it with the PCS unit.

 

[MAITAI1993]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

Adam is all done making his paddle shifter for his regal he made a hub and all its bad ass paddles are plexi with a + and - etched on them and they light up at night I might be able to make a few extra if he still wants to he used a air tank and a slap shifter and air ram for his it was killer so it should work for a two wire system +&-

 

[JSM]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

PCS just needs a signal to shift up or down. Could be as simple as a switch, or even touching the ends of 2 wires to each other. Or complex like a paddle shifter that mounts to steering. Simple signal to upshift or downshift.

 

[dentdude]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

right on thanks im gonna be hopefully gettin into somthin like that soon

 

[George Blake]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

I can verify that the TCI / PCS hybrid works the same way. Same colors and everything.

On my hookups I've used BB5 for ground. MAP and TPS both use this ground. And the ground wire in the TCI setup that is paired with the RPM ref wire (orange/black) is connected to the main ground wire in the harness. So you ground the ecm to this wire if you want to and then run the main harness to the battery terminal for ground.

Here's the reference for the old style TCI but what you are looking at is the SYTY wire harness reference and where the controller wiring goes. This is the cleanest RPM reference signal you can get (thanks to David Welch for trying the different sources).

Now there is a setup and please don't copy the part throttle shift points that are in Jeff's example. Those will make it shuttle too much. You don't want upper and lower shift points crossing each other for a 2-3 for example.
You may have to play with tire sizing to get MPH just right. I've noticed this on mine. Verify by looking at the "dash" that the MPH matches your true MPH.
Also, check TPS. On the basic startup program, the TPS was sitting at almost 10% with no throttle. I had to INCREASE minimum throttle voltage in the setup until the TPS in the TCU was in line with reality. It sounds weird but thats what it took. The minimum initially was set so low that the true voltage being reference wasn't even close. It was just a few tenths of a volt but it makes a difference in drivability.
I haven't played much with the MAP input. This is another nice feature for forced induction and will take some time and it's very flexible. So whether your running 30 pounds or 10 pounds, you can set the reference up.
My favorite is TCC lockup. You can adjust feel AND lockup point based on TPS or MAP and roadspeed instead of just MPH like the old TCI.
Word of warning.
When adjust WOT rpm shift points, you MUST use the "ENTER" button when changing the variable. Just clicking on it and changing it and hitting "TAB" won't change that setting like you can with the part throttle MPH shift points. This is done intentionally so you are making a concious effort to change that setting as too high a setting WILL do engine damage. Oh, and a big Halleluja goes out that the wot gremlin of the old TCI setup is NO MORE. You can set every one of these PCS/ PCS-TCI hybrid setups for 4400 RPM if you want to and you won't get that weird 2-4 chuggle shift. Thank you PCS!!!
Another word of warning.
100% duty cycle does NOT. Absolutely NOT. In no way NOT. Can I say "NOT" anymore?
100% duty cycle does NOT mean 100% pressure.
0% duty cycle means the PCS solenoid is completely shut giving max pressure available to the clutches and shift valves and PWM solenoid that controls TCC lockup.
100% duty cycle means the PCS solenoid is completely OPEN. Bleeding off ALL available pressure possible.
Got that?
These are NOT psi. These are DUTY cycle. I have talked with MORE than just a couple people that have toasted (burnt) their 80's and 60's not understanding this feature.

Want to get confused?
When setting up TCC feel(I recommend leaving it alone)but if you want to set it up, 100% means "PRESSURE". I don't know why they took this route but keep that in mind. If you have TCC shudder after doing an adjustment, remember this. 100% is max pressure ONLY in the TCC field(the one that pops up the little "trapezoid" chart when you access it).

 

[George Blake]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

Oh, don't pay ANY attention to the relay in the TCC circuit in the pic above when doing your wiring. This setup is so flexible that you can tell the unit that you WANT 12volts(high) or ground (low) for TCC enable. This box has answered all complaints, I swear. A/B calibration can be set for the same deal(12 volts,ground, toggle or momentary). It's so nice.

The manual shift though, that can be enabled however you want but once it's enabled, it HAS to be a momentary switch to go up and down. It's all laid out really nice.

 

[George Blake]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

Sorry guys, forgot something.

When you guys get your transmission controller harnesses, PLEASE clearance the damn transmission plug to clear the frigging prop shaft. Everyone tells me "I know I know", then the harness gets dragged off. I will put up pics of a harness I just did for Erue. The mod gives 5/8" to 3/4" MORE clearance between the harness and the prop. I've NEVER had a problem with mine and drove it daily until I busted the body mounts on the driver side on these shitty Middletown roads.

 

[Quickstop [UK]]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

I Ihave talked with MORE than just a couple people that have toasted (burnt) their 80's and 60's not understanding this feature.

Holy Moly! I thought this was impossible!

 

[George Blake]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

Believe it or not, despite the "idiot" factor, one trans lasted OVER 15 months driving it will ALL the fields INVERTED. Only thing the guy noticed was that the trans ran hot. Imagine that. So yes, they are tough but when someone is TRYING to kill them, they don't have a chance.

Holy Moly! I thought this was impossible!

 

[mrweelr]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

I'm getting ready to connect my TCS controller to the factory ECM. The colors and labels on my TCI harness appear slightly different than what's listed above. For example, I don't see a wire labeled CLT. My MAP connector has three different colored wires (red, yellow, black). Do I connect the black to ground and both yellow and red to ECM F15? Which one is supposed to go brake switch? Is it the wire labeled "Brake Light"? I'm pretty sure the SPEEDO OUT, DYNO, CAN LINK, MANUAL SHIFT, and SCU won't be used, correct? I could really use a wiring pinout similar to the one I posted for the PLX wideband here a while back: http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=29091. Thanks ahead guys

CAL A/B (blue)
SPEEDO OUT (orange)
BRAKE LIGHT (gray)
DYNO (yellow)
CANCEL O/D (green)
CAN LINK (green/yellow, green/yellow)
MANUAL SHIFT (brown/white, brown/red, brown/blue)
SCU (red/pink, orange/red, black)
TPS (black/white, yellow/black, red/white)
MAP (black/white, yellow/green, red/white)
RPM - black/white, orange/black

 

[George Blake]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

I'm getting ready to connect my TCS controller to the factory ECM. The colors and labels on my TCI harness appear slightly different than what's listed above. For example, I don't see a wire labeled CLT. My MAP connector has three different colored wires (red, yellow, black). Do I connect the black to ground and both yellow and red to ECM F15? Which one is supposed to go brake switch? Is it the wire labeled "Brake Light"? I'm pretty sure the SPEEDO OUT, DYNO, CAN LINK, MANUAL SHIFT, and SCU won't be used, correct? I could really use a wiring pinout similar to the one I posted for the PLX wideband here a while back: http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=29091. Thanks ahead guys

CAL A/B (blue)
SPEEDO OUT (orange)
BRAKE LIGHT (gray)
DYNO (yellow)
CANCEL O/D (green)
CAN LINK (green/yellow, green/yellow)
MANUAL SHIFT (brown/white, brown/red, brown/blue)
SCU (red/pink, orange/red, black)
TPS (black/white, yellow/black, red/white)
MAP (black/white, yellow/green, red/white)
RPM - black/white, orange/black

You don't use the coolant wire
You don't use the speedo out
You don't use the dyno
You don't use the cancel O/D
You don't use the CAN LINK with the stock ecm
You don't use the SCU that's only for fords
You don't need the MAP
You hook up the TPS as above
Manual shift is for use with a shrifter
CAL A/B is hooked to any switch that you run to ground. When you ground the switch it goes to program B. When it's not grounded it uses A.
Brake light, you can program it so if it sees 12 volts, it turns off TCC, or you can program it so if it sees ground it turns off TCC and then run it to your brake switch.
Tach ref has two wires. One is a ground and one goes to the tach ref of the ecm listed above.
If you look at the instruction manual on the CDRom it lays out what the individual wires are for and then you just reference them to the thread here.
Look at the FIRST post. It has the individual wires and their color codes laid out and which ecm pinout they go to. I put my pic up so guys would see the ecm pinout reference.

 

[mrweelr]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

OK, I'm planning to wire this thing up tomorrow. Could someone please verify these mappings for accuracy? I don't want to have to rip my dash apart twice.

CAL A/B (blue) - To rocker switch, ground
BRAKE LIGHT (gray) - To ALDL"F" brake switch (brown/black stripe)
TPS (black/white, yellow/black, red/white) - red/white to ECM A5 - gray (5V TPS reference), black/white to ECM B5 - black (MAT and TPS ground), yellow/black to ECM F13 - dark blue (TPS signal)
RPM - (orange/black, black/white) - orange/black to ECM D8 - purple/white (distributor reference high), black/white to chassis ground
Pink - To 12v ignition power
Black - To chassis ground

I'm won't be using any of the other wires or connectors since I was told they are unnecessary.

 

[mrweelr]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

 

[denny]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

My PCS is not showing map and engine temp, I am getting TPS and PRM.

I tripple check the connections but it was kind of dark, going to check again tomorrow.

Its wired the same way Jeff have it, both grounds to B6 with F15 and E16 to MAP and CLT.

 

[SY-1193]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

I have a question about the PCS TCM-4100 Harness for 93+ 4l80e:
There is the large round connector that goes on the rear of the transmission - that's a no brainer were that one goes.
There are two other connectors that are smaller and go to the other two sockets on the transmission. One Is for VSS or Transmission speed input and has (orange/red & black/white) wires on a black two prong connector . The other is TURBINE SPEED or TCC Speed Input which has (orange/lt. green) wires on a black two prong connector. The connectors are identical other than the wires to differentiate them apart could be easily plugged into the wrong socket. My question is: Which one goes where? Which one goes on the forward connector and which one goes towards the rear socket?

 

[JSM]

Re: PCS tranny controller for 4l60e/4l80e

Look at the schematic above, orange/red is VSS or the rear sensor. Turbine speed is the front plug.