Electronic Transmission

PCM controls transmission and other vehicle functions. PCM monitors a number of engine/vehicle functions and uses data to control shift solenoid valves and TCC solenoid. PCM also regulates TCC engagement, upshift pattern, downshift pattern and line pressure (shift quality).

• 1-2 & 2-3 Shift Solenoid Valves
  
  The 1-2 and 2-3 shift solenoid valves (also called "A" and "B" solenoids) are identical devices that control the movement of the 1-2 and 2-3 shift valves (the 3-4 shift valve is not directly controlled by a shift solenoid). The solenoids are normally-open exhaust valves that work in 4 combinations to shift transmission into different gears. The PCM energizes each solenoid by grounding the solenoid through an internal quad driver. This sends current through the coil winding in the solenoid and moves the internal plunger out of the exhaust position. When ON, the solenoid redirects fluid to move a shift valve. The PCM-controlled shift solenoids eliminate the need for TV and governor pressures to control shift valve operation.
• 3-2 Shift Solenoid Valve
  
  The 3-2 shift solenoid valve assembly is a normally-closed, 3-port, ON/OFF device that is used in order to improve the 3-2 downshift. The solenoid regulates the release of the 3-4 clutch and the 2-4 band apply.
• Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid
  
  The transmission pressure control solenoid is an electronic pressure regulator that controls pressure based on the current flow through its coil winding. The magnetic field produced by the coil moves the solenoid's internal valve which varies pressure to the pressure regulator valve. The PCM controls the pressure control solenoid by commanding current of 0.1-1.1 amps. This changes the duty cycle of the solenoid, which can range 5-95 percent (typically less than 60 percent). High amperage (1.1 amps) corresponds to minimum line pressure, and low amperage (0.1 amp) corresponds to maximum line pressure (if the solenoid loses power, the transmission defaults to maximum line pressure). The PCM commands the line pressure values, using inputs such as engine speed and TP sensor voltage. The pressure control solenoid takes the place of the throttle valve or the vacuum modulator that was used on past model transmissions.
• Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve
  
  The TCC solenoid valve is a normally-open exhaust valve that is used to control torque converter clutch apply and release. When grounded (energized) by the PCM, the TCC solenoid valve stops converter signal oil from exhausting. This causes converter signal oil pressure to increase and move the TCC solenoid valve into the apply position.
• TCC Pulse-Width Modulation Solenoid Valve
  
  The TCC Pulse-Width Modulation (TCC PWM) solenoid valve controls the fluid acting on the converter clutch valve. The converter clutch valve controls the TCC apply and release. This solenoid is attached to the control valve body assembly within the transmission. The TCC PWM solenoid valve provides a smooth engagement of the torque converter clutch by operating during a duty cycle percent of ON time.
• Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch
  
  The Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch consists of 5 pressure switches (2 normally-closed and 3 normally-open) on the control valve body that sense whether fluid pressure is present in 5 different valve body passages. The combination of switches that are open and closed is used by the PCM in order to determine the actual manual valve position. The TFP manual valve position switch, however, cannot distinguish between PARK and NEUTRAL because the monitored valve body pressures are identical in both cases. The switches are wired to provide 3 signal lines that are monitored by PCM. These signals are used to help control line pressure, torque converter clutch apply and shift solenoid valve operation. Voltage at each of the signal lines is either zero or 12 volts. The TFT sensor is part of the TFP manual valve position switch assembly.
• Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor
  
  The automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is part of the automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The TFT sensor is a resistor or thermistor, which changes value based on temperature. The sensor has a negative-temperature coefficient. This means that as the temperature increases, resistance decreases and as temperature decreases, resistance increases. PCM supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the TFT sensor and measures voltage drop in the circuit. When transmission fluid is cold, sensor resistance is high and PCM detects high signal voltage. As fluid temperature warms to a normal operating temperature, resistance becomes less and signal voltage decreases. PCM uses the TFT sensor information to control shift quality and TCC application.