Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Description and Operation: Overview

The 41TE is a four speed transaxle that is a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly with adaptive electronic controls and monitors. Adaptive electronic controls take transmission wear and driver habits into consideration to provide smooth shifting for the life of the transaxle. An input clutch assembly which houses the underdrive, overdrive, and reverse clutches is used. It also utilizes separate holding clutches: 2nd/4th gear and Low/Reverse. Transmission output is directed to an integral differential by a transfer gear system in the following input-to-output ratios:
First 2.84:1
Second 1.57:1
Third 1.00:1
Overdrive 0.69:1
Reverse 2.21:1
Final Drive Ration is dependent on which engine option is selected:
2.0L 4.08 FDR
2AL 3.91 FDR
2.5L 3.91 FDR

HYDRAULICS
The hydraulic portion of the transaxle consists of the transaxle fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic valves, and various line pressure control components.
The hydraulic control system design (without electronic assist) provides the transmission with PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and SECOND gears, based solely on driver shift lever selection. This design allows the vehicle to be driven (in "limp-in" mode) in the event of a failure of the electronic control system, or a situation that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) recognizes as potentially damaging to the transaxle.

MECHANICAL
The primary mechanical components of the transaxle consist of the following:
- Three multiple disc input clutches
- Two multiple disc holding clutches
- Four hydraulic accumulators
- Two planetary gear sets
- Hydraulic oil pump
- Valve body
- Solenoid pack

ELECTRONICS
Control of the transaxle is accomplished by fully adaptive electronics. Optimum shift scheduling is accomplished through continuous real-time sensor feedback information provided to the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
The TCM is the "heart" or "brain" of the electronic control system and relies on information from various direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.) to determine driver demand and vehicle operating conditions. With this information, the TCM can calculate and perform timely and quality shifts through various output or control devices (solenoid pack, transmission control relay, etc.).
The TCM also performs certain self-diagnostic functions and provides comprehensive information (sensor data, DTC's, etc.) which is helpful in proper diagnosis and repair. This information can be viewed with the DRBIII scan tool.