Neutral - Engine Running (Mechanical Powerflow)
When the range selector lever is placed in the Neutral (N) position, the mechanical power flow through the transmission is similar to Park range. The primary difference is that the park pawl is not engaged with the parking lock gear, which allows the variable driven pulley assembly to rotate freely in either direction. Assuming that the vehicle is on level ground, the weight of the vehicle (transferred through the drive axles) holds the front differential carrier, thus power flow does not travel to the variable driven pulley assembly. Under these conditions, power flow through the transmission is the same as in Park.
The manual shift detent lever shaft (404), manual shift detent lever (402) and manual valve (234) are moved into the Neutral (N) range position.
1. Forward Clutch and Turbine Shaft Driven
As the torque converter turbine rotates, the turbine shaft of the forward clutch (106), which is splined to the torque converter turbine, is also forced to rotate at turbine speed.
2. Power Flow Terminated at Reverse Carrier
Not having either the forward or reverse clutch applied, torque cannot be transferred to the variable drive pulley assembly, thus power flow is terminated.
3. Torque from Wheels to Front Differential Carrier
Torque from the vehicle travels through the wheels to the front differential carrier (23), and is transferred to the front differential drive pinion gear (8).
4. Torque to Front Differential Pinion Gear
The front differential drive pinion gear transfers torque to the variable driven pulley, which is now free to rotate in either direction, thus power can transfer to the variable drive pulley.
5. Torque to Variable Drive Pulley
The variable drive pulley is not connected to the turbine shaft, thus, with the range selector lever in Neutral, the vehicle is capable of forward or reverse motion, due to an incline (gravity) or direct force (pushing).