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 transmission is operating properly, the watchdog must receive a signal from the microprocessor within a specific time window. The MIL will illuminate and the transmission will be placed into limp-in after 10 seconds of problem identification.