Theory Of Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Dodge Avenger and 2013 Chrysler 200. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The internal watchdog is a separate hardware circuit which continuously monitors the microprocessor. To make sure the microprocessor is operating properly, the watchdog must receive a signal from the microprocessor within a specific time window. If the test fails a MIL will illuminate after 10 seconds of vehicle operation and transmission will be placed in limp-in.