Part 1
Transaxle Operation
Transaxle Operation Overview
Torque Converter
This transaxle uses a torque converter with the following elements:
- Impeller
- Turbine
- Reactor
- Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)
For component information, refer to Torque Converter Torque Converter.
Planetary Gearsets
Operation of this transaxle involves the use of the following planetary gearsets:
- Front
- Center
- Rear
Apply Clutches
This transaxle uses the following clutches to operate the 3 planetary gearsets:
- Forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch
- Low/reverse clutch
- Low One-Way Clutch (OWC)
- Direct (3, 5, R) clutch
- Intermediate (2, 6) clutch
- Overdrive (O/D) (4, 5, 6) clutch
For additional information about planetary gearsets or the apply clutches, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system of this transaxle consists of the following components:
- Transmission fluid pump with filter
- Transmission fluid filler tube with transmission fluid level indicator
- Main control assembly (valve body and solenoid body)
For component information, refer to Hydraulic System Hydraulic System.
Electronic Operation
The PCM controls the operation of the transaxle with the following solenoids:
- Line Pressure Control (LPC) solenoid
- Shift Solenoid A (SSA)
- Shift Solenoid B (SSB)
- Shift Solenoid C (SSC)
- Shift Solenoid D (SSD)
- Shift Solenoid E (SSE)
- TCC solenoid
For solenoid information, refer to Transaxle Electronic Control System Transaxle Electronic Control System.
Park Position
Mechanical Operation
Apply components:
- Park pawl engaged, holding the final drive assembly stationary
- Low/reverse clutch applied
Planetary Gearset Operation
Front planetary gearset driven components:
- None
Center planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
Rear planetary gearset driven components:
- None
Front planetary gearset held components:
- Planetary carrier assembly (splined to final drive assembly, held stationary by park pawl)
Center planetary gearset held components:
- Center ring gear (splined to rear planetary carrier)
Rear planetary gearset held components:
- Planetary carrier
- Rear ring gear (splined to front carrier)
Park Position Clutch Application Chart
For component information, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Park Position Power Flow
Hydraulic Operation
Line pressure hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the main pressure regulator valve, low reverse/456 regulator valve, manual valve, solenoid regulator valve and control pressure regulator.
- Line pressure is controlled by the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- The position of the main pressure regulator valve is controlled by varying pressure from the LPC solenoid through the VBS LINE circuit.
Torque converter circuits:
- Regulated line pressure from the main pressure regulator valve is directed to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD hydraulic circuit.
- When the TCC is released, CONV FD pressure is directed to the TCC RELEASE circuit by the TCC control valve. Pressure from the TCC RELEASE circuit releases the TCC.
- Fluid from the TCC RELEASE returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit.
Cooler and lubrication hydraulic circuits:
- The TCC control valve directs fluid from the TCC APPLY circuit (return circuit from the torque converter when the TCC is released) to the COOLER FD circuit.
- In the COOLER FD circuit, transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid cooler or the thermal bypass valve to the LUBE circuit in the input shaft to supply lubrication to the transaxle.
Solenoid hydraulic circuits:
- The LPC solenoid applies varying pressure to the main pressure regulator valve through the VBS LINE hydraulic circuit. The LPC solenoid regulates line pressure by controlling the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- SSD applies pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves to apply the low/reverse clutch.
- SSE applies pressure to the clutch control bypass valve to position the valve to direct regulated line pressure in the CBR1/C456 circuit to the low/reverse clutch.
Clutch hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the low reverse/456 regulator valve. To apply the low/reverse clutch, SSD supplies varying solenoid pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves. As the low reverse/456 regulator valve moves, it supplies the clutch control bypass valve and low reverse/456 latch valve with regulated line pressure through the CBR1/C456 circuit. The latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the regulator valve through the CBR1/C456 FDBK circuit for gradual low/reverse clutch engagement.
- Regulated line pressure at the clutch control bypass valve in the CBR1/C456 circuit is directed to the low/reverse clutch through the CBR1 circuit to apply the clutch.
For additional hydraulic circuit information, refer to Hydraulic Circuits Hydraulic Circuits.
Electrical Operation
Solenoid operation:
Park Position Solenoid Operation Chart
NC = Normally closed
NH = Normally high
NL = Normally low
Reverse Position
Mechanical Operation
Apply components:
- Low/reverse clutch applied
- Direct (3, 5, R) clutch applied
Planetary Gearset Operation
Front planetary gearset driven components:
- Planetary carrier
Center planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear (does not contribute to power flow)
Rear planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
Front planetary gearset held components:
- None
Center planetary gearset held components:
- Center ring (does not contribute to power flow)
Rear planetary gearset held components:
- Planetary carrier
Reverse Position Clutch Application Chart
For component information, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Reverse Position Power Flow
Hydraulic Operation
Line pressure hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the main pressure regulator valve, low reverse/456 regulator valve, manual valve, solenoid regulator valve and control pressure regulator.
- Line pressure is controlled by the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- The position of the main pressure regulator valve is controlled by varying pressure from the LPC solenoid through the VBS LINE circuit.
Torque converter circuits:
- Regulated line pressure from the main pressure regulator valve is directed to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD hydraulic circuit.
- When the TCC is released, CONV FD pressure is directed to the TCC RELEASE circuit by the TCC control valve. Pressure from the TCC RELEASE circuit releases the TCC.
- Fluid from the TCC RELEASE returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit.
Cooler and lubrication hydraulic circuits:
- The TCC control valve directs fluid from the TCC APPLY circuit (return circuit from the torque converter when the TCC is released) to the COOLER FD circuit.
- In the COOLER FD circuit, transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid cooler or the thermal bypass valve to the LUBE circuit in the input shaft to supply lubrication to the transaxle.
Solenoid hydraulic circuits:
- The LPC solenoid applies varying pressure to the main pressure regulator valve through the VBS LINE hydraulic circuit. The LPC solenoid regulates line pressure by controlling the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- SSB applies pressure to the 35R regulator and latch valves to apply the direct (3, 5, R) clutch.
- SSD applies pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator valve to apply the low/reverse clutch.
- SSE applies pressure to the clutch control bypass valve to position the valve to direct regulated line pressure in the CBR1/C456 circuit to the CBR1 circuit to apply the low/reverse clutch.
Clutch hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure supplied to the manual valve is directed to the clutch control bypass valve through the REVERSE circuit.
- The clutch control bypass valve directs the REVERSE circuit to the 35R regulator valve through the C35R FD circuit, DRIVE 2/C35R FD shuttle ball and DRIVE 2/C35R FD circuit. To apply the direct (3, 5, R) clutch, SSB applies varying solenoid pressure to the 35R regulator and latch valves. As the 35R regulator valve moves, it supplies the direct (3, 5, R) clutch and 35R latch valve with regulated line pressure through the C35R circuit. The 35R latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the 35R regulator valve through the C35R FDBK circuit for gradual direct (3, 5, R) clutch engagement.
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the low reverse/456 regulator valve. To apply the low/reverse clutch, SSD supplies varying solenoid pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves. As the regulator valve moves, it supplies the clutch control bypass valve and low reverse/456 latch valve with regulated line pressure through the CBR1/C456 circuit. The low reverse/456 latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the regulator valve through the CBR1/C456 FDBK circuit for gradual low/reverse clutch engagement.
- Regulated line pressure at the clutch control bypass valve in the CBR1/C456 circuit is directed to the low/reverse clutch through the CBR1 circuit to apply the clutch.
For additional hydraulic circuit information, refer to Hydraulic Circuits Hydraulic Circuits.
Electrical Operation
Solenoid operation:
Reverse Position Solenoid Operation Chart
NC = Normally closed
NH = Normally high
NL = Normally low
Neutral Position
Mechanical Operation
Apply components:
- Low/reverse clutch applied
Planetary Gearset Operation
Front planetary gearset driven components:
- None
Center planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
Rear planetary gearset driven components:
- None
Front planetary gearset held components:
- None
Center planetary gearset held components:
- Ring gear
Rear planetary gearset held components:
- Planetary carrier
Neutral Position Clutch Application Chart
For component information, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Power Flow
Hydraulic Operation
Line pressure hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the main pressure regulator valve, low reverse/456 regulator valve, manual valve, solenoid regulator valve and control pressure regulator.
- Line pressure is controlled by the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- The position of the main pressure regulator valve is controlled by varying pressure from the LPC solenoid through the VBS LINE circuit.
Torque converter circuits:
- Regulated line pressure from the main pressure regulator valve is directed to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD hydraulic circuit.
- When the TCC is released, CONV FD pressure is directed to the TCC RELEASE circuit by the TCC control valve. Pressure from the TCC RELEASE circuit releases the TCC.
- Fluid from the TCC RELEASE returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit.
Cooler and lubrication hydraulic circuits:
- The TCC control valve directs fluid from the TCC APPLY circuit (return circuit from the torque converter when the TCC is released) to the COOLER FD circuit.
- In the COOLER FD circuit, transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid cooler or the thermal bypass valve to the LUBE circuit in the input shaft to supply lubrication to the transaxle.
Solenoid hydraulic circuits:
- The LPC solenoid applies varying pressure to the main pressure regulator valve through the VBS LINE hydraulic circuit. The LPC solenoid regulates line pressure by controlling the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- SSD applies pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves to apply the low/reverse clutch.
- SSE applies pressure to the clutch control bypass valve to position the valve to direct regulated line pressure in the CBR1/C456 circuit to the low/reverse clutch.
Clutch hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the low reverse/456 regulator valve. To apply the low/reverse clutch, SSD supplies varying solenoid pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves. As the regulator valve moves, it supplies the clutch control bypass valve and low reverse/456 latch valve with regulated line pressure through the CBR1/C456 circuit. The low reverse/456 latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the regulator valve through the CBR1/C456 FDBK circuit for gradual low/reverse clutch engagement.
- Regulated line pressure at the clutch control bypass valve in the CBR1/C456 circuit is directed to the low/reverse clutch through the CBR1 circuit to apply the clutch.
For additional hydraulic circuit information, refer to Hydraulic Circuits Hydraulic Circuits.
Electrical Operation
Solenoid operation:
Neutral Position Solenoid Operation Chart
NC = Normally closed
NH = Normally high
NL = Normally low
1st Gear Above 6 km/h (4 mph)
NOTE: The transaxle operates differently in 1st gear above and below 6 km/h (4 mph). For transaxle operation below 6 km/h (4 mph), refer to Manual LOW Position and 1st Gear Below 6 km/h (4 mph).
Mechanical Operation
Apply components:
- Forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch
- OWC
Planetary Gearset Operation
Front planetary gearset driven components:
- Ring gear
- Planetary carrier
Center planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
- Planetary carrier
Rear planetary gearset driven components:
- Ring gear
Front planetary gearset held components:
- Sun gear
Center planetary gearset held components:
- Ring gear
Rear planetary gearset held components:
- Rear planetary carrier (does not contribute to power flow)
1st Gear Above 6 km/h (4 mph) Clutch Application Chart
For component information, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Power Flow
Hydraulic Operation
Line pressure hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the main pressure regulator valve, low reverse/456 regulator valve, manual valve, solenoid regulator valve and control pressure regulator.
- Line pressure is controlled by the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- The position of the main pressure regulator valve is controlled by varying pressure from the LPC solenoid through the VBS LINE circuit.
Torque converter circuits:
- Regulated line pressure from the main pressure regulator valve is directed to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD hydraulic circuit.
- When the TCC is released, CONV FD pressure is directed to the TCC RELEASE circuit by the TCC control valve. Pressure from the TCC RELEASE circuit releases the TCC.
- Fluid from the TCC RELEASE returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit.
Cooler and lubrication hydraulic circuits:
- The TCC control valve directs fluid from the TCC APPLY circuit (return circuit from the torque converter when the TCC is released) to the COOLER FD circuit.
- In the COOLER FD circuit, transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid cooler or the thermal bypass valve to the LUBE circuit in the input shaft to supply lubrication to the transaxle.
Solenoid hydraulic circuits:
- The LPC solenoid applies varying pressure to the main pressure regulator valve through the VBS LINE hydraulic circuit. The LPC solenoid regulates line pressure by controlling the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- SSA applies pressure to the 1234 regulator and latch valves to apply the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch.
- SSD releases pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves to release the low/reverse clutch.
- SSE releases pressure to the clutch control bypass valve to position it so that regulated line pressure supplied in the CBR1/C456 circuit for 4th, 5th and 6th gear will apply the O/D (4, 5, 6) clutch.
Clutch hydraulic circuits:
- SSD removes pressure from the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves which positions the valves to block line pressure and release the low/reverse clutch. Solenoid pressure from SSE is removed from the clutch control bypass valve to position it to apply the O/D (4, 5, 6) clutch.
- Line pressure is supplied to the 1234 regulator valve by the manual valve in the DRIVE and LOW position. To apply the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch, SSA supplies varying solenoid pressure to the 1234 regulator and latch valves. As the 1234 regulator valve moves, it supplies the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch and 1234 latch valve with regulated line pressure through the C1234 circuit. The 1234 latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the regulator valve through the C1234 FDBK circuit for gradual forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch engagement.
Electrical Operation
Solenoid operation:
1st Gear Above 6 km/h (4 mph) Solenoid Operation Chart
NC = Normally closed
NH = Normally high
NL = Normally low
2nd Gear
Mechanical Operation
Apply components:
- Forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch
- Intermediate (2, 6) clutch
Planetary Gearset Operation
Front planetary gearset driven components:
- Planetary carrier
- Ring gear
Center planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
- Planetary carrier
- Ring gear
Rear planetary gearset driven components:
- Planetary carrier
- Ring gear
Front planetary gearset held components:
- Sun gear
Center planetary gearset held components:
- None
Rear planetary gearset held components:
- Sun gear
2nd Gear Clutch Application Chart
For component information, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Power Flow
Hydraulic Operation
Line pressure hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the main pressure regulator valve, low reverse/456 regulator valve, manual valve, solenoid regulator valve and control pressure regulator.
- Line pressure is controlled by the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- The position of the main pressure regulator valve is controlled by varying pressure from the LPC solenoid through the VBS LINE circuit.
Torque converter circuits:
- Regulated line pressure from the main pressure regulator valve is directed to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD hydraulic circuit.
- When the TCC is released, CONV FD pressure is directed to the TCC RELEASE circuit by the TCC control valve. Pressure from the TCC RELEASE circuit releases the TCC.
- Fluid from the TCC RELEASE returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit.
Cooler and lubrication hydraulic circuits:
- The TCC control valve directs fluid from the TCC APPLY circuit (return circuit from the torque converter when the TCC is released) to the COOLER FD circuit.
- In the COOLER FD circuit, transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid cooler or the thermal bypass valve to the LUBE circuit in the input shaft to supply lubrication to the transaxle.
Solenoid hydraulic circuits:
- The LPC solenoid applies varying pressure to the main pressure regulator valve through the VBS LINE hydraulic circuit. The LPC solenoid regulates line pressure by controlling the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- SSA applies pressure to the 1234 regulator and latch valves to apply the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch.
- SSC applies pressure to the 26 regulator and latch valves to apply the intermediate (2, 6) clutch.
Clutch hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure is supplied to the 1234 regulator valve by the manual valve in the DRIVE and LOW position. To apply the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch, SSA supplies varying solenoid pressure to the 1234 regulator and latch valves. As the regulator valve moves, it supplies the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch and 1234 latch valve with regulated line pressure through the C1234 circuit. The 1234 latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the regulator valve through the C1234 FDBK circuit for gradual forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch engagement.
- Line pressure is supplied to the 26 regulator valve by the manual valve in the DRIVE and LOW positions. To apply the intermediate (2, 6) clutch, SSC supplies varying solenoid pressure to the 26 regulator and latch valves. As the 26 regulator valve moves, it supplies the intermediate (2, 6) clutch and 26 latch valve with regulated line pressure through the CB26 circuit. The 26 latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the 26 regulator valve through the CB26 FDBK circuit for gradual intermediate (2, 6) clutch engagement.
For additional hydraulic circuit and information, refer to Hydraulic Circuits Hydraulic Circuits.
Electrical Operation
Solenoid operation:
2nd Gear Solenoid Operation Chart
NC = Normally closed
NH = Normally high
NL = Normally low
3rd Gear
Mechanical Operation
Apply components:
- Forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch
- Direct (3, 5, R) clutch
Planetary Gearset Operation
Front planetary gearset driven components:
- Planetary carrier
- Ring gear
Center planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
- Planetary carrier
- Ring gear
Rear planetary gearset driven components:
- Sun gear
- Planetary carrier
- Ring gear
Front planetary gearset held components:
- Sun gear
Center planetary gearset held components:
- None
Rear planetary gearset held components:
- None
3rd Gear Clutch Application Chart
For component information, refer to Mechanical Components and Functions Mechanical Components and Functions.
Power Flow
Hydraulic Operation
Line pressure hydraulic circuits:
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the main pressure regulator valve, low reverse/456 regulator valve, manual valve, solenoid regulator valve and control pressure regulator.
- Line pressure is controlled by the position of the main pressure regulator valve.
- The position of the main pressure regulator valve is controlled by varying pressure from the LPC solenoid through the VBS LINE circuit.
Torque converter circuits:
- Regulated line pressure from the main pressure regulator valve is directed to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD hydraulic circuit.
- When the TCC is released, CONV FD pressure is directed to the TCC RELEASE circuit by the TCC control valve. Pressure from the TCC RELEASE circuit releases the TCC.
- Fluid from the TCC RELEASE returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit.
Cooler and lubrication hydraulic circuits:
- The TCC control valve directs fluid from the TCC APPLY circuit (return circuit from the torque converter when the TCC is released) to the COOLER FD circuit.
- In the COOLER FD circuit, transmission fluid flows through the transmission fluid cooler or the thermal bypass valve to the LUBE circuit in the input shaft to supply lubrication to the transaxle.