TORQUE CONVERTER
The torque converter transmits and multiplies torque. The torque converter is a 4-element device
- Impeller and cover assembly
- Turbine
- Reactor
- Clutch and damper assembly
The reactor has a one way clutch (OWC) to hold it stationary during torque multiplication and allows it to rotate at higher vehicle speeds.
The TCC connects the torque converter housing to the damper when the TCC is applied.
During TCC release, the direction that the transaxle fluid flows through the torque converter allows the TCC to release. During TCC apply, the transaxle fluid flows in the opposite direction to apply the TCC.
The PCM controls TCC operation using the TCC solenoid in the solenoid body. TCC solenoid operation provides the modulation of hydraulic pressure to change the position of the TCC control valve and TCC regulator valve which changes the pressure and transaxle fluid direction in the torque converter.
The TCC can be applied in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gears.
Scheme 1
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Torque Demand
The torque demand downshift occurs (automatically) during part throttle acceleration when the demand for torque is greater than the engine can provide at that gear ratio. If applied, the transmission will disengage the TCC to provide added acceleration.
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) And Lubrication Hydraulic Circuits
Pressure for TCC release is supplied by the main pressure regulator valve to the TCC control valve through the CONV FD circuit. The CONV FD circuit also supplies lubrication for the differential. When the TCC is released, the TCC control valve is positioned by the TCC solenoid to direct CONV FD pressure to the TCC RELEASE circuit to release the TCC. TCC RELEASE pressure returns to the TCC control valve through the TCC APPLY circuit. The position of the TCC control valve opens the TCC APPLY circuit to the COOLER FD circuit which allows the transaxle fluid returned from the torque converter to cycle through the thermal bypass valve circuit when the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is below 80°C-93°C (175°F-200°F) or the transaxle fluid cooler when the temperature is above 80°C-93°C (175°F-200°F).
Return transaxle fluid from the thermal bypass valve or the transaxle fluid cooler supplies transaxle lubrication through the LUBE circuit which runs through the input shaft.
For lubrication passage location and description, see MECHANICAL COMPONENTS AND FUNCTIONS .
The position of the TCC control valve is controlled by pressure from the TCC solenoid through the VBS TCC circuit. The TCC solenoid is controlled by the PCM.
Scheme 3
When the TCC clutch is applied, the TCC solenoid applies pressure to the TCC control and regulator valves to position the valves to apply the TCC clutch. Regulated line pressure is supplied to the TCC control valve through the REG APPLY circuit by the TCC regulator valve. The TCC control valve directs the regulated line pressure from the REG APPLY circuit to the TCC APPLY circuit to apply the TCC. The TCC control valve blocks the TCC RELEASE circuit to maintain pressure in the TCC APPLY circuit. The TCC control valve directs the CONV FD circuit to the COOLER FD circuit to allow the transaxle fluid to flow through the thermal bypass valve or the transaxle fluid cooler to the LUBE circuit to lubricate the transaxle.
Scheme 4
Torque Converter Solenoid (TCC)
The TCC solenoid is a VFS that varies hydraulic pressure by actuating a hydraulic valve.
The PCM applies variable current to the TCC solenoid which varies pressure in the VBS TCC hydraulic circuit to the TCC regulator valve and the TCC control valve. See HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS .
The TCC solenoid uses proportional operation. As the current from the PCM decreases, the pressure from the solenoid decreases. As the current from the PCM increases, the pressure from the solenoid increases. The TCC solenoid is supplied hydraulic pressure from the SOL FD circuit.
With zero current, the TCC solenoid fully closes the hydraulic valve which applies the minimum amount of hydraulic pressure to the TCC regulator valve through the VBS TCC hydraulic circuit and releases the TCC. With maximum current to the solenoid, the hydraulic valve fully opens the outlet port for maximum pressure to the VBS TCC hydraulic circuit to apply the TCC.
Scheme 5
This transaxle uses a torque converter with the following elements
- Impeller
- Turbine
- Reactor
- Torque converter clutch (TCC)
For component information, see TORQUE CONVERTER .
Torque Converter Circuits
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 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.
- LPC applies pressure to the 1234 regulator and latch valves to apply the forward (1, 2, 3, 4) clutch.
- 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 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 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 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 low reverse/456 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 hydraulic circuit information, see HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS .
Torque converter circuits
- 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 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 maximum solenoid output pressure to the main pressure regulator valve through the VBS LINE hydraulic circuit. The LPC solenoid defaults to maximum output to provide maximum line pressure
- SSD applies maximum solenoid pressure to the low reverse/456 clutch regulator and latch valves to apply the O/D (4, 5, 6) clutch.
- SSB applies maximum solenoid pressure to the 35R clutch regulator and latch valves to apply the direct (3, 5, R) clutch.
Clutch hydraulic circuits
- Line pressure from the pump is supplied to the low reverse/456 regulator valve. SSD supplies maximum solenoid pressure to the low reverse/456 regulator and latch valves to provide full line pressure in the CBR1/C456 circuit.
- Maximum line pressure at the clutch control bypass valve in the CBR1/C456 circuit is directed to the O/D (4, 5, 6) clutch through the C456 circuit to apply the clutch.
- Pressure in the C456 also supplies the latch pressure for the clutch control bypass valve.
- Line pressure from the pump is directed to the clutch control bypass valve by the manual valve through the DRIVE hydraulic circuit. The clutch control bypass valve directs the pressure to the 35R regulator valve through the TCC regulator valve, DRIVE 2 circuit, DRIVE 2/C35R FD shuttle ball and DRIVE 2/C35R FD circuit. SSB applies maximum solenoid pressure to the 35R regulator and latch valves to provide full line pressure to the direct (3, 5, R) clutch.
For hydraulic circuit information, see HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS .
- A new or remanufactured torque converter must be installed if one or more of the following statements is true: A torque converter malfunction has been determined based on complete diagnostic procedures. Converter bolt holes, impeller hub or bushing are damaged. Discoloration (due to overheating). Evidence of transaxle assembly or transaxle fluid contamination due to the following transaxle or converter failure modes: Major metallic failure. Multiple clutches or clutch plate failures. Sufficient component wear which results in metallic contamination. Internal torque converter contamination present. See «TORQUE CONVERTER CONTAMINATION INSPECTION»(ref-348668-S07733583102009112700000) .
TORQUE CONVERTER CONTAMINATION INSPECTION
| CAUTION | Do not use water-based cleaners or mineral spirits to clean or flush the torque converter or transaxle damage will occur. Use only clean transaxle fluid designated for the transaxle and converter being serviced. |
- If a new or remanufactured torque converter is not being installed, the following steps must be completed.
- With the torque converter on a bench, pour a small amount of transaxle fluid from the torque converter onto an absorbent white tissue or through a paper filter and examine the transaxle fluid.
- With the torque converter on a bench, pour a small amount of transaxle fluid from the torque converter onto an absorbent white tissue or through a paper filter and examine the transaxle fluid.
- Examine the stain on the tissue for evidence of particles (spec of any kind). If particles are present in the transaxle fluid, a new torque converter must be installed.
- If there are no particles or contamination present, drain the remainder of the transaxle fluid from the torque converter.
- Add 1.9L (2 qt) of clean transaxle fluid into the converter and agitate by hand.
- Thoroughly drain the transaxle fluid.
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Scheme 9
- Remove the transaxle vent hose from the transmission fluid filler tube.
- Remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
- Remove the selector lever cable from the transmission fluid filler tube bracket.
- Remove the transaxle fluid filler tube nut. To install, tighten to 11 Nm {1.1 kgf.m, 97 lb-in).
- Pull and rotate the transaxle fluid filler tube clockwise and remove the transaxle fluid filler tube.
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.
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- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See «LIFTING»(ref-348626-S31954056142009112700000) .
- Remove the air cleaner (ACL) assembly. Remove the ACL assembly bracket bolt. Disconnect the mass air flow sensor (MAF) sensor electrical connector. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose from the ACL outlet pipe. Detach the wiring fastener from the ACL assembly. Disconnect the engine breather from the ACL assembly. Loosen the ACL outlet pipe clamp at the throttle body (TB) and remove the ACL and ACL outlet pipe assembly.
- Remove the transaxle fluid drain plug and allow the transaxle fluid to drain.
- Install the transaxle fluid drain plug. Tighten to 12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 106 in.lbf}.
- Remove the 2 nuts, pull the transaxle fluid cooler tube bracket and tubes away from the transaxle and position it aside.
- Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector.
- Remove the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers from the transmission fluid pan stud bolts.
- Remove the 8 bolts, 5 stud bolts and the main control cover. NOTE: Note the location of the stud bolts for assembly.
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Scheme 19
- Clean the main control cover sealing surface and inspect for damage.
- Apply silicone to the main control sealing surface of the transaxle case.
- Position the main control cover in place.
- Tighten the 8 main control cover bolts and 5 stud bolts. Tighten to 12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 106 in.lbf}. NOTE: Inspect the main control-to-main control cover grommet to make sure that the seals is on the inside of the main control cover. Transaxle fluid leak will occur.
- Position the transaxle fluid cooler tube bracket and transaxle fluid cooler tube assembly in place and install the 2 nuts. Tighten to 9 N.m {0.9 kgf.m, 80 in.lbf}.
- Connect the transaxle electrical connector.
- Connect the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers.
- Install the ACL assembly. Install the ACL assembly bracket bolt. Tighten to 11 N.m {1.1 kgf.m, 97 in.lbf}. Connect the MAF sensor electrical connector. Connect the brake booster vacuum hose to the ACL outlet pipe. Attach the wiring harness fastener to the ACL assembly. Connect the engine breather to the ACL assembly. Tighten the ACL outlet pipe clamp at the TB. Tighten to 5 N.m {0.5 kgf.m, 44 in.lbf}.
- Fill with clean transaxle fluid to the correct level.
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- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See «LIFTING»(ref-348626-S31954056142009112700000) .
- Remove the air cleaner (ACL) assembly. Remove the ACL assembly bracket bolt. Disconnect the mass air flow sensor (MAF) sensor electrical connector. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose from the ACL outlet pipe. Detach the wiring fastener from the ACL assembly. Disconnect the engine breather from the ACL assembly. Loosen the ACL outlet pipe clamp at the throttle body (TB) and remove the ACL and ACL outlet pipe assembly.
- Remove the transaxle fluid drain plug and allow the transaxle fluid to drain.
- Install the transaxle fluid drain plug. Tighten to 12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 106 in.lbf}.
- Disconnect the selector lever cable end from the manual control lever.
- Remove the nut and the manual control lever.
- Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector.
- Remove the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers from the transmission fluid pan stud bolts.
- Remove the 2 nuts, pull the transaxle fluid cooler tube bracket and tubes away from the transaxle and position it aside.
- Remove the 8 bolts, 5 stud bolts and the main control cover.
- Remove the bolt and the TR sensor detent spring.
- Disconnect the TR sensor electrical connector.
- Using the Roll Pin Remover, remove and discard the TR sensor locking pin.
- Slide the manual shaft out of the transaxle case.
- Using a suitable tool, remove the manual control lever shaft seal.
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- Using the Manual Lever Seal Installer, install a new manual control lever shaft seal.
- Install the manual control lever shaft in the transaxle case and through the TR sensor.
- Inspect the manual pin to make sure it is correctly installed in the manual valve. If it is not, pull the manual control lever shaft out and correctly install the manual pin in the manual valve and position the manual control lever shaft in place.
- Using a suitable tool, install a new TR sensor locking pin.
- Install the TR sensor detent spring and the 1 bolt. Tighten to 12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 106 in.lbf}.
- Connect the TR sensor electrical connector.
- Clean the main control cover sealing surface.
- Apply silicone to the main control sealing surface of the transaxle case.
- Position the main control cover in place.
- Inspect the main control-to-main control cover grommet to make sure that the seals is on the inside of the main control cover. Transaxle fluid leak will occur. Tighten the 8 main control cover bolts and 5 stud bolts. Tighten to 12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 106 in.lbf}. NOTE: Install the stud bolts in the locations noted during disassembly.
- Position the transaxle fluid cooler tube bracket and transaxle fluid cooler tube assembly in place and install the 2 nuts. Tighten to 9 N.m {0.9 kgf.m, 80 in.lbf}.
- Connect the transaxle electrical connector.
- Connect the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers to the transmission fluid pan stud bolts.
- Install the manual control lever and the nut. Tighten to 18 N.m {1.8 kgf.m, 159 in.lbf}. CAUTION: Make sure that when installing the manual control lever it is fully seated onto the manual control lever shaft or damage to the manual control lever shaft will occur and the lever will come loose. CAUTION: Make sure to hold the manual control lever while tightening the manual control lever nut or damage to the manual control lever and park components will occur.
- Connect the selector lever cable end to the manual control lever.
- Install the ACL assembly. Install the ACL assembly bracket bolt. Tighten to 11 N.m {1.1 kgf.m, 97 in.lbf}. Connect the MAF sensor electrical connector. Connect the brake booster vacuum hose to the ACL outlet pipe. Attach the wiring harness fastener to the ACL assembly. Connect the engine breather to the ACL assembly. Tighten the ACL outlet pipe clamp at the TB. Tighten to 5 N.m {0.5 kgf.m, 44 in.lbf}.
- Fill with clean transaxle fluid to the correct level.
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- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See «LIFTING»(ref-348626-S31954056142009112700000) . 3.0L engine
- Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe. See «AIR CLEANER OUTLET PIPE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 3.0L»(ref-348656-S32039076842009112700000) . 2.5L engine
- Remove the ACL outlet pipe. See «AIR CLEANER OUTLET PIPE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 2.5L»(ref-348655-S38737774142009112700000) . All vehicles
- Remove the retainers and the LH splash shield. 3.0L engine
- Remove the retainers and the RH splash shield. All vehicles
- Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.
- Install the transmission fluid drain plug. Tighten to 12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 106 in.lbf}. 3.0L engine
- Drain the cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32749980752009112700000) .
- Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the coolant pump housing and position it aside.
- Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the thermostat housing and position it aside. All vehicles
- Disconnect the selector lever cable end from the manual control lever.
- Remove the nut and the manual control lever.
- Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector.
- Remove the transaxle electrical wiring harness retainers from the transmission fluid pan stud bolts.
- Remove the transmission fluid cooler tube bracket nuts from the main control cover studs and position the transmission fluid cooler tubes and bracket aside.
- Remove the 8 bolts, 5 stud bolts and the main control cover NOTE: Note the location of the stud bolts for assembly.
- Remove the main control cover grommet.
- Disconnect the Transmission Range (TR) sensor electrical connector.
- Remove the bolt and the TR sensor detent spring.
- Using a small pair of Vise Grips® or an equivalent suitable tool, remove and discard the TR sensor locking pin.
- Remove the TR sensor. Hold the TR sensor in place and slide the manual shaft outward until the manual shaft is out of the transaxle case. Remove the TR sensor from the transaxle, leaving the park pawl actuating rod attached to the TR sensor.