Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission comprises the main transmission housing which contains all of the transmission components.

A fluid pan is attached to the lower face of the transmission housing and is secured with bolts. The fluid pan is sealed to the transmission housing with a gasket. Removal of the fluid pan allows access to the mechatronic valve block and the electric ATF  pump. The fluid pan has magnets located at the rear which collects any ferrous metallic particles present in the ATF  .

The ATF  filter is located inside the fluid pan. If the ATF  becomes contaminated or after any service work, the fluid pan with integral ATF  filter must be replaced.

The transmission does not have a bowden cable for park lock operation. This is initiated electronically when the TCS  is moved to the PARK (P) position. An EPR  mechanism is provided to release the park interlock if a failure occurs.

A feature of the 8 speed transmission is decoupling of the transmission when the vehicle is at a standstill. Normally the transmission remains in gear with the torque converter slipping and the vehicle is prevented from moving by applying the brake. The system disengages 1 of the transmission clutches and only a minimum rotating load remains. This has the effect of further reducing fuel consumption.

The integral torque converter housing provides protection for the torque converter assembly and also provides the attachment for the transmission to the engine. The torque converter is a non-serviceable assembly which also contains the lock-up clutch mechanism.

The transmission housing contains the following major components:

• Input shaft.
• Output shaft.
• Mechatronic valve block which contains the solenoids, speed sensors and the TCM  .
• 3 rotating multi-plate drive clutches.
• 2 fixed multi-plate brake clutch.
• 4 planetary gear sets.