Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Magnetic Valves
Magnetic Valves (MV) are used to electronically control hydraulic fluid flow to the various shift elements within the transmission. Magnetic valves are located on the valvebody and replaceable as separate components. In ZF transmissions, MV valves are designated MV1, MV2, MV3 etc. In Hydramatic transmissions, they are designated Shift Valve A, Shift Valve B, Shift Valve C etc.
The magnetic valves are controlled by the TCM. They are supplied power by an internal TCM relay and are ground controlled. The TCM switches one or more of the MV's on or off in various combinations to achieve various shifts. Most transmission have 2 or 3 MV's to control shifting.
In addition to controlling shifts within the transmission, magnetic valves are also used for overlap shifting and pressure regulation on some transmission applications. For example MV4 and MV5 are used for overlap shifting in the A5S310Z. MV5 is used for pressure regulation on the 4HP22/24EH transmissions. When used for pressure regulation, the magnetic valves are pulse width modulated by the TCM.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.