Description & Operation: Introduction

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The U140E and U140F automatic transaxles are electronically controlled. Transaxle shifting and torque converter lock-up are controlled by an Electronic Control Module (ECM).

ECM receives information from various input devices and uses this information to control shift solenoids for transaxle shifting and torque converter lock-up.

An Overdrive (OD) switch is mounted on the selector lever. When OD switch is depressed to ON position, transaxle will shift into 4th gear when selector lever is in "D" position, and OD OFF light on instrument panel will go off. When OD switch is released to OFF position, transaxle will shift into 3rd gear, and OD OFF light will illuminate.

A pattern select switch is located near selector lever on center console. Pattern select switch contains a POWER (PWR), NORMAL and SNOW operating positions. When pattern select switch is depressed to PWR position, transaxle upshifts and downshifts will occur at a higher vehicle speed than with switch released. An indicator light on instrument panel indicates pattern select switch is in PWR (on) position. When pattern select switch is depressed to SNOW position, transaxle starts out in 2nd gear.

Transaxle is equipped with a shift lock and key lock system. Shift lock system prevents selector lever from being moved from Park unless brake pedal is depressed. In case of a malfunction, selector lever can be released by depressing shift lock override button located near selector lever. Key lock system prevents ignition key from being moved from ACC to LOCK position on ignition switch unless selector lever is in Park. For more information on shift lock and key lock system, see appropriate SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEMS article.