Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Pontiac Torrent and 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The automatic transmission control module (TCM) receives transmission related information from the engine control module (ECM) via serial data. When the ECM receives "invalid" transmission related information, it notifies the TCM. The TCM then sets the appropriate DTC.