Functional Operation

The 41 TE/AE electronic transaxle has a fully adaptive control system.

The 41 TE Transaxle offers the advantage of providing precise control over all transaxle functions. Shifting functions are based on continuous real-time sensor feedback information. Adaptive controls allow the system to automatically adapt to changes in engine performance and friction element variations that occur over time. In this manner, the shift quality remains the same throughout the life of the unit.

Another advantage of the system is that it features On-Board Diagnostics which can help the technician find a problem in a malfunctioning transaxle. The Transmission Control Module continuously monitors all transaxle functions during normal operation. It records malfunctions in the form of diagnostic trouble codes and the number of engine starts since the last code stored in memory.

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) continuously checks for electrical problems, mechanical problems, and some hydraulic problems. When a problem is sensed, the TCM stores a diagnostic trouble code. Some of these codes cause the transaxle to go into "limp-in" or "default" mode. While in this mode, electrical power is taken away from the transaxle via the TCM, de-energizing the transmission control relay, and taking power from the solenoid pack. When this happens, the only transaxle functions are:
^ Park and Neutral
^ Reverse
^ Second Gear

No upshifts or downshifts are allowed. The position of the manual valve alone allows the three ranges that are available. Although vehicle performance is seriously degraded while in this mode, it allows the owner to drive the vehicle in for service.

Once the DRBIII (R) is in the "TRANSMISSION" portion of the diagnostic program, it constantly monitors the TCM to see if the system is in limp-in mode. If the transaxle is in limp-in mode, the DRBIII (R) will flash the red LED.