Hydraulic System, Brakes

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The hydraulic system uses transmission fluid to cool, lubricate and provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic circuits within the transaxle.

PUMP ASSEMBLY
The pump assembly provides the volume of fluid required to charge the torque converter, main control valve body, cooling system, lubrication system and hydraulic apply devices. The pump assembly uses a positive displacement gear and crescent-type pump which is shaft-driven by the torque converter.

FLUID LEVEL AND FILTER
Fluid from the sump area (formed by the transaxle case and converter housing) flows through a filter to the pump. The filter has a recirculation port connected to the main control area of the case and receives fluid from the main regulator exhaust. This provides fluid under pressure to aid the pump in higher efficiency operation.

A thermostatic fluid control valve prevents foaming of fluid by maintaining a sump level below the rotating components.

The thermostatic fluid control valve stores fluid in the area of the main control assembly when the fluid expands due to temperature. When the fluid is cold, the valve allows more fluid from the main control area to return to the sump. The transaxle fluid level check is correctly performed when fluid temperature is hot.

The chain drive has a two-piece cover to prevent the chain from rotating in the fluid and causing foaming. A magnet on the underside of the chain cover collects unwanted magnetic material.

MAIN CONTROL
The main control houses the hydraulic valves and solenoid valves. These valves direct fluid flow, restrict fluid flow and change fluid pressure. The main control receives signals from the solenoid valve body and changes those signals into hydraulic actions. These actions control the operation of the hydraulic clutches and intermediate and overdrive band assembly, and supply lubrication to the transaxle.

ACCUMULATORS
The accumulators are contained within the accumulator body which is part of the main control valve body. The accumulators cushion the application of the hydraulic components in a given circuit. The low/reverse accumulator cushions the application of the low/reverse clutch when the transaxle is placed in either first or reverse gears. The 2-4 accumulator cushions the shift feel during intermediate and overdrive band applications. The forward accumulator assists in cushioning all forward automatic shifts.