Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Description and Operation

SYSTEM OUTLINE

Previous automatic transaxle have selected each gear shift using mechanically controlled throttle hydraulic pressure, governor hydraulic pressure and lock-up hydraulic pressure. The electronically controlled transmission, however, electrically controls the line pressure, throttle pressure, lock-up pressure and accumulator pressure etc. through the solenoid valve. The electronically controlled transmission is a system which precisely controls gear shift timing and lock-up timing in response to the vehicle's driving conditions and the engine condition detected by various sensors. It makes smooth driving possible by shift selection for each gear which is the most appropriate to the driving conditions at that time, and by preventing downing, squat and gear shift shock when starting off.

1. Gear Shift Operation
When driving, the engine warm up condition is input as a signal to TERMINAL THW of the engine control module from the engine coolant temperature sensor and the vehicle speed signal is input to TERMINAL SPD of the engine control module. At the same time, the throttle valve opening signal from the throttle position sensor is input to TERMINALS VTA1 and VTA2 of the engine control module as throttle angle signal.
Based on these signals, the engine control module selects the best shift position for the driving conditions and sends current to the electronically controlled transmission solenoid.

2. Lock-Up Operation
When each signal makes engine control module recognize that LOCK-UP condition is satisfied, the current flows from engine control module TERMINAL DSL to electronically controlled transmission solenoid TERMINAL DSL. At the same time, the current flows engine control module TERMINAL SL1+ to electronically controlled transmission solenoid TERMINAL SL1+ and from TERMINAL SL1- to engine control module TERMINAL SL1-. This works LOCK-UP solenoid to perform LOCK-UP operation.

3. Stop Light SW Circuit
If the brake pedal is depressed (Stop light SW on) when driving in lock-up condition, a signal is input to TERMINAL STP of the engine control module. The engine control module operates and cuts the current to the solenoid to release lock-up.