Transaxle General Description

TRANSAXLE GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The 4T40-3 is a fully automatic, electronically-controlled front wheel drive transaxle. It provides four forward gear ranges including overdrive and one reverse gear range. Shift points are controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through two shift solenoids. Oil pressure is supplied by a vane-type pump and is regulated electronically by the PCM through the Pressure Control Solenoid (PC Sol. Valve).
The transaxle can be operated in any one of the following seven modes.
- P - Park position prevents the vehicle from rolling either forward or backward. (For safety reasons, the parking should be used in addition to the park position.)
- R - Reverse allows the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction.
- N - Neutral allows the engine to be started and operated while driving the vehicle. If necessary, this position may be selected if the engine must be restarted with the vehicle moving.
- D - Overdrive Range is used for all normal driving conditions. It provides four gear ratios plus converter clutch operation. Downshifts are available for safe passing by depressing the accelerator.
- 3 - Drive Range position is used for city traffic, hilly terrain and trailer towing. It provides three gear ratios and prevents the transaxle from operating in fourth gear. Again, downshifts are available by depressing the accelerator.
- 2 - Manual Second Range only provides two gear ratios (under most operating conditions). It is used to provide acceleration and engine braking. This range may be selected at any vehicle speed, but the transaxle will not downshift into Second gear until vehicle speed drops below approximately 100 km/h (62 mph).
- 1 - Manual Lo Range is used to provide maximum engine braking. This range may also be selected at any vehicle speed, but the transaxle will not downshift into First gear until vehicle speed drops below approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).